Position Title: Old Fort Youth Crew Member
Site Location: Old Fort, NC
Starting Salary: $15/hour
Terms of Service: 2 options:
Session 1: June 15th- July 3rd
Session 2: July 13th- July 31st
TO BE CONSIDERED, APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 18TH
Organizational Summary:
Conservation Legacy is a nationwide non-profit. The Corps programs within the organization engage participants in diverse conservation and community projects that serve public and private lands. These projects provide opportunities for personal and professional development and strive toward a high priority of needs for public land managers and community partners. Through the mission of engaging future leaders who protect, restore and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service; Conservation Legacy works toward a world with healthy lands, air and water; thriving people and resilient communities.
Program Summary:
Conservation Corps North Carolina empowers young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and fosters healthy communities. A program of Conservation Legacy, CCNC partners with public land managers and community organizations across the state to engage motivated individuals, typically ages 15–30, in challenging and impactful conservation service projects. These projects may include trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, hazard fuel reduction, invasive species removal, and other technical conservation work. CCNC crews and individual placements gain hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to positively impact North Carolina’s natural resources and communities.
Description of Duties:
The Youth Crew Member position is an entry-level role. Prior experience with the outdoors and outdoor work can be helpful but is not required. The crew will consist of six youth members, ages 15-18, and two crew leaders. The Old Fort Youth Crew partners with the U.S. Forest Service and the G5 Trail Collective to complete trail maintenance and construction in the Old Fort area. The crew will be supported by Forest Service staff and CCNC staff. This program focuses on engaging local youth in meaningful learning and service opportunities. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Schedule:
This crew has two sessions. Session 1: June 15th- July 3rd or session 2: July 13th- July 31st. Crew members will complete 8-hour conservation service projects Monday-Friday and return home each evening. Crew members will have Saturdays and Sundays off. Members are responsible for meeting at a designated pick-up/drop-off location at the Hillman parking lot in Old Fort each day. Members are allowed to drive themselves to the work site, provided they have a valid driver’s license. Preference will be given to members who can work the full three weeks.
Expectations:
Participants are required to pack their own lunches and are encouraged to bring as much personal equipment as possible. A gear list will be provided upon acceptance into the program, which includes sturdy footwear and work pants. Uniform shirts and personal protective equipment, including hard hats, gloves, eyewear, and ear protection, will be provided by CCNC. Some equipment may be available for loan, such as backpacks, rain jackets, and other essential work gear.
Crew members must be willing to work under the leadership of their crew leaders, be on time each day, perform hard physical labor throughout the summer in a variety of weather conditions, wear a uniform and personal protective equipment daily, and participate in group activities and end-of-day debriefs. Getting dirty, hot, and sweaty is a normal part of the program. In addition to technical skills, crew members will participate in education days to make the work meaningful and promote environmental stewardship. They will also develop effective communication, leadership skills, teamwork, work ethic, and an understanding of civic engagement.
Once Crew Members are selected, they are required to complete an online enrollment process before their start date. This includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and, for those 18 and older, beginning a background check. For those with limited internet access, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.
Essential Responsibilities and Functions:
- Safety: Perform work with an unwavering commitment to safety. Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions to manage hazards. Communicate concerns directly to supervisors and organization staff.
- Fitness: Willing to perform manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. Work long days outdoors in all weather conditions. May require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling on an infrequent basis.
- Commitment: Must be dedicated to completing all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education training, and group debrief.
- Teamwork: Work effectively as a team member, even in stressful and challenging conditions. This may require interpersonal problem-solving and a willingness to accept differences.
- Technology: The use of cell phones or other technology is not allowed during work hours.
- Professionalism: Members must appropriately represent the CCNC program and contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Substance-Free Environment: In accordance with a drug-free workplace policy, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during program activities and on organization property.
Qualifications:
- United States citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
- Must be willing and able to work in an outdoor environment.
- Current high school student (or equivalent) or recent graduate.
- Must be between the ages of 15 and 18. Applicants must be at least 15 years old before the program starts and cannot turn 19 before the program ends.
- Members age 18 must agree to provide necessary information to establish eligibility and complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. 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.
Benefits:
- $15 per hour
- Member Assistance Program – Three free sessions with a counseling or work-life balance specialist.
- Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment provided.
- On-the-job training
- Assistance available for obtaining necessary outdoor gear
- Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.).
- Exposure to natural resource career paths and opportunities.
Supervisor/Staff Name and Contact Information:
Jackie Meyer, Senior Youth Program Coordinator
jmeyer@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, 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 accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
