Crew Member - Alabama Conservation Gulfcorps

The position of Crew Member with the Alabama Conservation GulfCorps at the Student Conservation Association involves serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer in coastal Alabama. The role includes outdoor restoration projects, professional development training, and may require heavy lifting and equipment operation. The service schedule is Monday to Friday or Monday to Thursday, with a start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of February 20, 2027.
Position Summary


Service Position Title: Alabama Conservation Corps (ALCC) GulfCorps


Days and Hours of Service: Monday through Friday (8:00 AM – 4:30), or Monday through Thursday (7:00-5:30), Some nights and weekends may be required.


Start Date: September 1, 2026 End Date: February 20,2027


ALCC Contact: Sara Boccardo, Program Manager, 251-459-2328, sboccardo@thesca.org


Primary Service Site: Various parks, wildlife refuges, nature preserves, and other public spaces in Mobile and Baldwin County





Program Overview


As part of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) Alabama Conservation Corps (ALCC) team, you'll serve as an AmeriCorps volunteer alongside 8 young adults to carry out restoration projects in coastal Alabama as part of the GulfCorps Program.





GulfCorps aims to provide individuals with training and experience in conservation work skills while supporting coastal AL restoration projects in partnership with municipal, state, federal, and nonprofit partners. Projects will include invasive management, trail work, litter abatement, fire break maintenance, and boardwalk construction/repairs. The crew will start and begin each day at the Mobile office and then travel to the project site for the day in SCA vehicles. Service projects will take place outdoors in the elements and will at times require heavy lifting (~50 lb.), hiking, and operating equipment such as chainsaws and brush cutters.





The program also includes a workforce development program, which provides industry recognized certifications and training in professional development topics such as resume building and interview skills. Professional development activities ranging from workshops, presentations, and independent assignments will be scheduled out each month with the goal of supporting placement post program. Participants will have the opportunities to grow competitive skills in the field of natural resource management and to prepare for entry into the workforce after their term of service. Participation in professional development is a requirement of the program.





Disaster Response Deployments may also be an option for those interested. Deployments would last 4-5 weeks and include intensive work schedules (50-60 hrs/week) in unpredictable environments, under the guidance and supervision of SCA staff working with the disaster response agency assigned Incident Commander. Work can include but not be limited to evacuation shelter assistance, donation center management, volunteer management, clean-up efforts, "mucking and gutting" in private residences, debris removal, Saw and/or rigging work, public information outreach, plantings and other natural area restorations.





Trainings


Crew Orientation (Sept 1-4)


GulfCorps Orientation overnight at Camp Beckwith (Sept 7-11, 2024)


Wilderness First Aid and CPR (Sept 14-16)


Wildland Firefighter and Chainsaw Certification overnight at Camp Beckwith (TBD)





Service Conditions


Service is performed primarily outdoors. Some classroom time will be required when weather conditions are not ideal for outdoor service or when required professional development activities are due. Equipment Used Hand tools, herbicide and herbicide application equipment, power tools, carpentry tools, and chainsaws.





Location


Mobile, AL





Schedule


Program runs from September 1, 2026 throughFebruary 20, 2027


40 hours per week, Monday through Friday (8:00 AM – 4:30), or Monday through Thursday (7:00-5:30), some nights and weekends may be required.





Key Duties and Responsibilities



Commitment to serving as part of a productive team in an outdoor setting for the full term of service
Vegetation management, including trail maintenance, fire break maintenance, and plantings.
Repairs and construction of structures such as boardwalks, wildlife enclosures, and decking
Identification and removal of invasive species in field, using mechanical and chemical methods
Operation of hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities
Tool maintenance and rehabilitation
Collection and compilation of project data
Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand as directed and without prompting
Interpersonal and professional conduct with crew, staff, and project partners
Active participation in training sessions and interest in self-development




Marginal Duties



Litter abatement and debris removal
Educational outreach
Support in the planning and implemenation of community clean ups




Required Qualifications



Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps volunteer. This includes:

Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
Being at least 18 years or older
Having a high school diploma or equivalent;
Being wiling to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks;

No previous experience is required for this position.
Physical Requirements:

Willingness to communicate the perceived presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means;
Willingness to lift 50 lbs., and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 5 miles;
Willingness to serve in environmental conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation;


Preferred Qualifications



Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities
Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field
Ability to work as part of team to complete hands on outdoor projects




Hours


40 per week





Living Accommodations


No housing provided.





Compensation


Compensation: $600/week living allowance.


AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of program.


Member Assistance Program


Trainings provided: Wilderness First Aid, Wildland Chainsaw (S212), Wildland Firefighter (Red card), and SCA Leadership Development Training.


All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.





Personal Vehicle Information


Personal vehicle not required





Additional Benefits


Wilderness First Aid Training


AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required





Equal Opportunity Statement


The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.






People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply


Work Location: In person