Spring-Summer Conservation Crew Member

Position Title: Spring-Summer Conservation Crew Member 

Location: Based out of Harrisonburg, VA 

Compensation: $600 per week ($500 living stipend + $100 additional benefit) 

Terms of Service 

Start Date: February 23^rd 

End Date: August 18^th 

AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,697.50 upon successful completion of service term 

Purpose 

Appalachian Conservation Corps 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 an AmeriCorps program, we partner with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development.  

Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. We aim to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. We welcome national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Project Description  

Crews will meet at the Appalachian Conservation Corps office in Harrisonburg on Monday mornings, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site, and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. Over the course of six months, projects will take place across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia to aid the USFS in restoration and recovery projects needed after Hurricane Helene. 

During their time in the field, crews perform heavy manual labor on environmental conservation projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. These hands-on projects include visitor access and recreation area improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. 

Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with 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. 

Schedule and Crew Life 

Appalachian Conservation Corps is an independent, non-residential program. Crews are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants are asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.  

Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites.