AmeriCorps Summer Crew Member

Program Overview

The Palmetto Conservation Corps is the first trail-based conservation corps for young adults stationed out of South Carolina. The Palmetto Conservation Corps is dedicated to developing future conservation leaders through education and service. The Corps works to improve public lands and communities through conservation projects, community partnerships and outreach, service-learning, and environmental education. In this program, you will have the opportunity to complete hands on service in trail building, disaster relief, environmental education, invasive species mitigation, and service-learning while also developing your leadership skills. Housing is provided, as is transportation to and from service sites. Camping will be a requirement of the program during some projects, however, necessary camping gear can be provided.

AmeriCorps Member Position Overview

Summer Crew Members serve outdoors as part of a 6 person crew completing various conservation projects throughout South Carolina. Crews are trained to use a variety of hand tools to complete projects, which may include trail building, trail repair, invasive species removal, re-vegetation, riparian zone restoration, and more. Summer Crew Members must be willing to work hard, maintain positive attitudes with atypical service days, and work well as part of a team. Daily tasks include but are not limited to, trail building and maintenance, invasive species mitigation, erosion control, tool maintenance, carrying heavy equipment into project sites, hiking long distances into project sites, camping during hitch projects, environmental education, disaster response, communicating with the program director, and other duties as assigned. Upon successful completion of the entire summer term (300 hours) members may be eligible for the Segal  Education Award.

Minimum Qualifications

·        Be at least 17 years of age or older

·        Have or be working towards a high school diploma or its equivalent

·        Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

·        Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.

Essential Functions

Members should be willing (and eager) to participate in the following activities with a positive attitude:

·        Hike long distances.

·        Camp for multiple days at a time, carrying all necessary supplies into a camp site by use of a backpack.

·        Clean hand tools according to tool care guidelines set forth by Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

·        Perform chainsaw work.

·        Use tools for trail construction.

·        Complete planting projects for revegetation purposes, or to weed areas for invasive species as assigned by Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

.         Complete chainsaw and wilderness first aid certification training  that is provided by the Palmetto Conservation Corps.

·        Complete time sheets, daily checklists, weekly reports, and monthly reports.

·        Practice “Leave No Trace" ethics  as trained by Palmetto Trail Coordinators.

·        Participate in disaster recovery, which could be anything from mold remediation to housing rebuilds. All necessary health and safety equipment and training will be provided.

·        Ride in an SUV for multiple hours at a time to remote locations at full capacity.

·        Maintain a positive attitude in irregular service conditions, in which members may be expected to work outside during hot, cold, or wet weather conditions.

·        Participate in ongoing training modules throughout the term of service as set forth by Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

·        Work as a part of a team.

·        Represent Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Palmetto Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps, and the South Carolina Service Commission well when interacting with community members, community partners, and community volunteers.

·        Serve alongside a diverse group of people.

·        Learn and grow as leaders and citizens.

·        Participate in September 11th Day of Remembrance and/or Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events may occur on the weekend or during holidays and include activities outside of the scope of typical day-to-day functions.

Additional Responsibilities

Although not essential position functions, the Crew Members may also be responsible for the following as needed:

·        Assist other departments in major projects as needed as it relates directly to the AmeriCorps program.

·        Participate in outside service activities approved by the program’s director.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands

The following competencies are important in helping the AmeriCorps Member perform the essential duties of this position successfully:

·        Flexibility – The ability to adjust to and thrive in a complex and changing environment; handles challenges with care and thoughtfully responds in the face of adversity or conflict.

·        Ability to Work Independently – The ability to be a self-starter and accomplish tasks independently and without constant direct supervision

·        Ability to Multi-Task – The ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments; prioritizes more critical functions while maintaining a good handle on others; reports promptly any barriers to task completion and allows ample opportunities for a supervisor to adjust deadlines

·        Results-Oriented Thinking and Behavior – A genuine concern for effectiveness. Possesses the desire to get the service done with excellence; mentally  focused on getting the best results for actions taken; does not settle for mediocrity.

·        Physical Activities:

o  Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas. Activities must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.

o  Listening: Ability to receive detailed information through appropriate communication.

o  Backpacking to project sites.

o  Carrying heavy tools and/ or materials to a work site.

o  Lifting heavy logs or debris from trail paths.

o  Camping outdoors.

o  Riding in Corps vehicles to and from worksites (abiding by Corps rules and regulations regarding Corps vehicle use)

·        Service Conditions: Member is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

To apply:  please email your resume to Karen Roberts, Palmetto Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program Director, at kroberts@plamettoconservation.org.