Summer Conservation Corps 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.
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 time sheets, daily checklists, weekly reports, and monthly reports.
· Practice “No Trace Ethic” as trained by Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
· 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 year 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, is focused on getting the best results for actions taken; does not settle for mediocrity.
· Awareness and Sensitivity to the External Environment – Situational awareness; is aware of the organizations that they represent, including the United Way Association of South Carolina, South Carolina Service Commission, AmeriCorps, and the host site's position in the community and the effect of their words and actions on that position; demonstrates savvy in dealing with agencies, volunteers and donors; is promoting and affirming in conversations about and on behalf of those organizations.
· Physical Activities:
o Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise serving, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
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 for up to 10 days at a time.
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.