Title: Leadership Development Program (LDP) - AmeriCorps Crew Member  

Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps  

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator  

Location: Crew will be based out of Chattanooga, TN, camping and serving within the Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) 

Season Dates: 03/10/2025 - 05/16/2025 (options to extend service through the 2025 season) 

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal, 10-week- 300-hour AmeriCorps National Service position  

Stipend: $400/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $200/week additional benefit ($600/week, pre-tax), dispersed biweekly  

AmeriCorps Award: A $1,565.08 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program    

Other Benefits: Wilderness First Aid certification, Chainsaw certification, leadership development training, Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), food & transportation provided while in the field overnight, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available.   

Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 5 Crew Members 

Southeast Conservation Corps:   
Engaging future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service.   

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization. SECC selects young adults, ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans, to complete conservation service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC provides members with impactful opportunities through a unique set of programs that engage people in meaningful education and service to their communities and natural landscapes. SECC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southeast, including youth, graduates, veterans, and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and as such, selected crews may be deployed on Disaster response projects for up to 30 days.   

SECC partners with various land management agencies in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast region, such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, city municipalities, and conservation-based non-profits. Projects vary but include trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, fire fuels reduction, fencing on public lands, invasive weed removal, herbicide applications, and many others. The projects are manual labor based and most projects require a hike into and out of the project site daily carrying tools and a day pack.     

Crews will serve in frontcountry and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. Schedules may vary, but generally are 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Project days are 10-hour shifts with scheduled breaks throughout the day. Depending on project and location, other schedule variations may be implemented. While the staff at SECC strives to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.      

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch crews prepare all their own meals and participate as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions, conservation and/or corps related topics. Members must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC Office and project sites.     

Position Summary: 

Leader Development Program (LDP) is a two-phase program Initiative designed to prepare crew members for roles as crew leaders or assistant crew leaders with SECC during the summer, fall 2025 seasons, and beyond.  

Phase one: Participants will focus on orientation, training, and skill development. This includes honing leadership abilities, receiving, technical trail building, camp life training, and learning project management essentials. As a crew member during this time, you will also get the opportunity to be the assistant crew lead (ACL). This role will rotate among the crew members each hitch.  

Phase two: Implementation and continued leadership development as a crew leader or assistant crew leader during the 2025 summer/fall seasons at SECC. In late May, CLDPs will transition to co-leading our summer programs. Crews will complete various conservation and community projects within the greater southeast region.    

Service Project:   

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) and The Natchez Trace Parkway have partnered to host a Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail rehabilitation crew. The crew will be based out of SECCs Chattanooga, TN office and travel to The Natchez Trace Parkway to primarily focus on rehabilitation projects along the Ridgeland section of the parkway in and around Jackson, MS. The crew will be managed by the Trail Program Coordinator and collaboratively aid in these pre-identified restoration projects.  During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and serve outdoors in all weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects.  Most projects require hiking out to project sites for the day with tools, equipment, and a day pack. Projects can include the following, but are not limited to: 

• Repair or replace trail bridges and boardwalks 
• Trail construction and maintenance 
• Corridor clearing 
• Invasive species removal 
• Replace equestrian hitching posts 
• Repair or install water structures along trails 
• Signage installation and repaint blazes 
• Habitat restoration 
• Fence installation and repair 
• Community Service 

Program and Crew Goals  

The goal of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) is to provide participants with various training focused on technical and interpersonal skills through peer leadership activities to prepare members for leadership roles within the conservation corps setting.  Upon completion of the Leadership Development Program, members have the potential to apply to various leadership positions with SECC. Placement in a leadership position is not guaranteed and will be based on qualifications, performance, work ethic, and ability. This position is designed to create our leadership team for summer programming. We highly encourage those who participate to stay on throughout the summer.   

Summer Crews:  

We will be running the following crews during the 2025 summer season; please be ready to speak to your preferences and how you will support them during your interview.  With potential for additional crew models such as a summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC).  

