Shenandoah Youth Corps Member

The Shenandoah Youth Corps Member position at Appalachian Conservation Corps involves engaging youth aged 16-18 in conservation service work across Appalachia. Members will participate in projects like trail maintenance and habitat improvement alongside National Park Service staff. This four-week program emphasizes teamwork, learning, and community building. Members are responsible for their own housing and transportation when not in the field, and the program is non-residential.
Purpose:

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Description of Duties:

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

During this four-week program, the crew will work with National Park Service staff on projects that may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, improvements to recreation access, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. This program focuses on engaging youth, ages 16 – 18, in meaningful learning and service opportunities.

Expectations:

Crew members with ACC serve on a crew with 4 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food and group cooking gear are provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time.

ACC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field. While members will be asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed, especially for more expensive items such as tents and sleeping bags. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. In addition to providing food while in the field, ACC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between ACC offices and project sites.

Qualifications:
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
• Must be willing and able to work in an outdoor environment.
• Current high school student (or equivalent), recent graduate, or GED.
• Must be between the ages of 16 and 18. You must be 16 years of age or older prior to the start of the program and cannot turn 19 years old before the end of the program.
• Be a United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• Any selected participants who are 18 years old must successfully complete a background check.

Physical Requirements:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional 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. 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.

Time Requirements:

This program begins June 9th and ends on July 3rd, 2025; the crew camps out and works in the field for 8 hours a day Monday – Friday. Crew members will return to the ACC office in Harrisonburg each Friday afternoon to head home for the weekend and return to the office the next Monday morning to go back out the following week.

Prior to their start date, selected participants must complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms and uploading IDs, as well as getting parental signatures on paper forms (for members under 18). Participants who are 18 years of age or older will also be asked to complete a background check.

Benefits:
• $15/hour for service project work (up to 40 hours per week), paid bi-weekly
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts, a helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment are provided.
• On-the-job training
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths.

Evaluation and Reporting:

ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Participants 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. Participants will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience at the end of their term.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply here: conservationlegacy:Career