Title: Short Term, Summer Adult Crew, Camping- AmeriCorps Crew Member 

Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps  

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator 

Site Location: Crew will be based out of Chattanooga, TN, camping and serving in various locations across the greater Southeast Region.  

Season Dates: 06/02/2025- 08/01/2025 

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal, 9-week- 300-hour AmeriCorps National Service position. 

Stipend: $400/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $200/week additional benefit ($600/week total, pre-tax, disbursed bi-weekly) 

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

Other Benefits: 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, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members 

About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):   
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship. 

SECC, a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit affiliated with AmeriCorps. We engage youth (age 15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. Our programs provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and selected crews may be deployed on disaster response projects lasting up to 30 days.  

SECC collaborates with land management agencies such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits to host day and camping crews. Our projects include trail construction and maintenance, restoration of natural areas, invasive species removal, fire fuels reduction, fencing, herbicide applications, and more. Most projects involve strenuous manual labor and require hiking to and from the project sites daily, carrying tools and day packs. 

SECC camping crews serve in frontcountry and backcountry locations, often in challenging weather conditions. While hitch schedules vary by project and location, they typically follow a 9-day on, 5-day off pattern, with 10-hour shifts and scheduled breaks throughout the day. While we aim to maintain consistency, flexibility is expected as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change based on project needs.      

SECC is an independent, non-residential program, and crew members are responsible for securing their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch, crews manage camp chores and prepare all their own meals, with evenings often including group discussions. Members must provide their own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots), while SECC provides group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC Office and project sites.     

Position Summary 

Service Project:  

The Summer Adult Short-Term Conservation Crew will serve at various National Park Service, US Forest Service, State Park, and City locations across the Southeast. Service projects may include but are not limited to: 

• Trail construction and maintenance 
• Corridor Clearing 
• Invasive species removal 
• Habitat restoration 
• Fence installation and repair 
• Bridge installation and repair 
• Community Service 

Crew Life:    

SECC crews consist of 4-6 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field, and crew members collaborate to plan meals and share chores, such as cooking and washing dishes. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance.  

Crew members must be prepared to camp, travel, complete service projects, and share meals as a team. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related activities or travel at any time.   

Crew members will set goals at the start of the season and undergo performance evaluations at the midpoint and end of the term. Evaluations will assess professionalism, responsibility, leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Crew members will also provide feedback on their experience at the end of their term.  

Hitch Schedule:     

This position follows a variable “hitch” schedule, generally consisting of 9 days on and 5 days off. Project days are 10-hour shifts with breaks. While SECC staff strive for consistency, flexibility is essential, as schedules, hours, and project locations may change based on project needs. Applicants should be prepared to camp during hitches throughout the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.    

Orientation and Training Schedule: 

• Training Week: 06/02/2025 - 06/06/2025 (Monday-Friday schedule, includes AmeriCorps training). Members will be expected to arrive at SECC office Monday morning and group camp for the week.  

• First Hitch: Tuesday 06/10/2025 - Wednesday 06/18/2025  (crews will continue to operate on a Tuesday-Wednesday schedule for the entirety of their term, and housing will not be provided from Wednesday-Monday nights) 

Expectations for AmeriCorps Members 

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated based on completed hours, assignment satisfaction, and meeting performance criteria set at the beginning of the term. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. 

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

Time Requirements: 

This position runs from June to July, with schedules subject to change. A half-hour lunch break is not counted toward AmeriCorps service hours. AmeriCorps members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service events. 

Note: Stated are required by AmeriCorps. 

Participant Behavior Expectations:    

Expectations for SECC Corpsmembers:    

• Teamwork & Responsibilities: serve effectively as part of a team by assisting with meal preparation, camp chores, and group discussions on corps-related topics.   
• Professionalism & Conduct: be punctual, hardworking, flexible, and complete all assigned tasks. Always represent SECC and AmeriCorps in a professional manner when interacting with the public and project partners. 
• Positive Environment: contribute to a positive and safe environment, free from harassment. Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. 
• Physical Readiness: be prepared for strenuous physical labor in both frontcountry and remote backcountry locations, in all-weather conditions.  
• Personal Gear & Housing: Provide your own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots) while SECC provides group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between the SECC office and project sites. You are responsible for securing and paying for housing when not in the field. 
• Corps Values: strive for an experience grounded in the corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity. 

Behavior Expectations:    

• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and teamwork in stressful and challenging conditions, showing respect for all team members 
• Commit to completing all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and service days in local communities. 
• Communicate ideas and concerns directly with crew leaders, supervisors, and staff. 
• Learn and apply the necessary skills to successfully complete service project tasks. 

Safety and Judgment:    

• Effectively communicate potential dangers, distress, or the need for assistance from up to 50 meters, even in low visibility or noisy conditions. 
• Follow directions to safely manage hazards, both before and during exposure. 
• Stay alert and focused for extended periods while traveling and serving in varying weather conditions. 
• Recognize and respond to significant hazards, including those identified by others. 
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises. 
• Self-administer prescription medications and maintain proper dosage without assistance.  

Environmental Ethics:   

• Practice ‘Leave no Trace’ principles to preserve public spaces 

Outdoor Skills and Fitness:    

• Learn and safely perform essential outdoor living, travel, and industry skills relevant to the project.  
• Maintain hydration, proper nutrition, and appropriate clothing to stay safe and prevent environmental injuries. 
• Be prepared to live in a physically demanding, remote environment for up to several weeks, with conditions that may include severe weather. Conditions may include severe weather and limited access to advanced medical care, potentially requiring up to 12 hours of travel. 

Substance Free:  

• Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during AmeriCorps and program activities, and on organization property, in accordance with a drug free environment.   

Required Skills:    

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements    

You must meet the essential eligibility requirements for the program. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to provide modifications, unless it changes the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or creates an undue financial or administrative burden. These requirements are written the same for all positions and may not apply directly to your specific role.   

Physical Requirements: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to fully including all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to perform essential functions. Some positions may require occasional overnight travel, non-traditional hours, the ability to navigate varied terrain, and the use of program-specific tools and technology. These positions may also involve exerting up to 25 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. In some cases, the ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may be required. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact the hiring manager. 

Minimum Qualifications:       

• Must be between ages 18 and 30, or 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)   

Preferred Qualifications:    

• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.