Title: Indigenous Youth Crew Leader Development Program (AmeriCorps)

Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator

Location: Durango, CO 

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt  

Dates: March 27th** – August 11th, 2023 OR November 17th, 2023; start date flexible on case-by-case basis

**Start date flexible on a case-by-case basis. Must start by May 8th at the latest.

Wages: $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) + $2,474.27 AmeriCorps Education Award at completion of service term

Benefits: Paid time off between summer sessions; Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.

Training:  U.S. Forest Service recognized OHLEC Chainsaw training, Technical Trails Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training. Potential for Crosscut Training.

Housing: SCC-Durango is piloting a Host-Housing program based on need and will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Options will be reviewed in the interview process.
*Wilderness Medicine: CLDP members are provided with Wilderness First Responder/CPR/AED training. There will be a WFR course available in Durango in Mid-March through Desert Mountain Medicine. Other acceptable WFR Courses and Re-certification Courses can be reimbursed (up to $650) but must be taken prior to the start of the season.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native American applicants

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs.

This is an entry level position focused on development, we welcome applications from candidates who may not have all the skills listed below. This position provides extensive training during the spring season, meant to prepare CLDP’s for leading summer crews. This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. CLDP’s will be mentors, educators and facilitators for high school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models for their members. The Indigenous Youth Crew Leader in Development provides a supportive learning environment for Native high schoolers to work, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills in the conservation field

The AmeriCorps (A*C) Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is a two-phase program.  The first phase focuses on orientation, training and development, the second phase focuses on implementation and continued leadership development. The AmeriCorps CLDP will spend 8 weeks in a crew leader training period, which will include a Leadership skills week, Chainsaw training, technical trails training, a youth crew leader training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In June, leaders will transition to co-leading one 4-week session with indigenous high school students ages 14-18, then a second 4-week session leading a regional high school crew or middle school crew with students ages 11-13. Each CLDP will be paired with an experienced crew leader who will provide mentorship and support to them through a goal setting process and CLDP development plan. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation and community projects.

CLDPs are responsible for assisting Crew Leaders in ensuring the physical safety and emotional well-being of their crew. The intention of the CLDP/Crew Leader pairing is to aid in the leadership development of the CLDP. Over the course of the season, the CLDP will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities the following season. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan. Based on their own skills and experience, CLDP’s may take lead or assist with project management, creating and implementing development and educational opportunities, and completing required hitch paperwork.

Currently, the typical schedule is either: 9 days on followed by five days off (During training season), or five days on followed by two days off (During Youth Crew Season). Depending on proximity to the work site, crews either return to town each day, or camp at the project site (we refer to this as a “hitch”) for its duration. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch.