2023 Crew Member

About the Utah Conservation Corps

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We’re a non-residential AmeriCorps program composed of AmeriCorps members, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community, environment, and regions requiring disaster response efforts. Additionally, as an organization, we seek to provide a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to ensure a healthy, vibrant, innovative, and sustainable corps. Our goals are to encourage and support more diverse populations serving in an inclusive environment within the UCC and to recognize where we fall short and address our shortcoming.

Position Overview

• Field Office Locations: Logan, Cedar City, or Moab, Utah
• Term of Service Dates:
  • Summer (450 hr. term): May 31 – August 19
  • Summer + Fall (900 hr. term): May 31 – November 19
  • Fall (450 hr. term): August 23 – November 19
• Schedule: Full-time commitment, hours & schedule vary week to week. Majority of time is spent on projects in the field.
• Application: Complete the following application (see more details below) https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0D1Ax4UeAXvPLLw.  Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis starting early 2023.

Crew Members work and live in the outdoors as part of a field crew in service to public lands and the communities that surround them. Field crews are assigned to a variety of conservation projects throughout Utah and the Intermountain West. Members are primarily responsible for being a supporting member of their crew, upholding and abiding by UCC policies & procedures, and conducting themselves in a safe and productive manner. All crew members are trained in safe and proper tool use, project techniques, and outdoor living. Training topics may include chainsaw and hand tool use, project techniques, and first aid. This position involves frequent travel, camping, irregular hours, and a varying weekly schedule.

Projects & Schedule

Field projects may be backcountry (hiking into the project site, camping away from a vehicle) or front country (such as driving to the project site daily, camping at the vehicle, or non-camping lodging). Projects may be urban (located in a city or town) or rural (located in national parks, forests, etc. with limited access to facilities and resources). Weather is variable, and work and campsites can range from 2,000-13,000 feet in elevation.

Projects may include (but are not limited to):

• Trail construction and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including herbicide application
• Habitat restoration
• Fence installation/repair
• Land management inventory and mapping
• Fire fuels reduction
• National disaster response efforts
• Community service
• Recreation facilities maintenance and construction
• Recreation signage repair

Crews generally work a 9-day or 4-day, 10-hour/day (some days may be up to 12 hours) ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, crews will have 3-5 days off between hitches. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch (the 30 minute lunch break does not count toward term of service hours). Crews should expect schedules and project work to vary.

This position is an AmeriCorps term of service that requires a full-time commitment (about 45 hours per week).

Who Are You?

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are service-oriented and committed to public lands and the environment of the Intermountain West and are also willing to commit to personal and professional growth while in service
• Have the desire to work in a dynamic environment and embrace change, whether it be project assignments, weather conditions, schedules, fellow crew member assignments, etc.
• Wish to develop a constructive, solutions-based attitude while learning to become more flexible, mature, and dedicated to proactive and professional conflict management and communication
• Recognize that you will work with others who see the world differently and are willing to accept those differences in alignment with UCC’s mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and commitment

Qualifications (this is an ENTRY LEVEL POSITION)

• Ability to live outdoors and work on a variety of conservation projects, which may include 12-hour days using chainsaws, hand tools, applying herbicide, moving through uneven terrain, etc. in a variety of environmental conditions. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to serve with our programs.
• Willing and able to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, training, and National Service as they are assigned
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. repeatedly and use hand tools
• At least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Must undergo and pass a criminal history check
• Have a high school diploma or GED or work towards obtaining one while in the program

Note: Participants must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, work boots, etc. A recommended gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. Crew Members receive a living allowance for supplying their own food and securing their own housing. UCC will provide project tools, personal protective gear, crew kitchen kit (stove, fuel, cooking and serving supplies) and transportation to and from projects. UCC participants are eligible for pro-deals.