Shenandoah Youth Crew Member

CORPS NETWORK; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Appalachian Conservation Corps is actively recruiting a Shenandoah Youth Crew Member for seasonal conservation projects in Shenandoah National Park. This entry-level position offers youth hands-on experience in natural resource management and community service, fulfilling roles crucial to environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Member Assistance Program – 3 free counseling sessions

Uniform shirts and safety equipment provided

On-the-job training

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be between the ages of 16 and 18.
• Willing to work outdoors and face challenges.

Responsibilities

• Assist with trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Work on habitat improvement and recreation access projects.

Skills

Flexibility

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

Current high school student or GED

Job description

Address:
9386 S. Congress St.
New Market, Virginia
22844

JOB DETAILS

Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Shenandoah Youth Crew Member
Deadline to apply: 2025-06-02
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc: Shenandoah National Park
State / Territory: Virginia

The Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) is a corps program based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The ACC moves forward from the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps to engage young people in conservation service projects. The ACC is a Conservation Legacy program.

The ACC strives to cultivate a new generation of local land stewards. We partner with land managers to accomplish impactful and lasting conservation service projects. We work to build and support sustainable public access, historical interpretation and ecological health. The ACC runs as a fee-for-service crew and we are willing to collaborate with land managers to find project funding.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Location: Shenandoah National Park

Compensation: $15/hourfor service project work (up to40 hoursper week),paid bi-weekly

End Date: July 3rd

Status: Full-time, Exempt, Seasonal

Purpose:

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC)works to connectyoung peopleto 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 onservice,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 andissues affectingitandintroduces 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:

Theyouthconservation crew memberposition 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.Whileprior experiencewith theoutdoorsor outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position.We ask thatmembers embracelearningopportunities, face challenges, andbuildcommunitywiththeir crew.

During this four-week program, the crew will work with National Park Servicestaff 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.

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 bebetween 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,selectedparticipants mustcomplete an online enrollment processwhichincludes completing e-formsanduploading IDs,as well asgettingparental signatures on paper forms (for members under 18).Participants who are 18 yearsof ageor older will also be asked to complete a background check.

• $15/hourfor 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, ahelmet, 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 andreview 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.

Recruiter Name and Contact Information:

[e-mail]

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.