AmeriCorps Crew Leader
The AmeriCorps Crew Leader (ACL) is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires open dialog with the staff crew leader, helping them to manage projects, project partners, communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.Seasonal Nonprofit
Job Location
Based out of Harrisonburg, VA
Job Description
Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew LeaderLocation: Based out of Harrisonburg, VA
Compensation: $675 per week ($500 living stipend + $175 additional benefit)
Start Date: August 31st, 2026
End Date: January 26th, 2027
AmeriCorps Education Award: $2,817.14 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
The AmeriCorps Crew Leader (ACL) is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires open dialog with the staff crew leader, helping them to manage projects, project partners, communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.
It means more than just showing up and doing the work; it means setting an example of how to work hard with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating learning experience for crew members, both formally and informally. This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.
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 developed recreation improvements, trail construction and maintenance, trail corridor clearing, and more. Crew members and leaders may go through trainings including USFS Developing Thinking Sawyers Chainsaw Training to gain necessary certifications to complete crew projects.
Project Management & Implementation
- Train and motivate a crew of four young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands.
- Delegate project work and investment amongst the crew.
- Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work.
- Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.
- Communicate effectively and coordinate logistics with project partners, staff crew leader, members, and program staff.
Safety & Risk Management
- Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site.
- Exhibit strong situational awareness and promote a culture of safety.
- Transport crew and equipment safely in program vans or large vehicles with trailers.
Administration
- Manage crew medical history forms and incident documentation in conjunction with the staff crew leader.
Schedule and Crew Life
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. Projects take place across the Appalachian region, including partnerships with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other land managers.
We are an independent, non-residential program. Crews are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. 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.
Members may be required to participate in service projects or events as part of their service terms. Prior to their start date, selected participants are required to complete an enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, an orientation on AmeriCorps prohibited activities, and beginning their background check process. This crew will have mandatory, unpaid leave from December 19th until January 4th for end-of-year holidays.
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