Appalachian Ranger District and Appalachian Trail Corridor Crews:

This AmeriCorps position will directly support Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Appalachian Trail Corridor. Projects will focus on reopening and repairing storm-impacted trails, trail maintenance and new construction, including rock and timber structures. Additionally, the crew should expect to work on rugged terrain in inclement weather. The work will be arduous and fast-paced in areas of high exposure.

Crews are typically composed of 1 Staff Crew Leader, 1 AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader, and 4 AmeriCorps Members, while living and working outdoors in a team-based, immersive setting.

The Conservation crew member position is an entry-level role. Crew members are supported on a variety of levels, by their crew leaders, program staff, project partners, and Conservation Legacy staff. While prior experience in the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.

Crew members are an essential part of the crew, working together as a team under the leadership of crew leaders. The crew member is the quintessential “boots on the ground”: being the driving force behind the crew moving forward and completing projects. Crew members are expected to hold themselves accountable to complete project work as requested by the crew leader/site supervisor, as well as working together as a team with their fellow crew members, ensuring a positive, supportive environment in which all can learn and grow. Crew members are representatives of both AmeriCorps and Conservation Corps North Carolina and should hold themselves to a high standard of behavior, work ethic, and conservation values.

This position will operate on a variable “hitch” schedule of 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Workdays follow a 10-hour shift with scheduled time for breaks. While the staff at CCNC work to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs.

Food is provided while in the field and crews can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores. Camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation topics.

CCNC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew Members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their Crew 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. Crew Members will also be asked to evaluate their Crew Leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term.

Project Work:

Project types may include:

Appalachian Ranger District and Appalachian Trail Crews:

• Reopening blocked trail corridors and restoring public access
• Trail construction and maintenance (tread work, drainage features, steps, retaining walls)
• Rock and rough timber construction

Appalachian Trail Corridor Crew:

• Reopening blocked trail corridors and restoring public access
• Trail construction and maintenance (tread work, drainage features, steps, retaining walls)
• Rock and rough timber construction

Expectations:

• CCNC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field unless otherwise specified. Some equipment is available to borrow throughout the season, but Crew Members are asked to supply as much of their own personal outdoor gear (day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc.) as possible. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. CCNC will provide group equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between Old Fort, NC and project sites.
• Crew Members are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; Crew Members are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.
• Once Crew Members are selected and prior to their start date, they are required to complete an online enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, enrolling with AmeriCorps, and beginning their background check process. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements.
• Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times.

Safety and Judgment:

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning or a notification of personal distress, injury, or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Outdoor Skills and Fitness:

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. 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 to reach the nearest advanced medical care.