State Parks Piedmont Trail Assistant Crew Leader-americorps

Program: Conservation Corps North Carolina Site location: Based out of Bahama, North Carolina, with service projects in Piedmont-region state parks (exact location to be determined). Service term: January 25, 2027 to April 23, 2027 AmeriCorps slot classification:300 hours About Conservation Legacy and the program Conservation Legacy is a nationwide nonprofit whose corps programs engage participants in conservation and community projects on public and private lands, while supporting personal and professional development. Its mission is to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance the nation’s lands through community-based service. Conservation Corps North Carolina empowers young adults through outdoor work benefiting North Carolina’s land and water and fostering healthy communities. Projects can include trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, hazard fuel reduction, invasive species removal, and other technical conservation work.

Position summary: The Assistant Crew Leader will support projects in Piedmont-region state parks. Work will focus on reopening and repairing trails, trail maintenance and new construction, including rock and timber structures. Work takes place on rugged terrain, in inclement weather, and in areas of high exposure; it is physically demanding and fast-paced. Assistant Crew Leaders help facilitate a positive Crew Member experience and share leadership with the Staff Crew Leader. They help communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive feedback; assist with project management, partner communications, logistics, and crew assignments; and model enthusiastic, safe work and good judgment. They help create formal and informal learning experiences for Crew Members. Additional time outside standard project and crew hours may be needed, and flexibility is expected as schedules, weather, and project needs change. Crews typically include one Staff Crew Leader, one AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader, and four AmeriCorps Members. The work schedule is generally a variable camping-crew hitch of nine days on and five days off, with 10-hour workdays and scheduled breaks. Service schedules and locations may change. Food is provided in the field, and crews work together on meal planning and camp chores. Evenings may include group discussions on conservation topics.

Duties: Reopen blocked trail corridors and restore public access. Construct and maintain trails, including tread work, drainage features, steps, and retaining walls. Build rock and rough-timber structures. Support crew leadership, project management, partner communications, logistics, crew assignments, safety, and Crew Member learning. Expectations and working conditions Crew Members should expect physically demanding work on rugged, uneven terrain, potentially on steep slopes and in remote locations. Work may involve high exposure, inclement weather, and fast-paced days. Certifications such as chainsaw operation or Wilderness First Aid depend on crew assignment and will be provided or required as appropriate. CCNC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for housing, food, and transportation when not in the field unless otherwise specified. CCNC provides group equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between Bahama, NC and project sites. Some personal equipment may be available to borrow; members are encouraged to bring personal outdoor gear, and a gear list is provided upon acceptance. Members must work effectively as part of a team in challenging conditions, contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment, communicate concerns, learn and apply necessary skills, and represent the program and AmeriCorps appropriately. The role requires the ability to drive CCNC crew vehicles and trailers, remain alert and focused for extended periods, recognize and respond to hazards and emergencies, and live and work in a physically demanding environment for extended periods. Required service may include conservation projects, education, training, national service, and local community service days.

Qualifications: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien. At least 17 years old. High school diploma or equivalency, or meets the listed AmeriCorps school enrollment and education-award requirements. Agrees to provide eligibility information and complete a National Service Criminal History Check. Willing to commit fully to the program and its mission. Able to manage crew life and production within a 40–50-hour work week. Flexible, adaptable, patient, and able to maintain a positive perspective in a changing work environment. Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions. Able to speak, understand, and write English.

Preferred qualifications: Previous corps or crew experience. Chainsaw experience. Camping or backpacking experience. Adaptability, professionalism, and a community-building ethic. Time requirements and training The position typically serves Tuesday through the following Wednesday, though schedules may vary. A half-hour lunch break does not count toward AmeriCorps service hours. Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events. Members receive orientation, including training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Selected members must complete online enrollment, submit forms and identification, enroll with AmeriCorps, and begin the background check process before their start date.

Benefits: Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,565.08. Living allowance of $480 per week and an additional benefit of $170 per week. Healthcare, childcare, loan forbearance, and interest payments if eligible. On-the-job training and AmeriCorps orientation. Public Land Corps certificate hours that may provide hiring authority for future federal positions. Member Assistance Program with three free counseling or work-life balance sessions. Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment; assistance borrowing personal outdoor gear may be available. Potential to fulfill internship requirements, depending on the academic institution and program. Professional development, mentorship, resume support, and exposure to natural resource career paths. Evaluation and reporting Performance is evaluated based on completion of required hours, satisfactory completion of assignments, and other criteria communicated at the start of service. Reporting includes biweekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. Members set goals and receive performance reviews during and at the end of the season, covering professionalism, responsibility, leadership, communication, community engagement, project work, safety, organization, and equipment. Members may also provide feedback on crew leaders, the program, and their experience.

Additional information: Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Physical requirements may include overnight travel, nontraditional hours, movement across varied terrain, use of tools and technology, lifting or moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally, and driving an organizational vehicle when required.

Contact: Miriam Zouhri, Mzouhri@conservationlegacy.org