• Adult Short-Term - 8 Weeks  

Crews will serve on various conservation projects, including trail restoration and maintenance, developed recreation projects, and invasive plant mitigation projects.     

• Adult Long Term – 15 Weeks - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trail Crew 

The crew will serve alongside the National Park Service Trail Crew with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. While the bulk of the service project will entail the restoration of Bullhead Trail, projects will take place in various places within the park. *This project will be physically demanding with arduous hikes in and out of project sites and backcountry camping in close proximity to other members in an open shelter atop Mt. LeConte when on Bullhead Trail.* 

Crew Life:    

SECC Members with SECC serve on a crew model variation of 4-6 other Crew Members and 2 Crew Leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Together, crew members collaborate to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. Many evenings include group discussions on conservation topics.  When living on site, members will camp, travel, complete service projects, and eat as a crew. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related travel at any time.   

SECC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew Members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their Crew Leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Evaluations will cover areas such as professionalism, responsibility and leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Crew Members will also be asked to evaluate their Crew Leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term.  

Hitch Schedule:     

This position will operate on a variable “hitch” schedule, but generally it will follow 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Project days follow a 10-hour shift with scheduled time for breaks. While the staff at SECC strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.  Applicants should be prepared to camp during hitches for the duration of the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.    

While the staff at SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.       

Expectations of an SECC Corpsmember:    

• Expect to spend long days in a frontcountry or backcountry location. Project days will include hiking and strenuous labor in remote settings in all weather conditions.    
• SECC is a non-residential program, meaning crew members are responsible for attaining and paying for their own housing when not in the field.    
• Crews prepare all their own meals while in-field and as a group complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation and/or corps related topics.     
• Crew members must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between SECC office and project sites.     
• While participating in a term of National Service, SECC crews engage in a variety of team dynamics, emphasizing respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land they encounter.  
• SECC expects members to represent the program in a professional manner.   
• Crew life will include our corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity.  
• Members are expected to be timely, hardworking, flexible, and complete all functions of tasks assigned.    

Required Skills:    

Minimum Qualifications:       

• Must be between ages 18 and 30, and up to 35 if a military veteran.   
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this    
• Must be cleared through an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry, as well as state and federal Criminal History Checks    
• Must have a high school diploma, GED, or agree to work toward attaining either during term of service (this is essential to obtaining and using the AmeriCorps Education Award)   
• Must be over the age of 21 or have possessed a driver’s license for 3 or more years without any restrictions (to pass minimum insurability requirements for crew transport driving duties).      

Preferred Qualifications:    

• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.  

 Orientation and Training: 

• Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. 
• Wilderness First Aid 
• Chainsaw  
• Trainings related to leadership development 
• Driver training and use of a trailer  

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. 

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. 

Compensation:       
AmeriCorps members will receive an AmeriCorps living stipend of $400/week, plus $200/week additional benefit ($600/week, pre-tax), dispersed biweekly. Upon successful completion of the term of service AmeriCorps members will earn an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award to be used for student loans, qualifying programs/classes, or tuition for traditional Title IV accredited colleges.   

Time Requirements: 

• Typically, this position is expected to serve March to May, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service  
• Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term. 

Note: Stated are required by AmeriCorps. Programs may add additional requirements 

Physical Requirements: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements    

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your particular position.   

Participation and Expedition Behavior    

• Serve effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences    
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.    
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.    
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.    
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service project requirements    
• Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times.    

Safety and Judgment    

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.    
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard.    
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and serving n varied weather conditions    
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.     
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.    
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.     

Environmental Ethics:   

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques   

Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate)    

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living, travel, and industry skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.     
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.     

Substance Free   

In accordance with a drug free environment, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.   

To Apply: Complete the Application, upload cover letter and resume.   

Any questions can be addressed to:   

Angela Gerstner 

Recruitment Coordinator 

Agerstner@conservationlegacy.org  

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.