Fire & Recreation Crew Member

The Southeast Conservation Corps is hiring a full-time, seasonal AmeriCorps Crew Member for conservation projects in Cadiz, KY. Aimed at individuals aged 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans), the role involves physically demanding work such as trail construction and habitat restoration from January 13 to May 23, 2025. Crew members earn a living allowance and an educational award, while gaining hands-on experience in conservation and teamwork.
About the position

The AmeriCorps Crew Member position with the Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) is a full-time, seasonal role based at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Golden Pond, KY. This position is designed for individuals aged 18-30, with an extension to 35 for veterans, who are interested in engaging in conservation service projects on public lands throughout Kentucky. The service term runs from January 13, 2025, to May 23, 2025, encompassing a total of 675 hours of service over 19 weeks. Crew members will receive a living allowance of $400 per week, supplemented by an additional $300 per week, totaling $700 per week before taxes, disbursed bi-weekly. Upon successful completion of the program, members will also earn an AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14, which can be used for educational expenses. Crew members will participate in a variety of conservation projects, including trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, fire fuels reduction, and invasive weed removal. The work is physically demanding and requires members to hike into project sites while carrying tools and equipment. Members will be expected to work in both frontcountry and backcountry locations under various weather conditions, typically following a schedule of 9 days on and 5 days off, with project days consisting of 10-hour shifts. The role emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and personal development, with opportunities for training and certifications in wilderness first aid, chainsaw operation, and wildland fire management. SECC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from marginalized communities. The organization values respect, integrity, and community, and expects crew members to embody these principles throughout their service. Members will also be responsible for their own housing when not in the field, although optional shared housing may be available during off-hitch periods. Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in conservation while contributing to the stewardship of public lands.

Responsibilities
• Participate in trail construction and maintenance activities.
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• Engage in ecosystem restoration and habitat restoration projects.
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• Assist with fire fuels reduction and prescribed fire activities.
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• Conduct heavy recreation site improvements, including restoration and stabilization work.
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• Perform data collection and analysis related to conservation projects.
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• Utilize chainsaws and other power tools safely and effectively during service projects.
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• Collaborate with team members to complete community and camp chores during field service.
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• Facilitate environmental education and leadership development activities.
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• Complete required training and certifications related to fire and recreation management.

Requirements
• Must be between ages 18 and 30, and up to 35 if a military veteran.
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• Able to pass the moderate level pack test.
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• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this.
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• Must have a high school diploma, GED, or agree to attain either during term of service.
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• Exhibits the ability to effectively collaborate on diverse teams or with a variety of populations, including those underrepresented at our organization and those of BIPOC communities.
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• Comfortable with ambiguity and being a part of a fast-paced team driven by innovation and entrepreneurial approaches.

Nice-to-haves
• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.
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• Experience with BIPOC communities.
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• Strong interest in a future career in natural resources, environmental science, parks and recreation, or conservation.

Benefits
• Wilderness First Aid certification
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• USFS chainsaw recognized certification
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• Certifications related to wildland fire management
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• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate
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• $200 fire boot stipend
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• Food and transportation provided while in the field overnight
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• Uniform shirts and personal protective equipment provided
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• Developmental opportunities as available