The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities. CCNC’s Indigenous Conservation Corps (ICC) Programming, in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Department of Agricultural & Natural Resources and the US Forest Service is dedicated to preserving and fostering generational stewardship through including traditional ecological knowledge. By engaging young tribal members, ages 15-30, in impactful conservation service projects, the program not only addresses the immediate needs of the land but also builds a diverse and resilient workforce to continue the stewardship legacy for the Cherokee community and beyond.

Project Summary:

The Crew Leader I position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water. It will be a flex schedule with a base schedule of 5 days on, 2 days off, 8 hours per day or 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hours per day, plus occasional overtime. Crew Leaders may also be required to come into the office to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff.

The Indigenous Conservation Corps Vegetation Management Strike Team will primarily serve in the Nantahala National Forest on the Cheoah/Tusquitee Ranger District in Murphy, NC. This three-person team primarily focuses on vegetation management. This could include using chainsaws to cut invasive plant species, manually pulling invasive plant species, applying herbicides to target invasive plants, brush cutting, tree planting, and other Forest Management practices relating to the continuing health of the ecosystem and native flora and fauna. During their time in the field, Crew Members are expected to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and a backpack.

Schedule and Crew Life:

This ICC Crew will consist of 2 crew members and 1 crew leader who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. The crew typically reports to Murphy, NC to begin project work. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half-hour break for lunch. There may be projects that require overnight stays – in which case housing or camping will be provided. When on overnight projects, crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc). CCNC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Strike Team Members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their Strike Team Leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Evaluations will cover topic areas including Professionalism, Responsibility/Leadership/Communication, Community Engagement, Project Work, Safety & Organization, and Equipment. Strike Team Members will also be asked to evaluate their Strike Team Leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term.

Expectations:

Strike Team Leaders are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position and it is of utmost importance that Strike Team Leaders are fully committed to the experience, expectations, and timeline.

CCNC’s Strike Team Leaders perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. Leaders are expected to provide project expertise and offer mentorship, training, and support to our crew members. The position is multi-faceted and demanding, but with the opportunity for enormous rewards! Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:

· Resourcefulness

· Situational flexibility

· Effective communication skills

· Excellent judgement

· Maturity

· Initiative

· Professionalism

Responsibilities: Leadership & Mentorship

· Mentor crew members by providing valuable feedback, giving opportunities for growth, delegating responsibilities, and encouraging technical and leadership skill development.

· Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.

· Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other-centered and team-oriented community.

· Follow and enforce all policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.

Project Management & Implementation

· Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks and objectives outlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale.

· Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems, requesting assistance or help when needed.

· Communicate & coordinate logistics with project partners, crew, & staff.

Safety & Risk Management

· Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional (intimidation free community environment) safety.

· Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety.

· Transport crew and equipment safely in organizational vans or large SUVs with trailers in accordance with CL Driver policy.

· Manage and document incidents in the field and activate incident response system, if needed, per Conservation Legacy policy.

Administration

· Thorough documentation of crew hours, accomplishments, disciplinary actions taken, and incident response according to Conservation Legacy policy and procedure.

· Manage company credit card for purchases.

· Track and submit credit card receipts for all expenses every month.

Essential Requirements

· Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time

· Safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis

· Work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances

· Remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries

· Live in a physically demanding, possible isolated environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several days. 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 6 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

Required Qualifications:

· Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission

· Ability to effectively and manage all aspects of Strike Team life and production

· Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment

· Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders

· Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout

· Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions

· Must be able to speak, understand and write English

· High School diploma or GED certificate

· Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by Conservation Legacy) and a current driver’s license.

· Must be able to pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history check requirements

CCNC is a drug-free organization. Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited while participating in program activities and on CCNC and program partner property.

"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 a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager."

To apply:

Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Strike Team Leader application: https://corpsnc.org/crew-positions

Any questions can be addressed to:

Miriam Zouhri, mzouhri@conservationlegacy.org

Apply now

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