Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Crew Leader - John Muir National Historic Site
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and John Muir National Historic Site, is seeking ONE Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Crew Leader to support the YCC Program by leading YCC crew members in a wide variety of field projects alongside NPS Staff.
For the full position description and to apply, please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/937084.html
Start Date: May 22, 2023
Estimated End Date: August 11, 2023
*a 12-week minimum commitment is required*
Location Details/Description: John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA
The site is the home and fruit ranch once owned and managed by naturalist John Muir and is characterized by three separate park units: a 9 acres fruit orchard and ornamental garden site (House Unit); 350 acres of oak woodland and grassland (Mount Wanda Unit); 1 acre gravesite and orchard (Gravesite Unit). In addition to work at the John Muir NHS Members will also be engaged with the landscape at another park site located 20 miles away in the town of Danville, the Eugene O'Neill NHS, characterized by 15 acres of orchards and ornamental gardens.
For more information about the John Muir National Historic Site please visit the NPS website: http://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm.
Project Background:
The John Muir National Historic Site, located in the East San Francisco Bay Area, preserves the home of John Muir - one of America's most famous naturalists and conservationist - as well as over 325 acres of native oak woodlands, grasslands and other natural lands once owned and maintained by the Muir family, including Mount Wanda. The YCC program offers an opportunity for youth to build skills and knowledge that will prepare them for their professional and academic careers. Through the 8-week YCC program, John Muir NHS promotes appreciation and awareness of nature and history through hands-on educational experiences. This summer program introduces youth to careers in the outdoors, such as biology, environmental science, landscaping, historic preservation, maintenance, and education.
Position Overview:
The Crew Leader works within the Resource Management Division and reports directly to the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program Manager. The Crew Leader assists the (YCC) Program Manager or other responsible parties in support of the YCC Program.
Alongside the YCC Program Manager, the Crew Leader will lead, educate and inspire a team of 4-5 high school students in on-the-ground conservation projects related to trail maintenance and construction, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, historic preservation, and grounds maintenance. The Crew Leader is responsible for transporting the youth to work sites each day using a government provided vehicle.
The Crew Leader's scope of responsibilities will include:
- Supervise crew members, facilitate worksite projects, and manage crew workers' schedule
- Train and supervise crew members in the safe and proper use of tools and in all aspects of the daily service project (may include invasive weed management, site restoration, historic preservation work, etc.).
- Tools that may be used include: Shovels, rakes, weed wrenches, pulaski, electric powered weed trimmers, and pruning loppers. No power saws or drills.
- Assist with tool and equipment logistics and maintenance.
- Plan for and carry out environmental education lessons and facilitate team building activities.
- Manage administrative aspects of the crew including, but not limited to, required pre- and post-program paperwork, daily medical and work logs, bi-weekly attendance reporting, and equipment inventories.
- Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment for crew
- Communicate with park staff as required and as needed
Crew Leader duties may also be at neighboring National Park Service units of Rosie the Riveter / WWII Home Front National Historical Park and Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: Duties will be carried out Monday-Friday from 7am - 3:30pm. No work on holidays.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $880/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.
Qualifications
Required:
- Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more.
- Experience working with diverse youth or young adults teaching or environmental education.
- First/Aid CPR certification required.
- Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
- Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
- Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a High School Diploma and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as conservation work skills or related skills preferred.
- Knowledge of trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening.
- Deep interest in education, conservation, and working with youth.
LOCAL candidates are encouraged to apply!
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
- Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs., ability to move up to 60 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise with hand and power tools.
- Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/937084.html.
arly consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. Please note that this external-site position announcement may be out of date. If a position posting is still open on the application link provided, then the position has not yet been filled and is still accepting applications.
If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Victoria Yee, at vyee@usaconservation.org.
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.