AmeriCorps Dolores River Restoration Program
| Length | Full-time, residential and non-residential, lasting a minimum of 10 weeks |
| Location | Durango, CO |
| Living Allowance | $275 per week. |
| AmeriCorps Award | AmeriCorps members are eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of the education award is dependent upon length of service. |
| Ages | 18-25 |
| Start Date | Specific program date information listed below |
| Specific training | S-212 Chainsaw Training, Herbicide application training, restoration basics |
Southwest Conservation Corps’ (SCC) Mission: To empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment.
AmeriCorps Dolores River Restoration Crew (DRRC) Overview:
Young men and women age 18-25 complete noxious tree removal and riparian restoration activities on public and private lands along the Dolores River corridor in Southwest Colorado. The AmeriCorps DRRC is in its third year of existence as part of a large collaborative restoration initiative: the Dolores River Restoration Partnership (see: http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/drrp/default.htm) Projects will include: Tamarisk removal, habitat enhancement thinning projects, the potential for riparian planting, fencing and related activities. The collaborative nature of the program will find SCC crews training and working with partner corps programs (Canyon Country Youth Corps, Western Colorado Conservation Corps) on projects throughout the watershed.
The AmeriCorps DRRC consists of 6 Corpsmembers that are supervised by 2 Crew Leaders. This crew will work primarily residential schedules. The crew could camp for up to 12 days at a time in various weather conditions and then have 3 days off. While camping, crews are responsible for cooking meals and completing chores. During time off between 12 day hitches, members are required to find lodging. The AmeriCorps DRRC program requires members to be flexible!!!!
The AmeriCorps DRRC has a training component that prepares members for careers in resource management such as invasive species treatment and monitoring, riparian restoration, or wild land fire management in the public or private sector. Members will receive: Orientation to the project, riparian ecology basics, S-212 certification (SCC’s chainsaw operation and safety certification), chainsaw operation experience, Invasive Species identification and treatment modalities, herbicide application training and experience, exposure to large scale restoration projects and activities. Some members, if they independently arrange for it, can earn college credit for their participation.
General Qualifications:
Commitment – AmeriCorps members must make a strong commitment to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and national service. Members must commit to participating in all crew activities, including service days in local communities.
Safety – Members will be expected to take a serious attitude toward safety all day and every day, including specific procedures for safe powersaw operation and herbicide application.
Professionalism – AmeriCorps members must be willing to appropriately represent the SCC Program AmeriCorps and National service
Teamwork – AmeriCorps members must be willing to work hard, participate as part of a team.
Technology – The use of technology, including cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, and other battery powered devices is not allowed during all work, chore, group and meal times as well as during de-rigs and rig-up. Corpsmembers must agree that they will not use these types of technology while participating in these activities and realize that technology use is strictly regulated by SCC policy and by SCC staff and crew leaders.
Substance Free – In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and SCC activities and while on SCC property.
Fitness – AmeriCorps members are expected to complete projects that involve heavy lifting, hiking, and living outdoors for an extended period of time, including up to 10 hours a day running a chainsaw in difficult terrain.
Housing Members will be primarily residential (living and working in the outdoors for extended periods at a time). Members will be responsible for providing their own accommodations in Durango when not in the field.
Citizenship – Corpsmember must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident.
AmeriCorps Education Awards:
In addition to the living allowance, individuals participating in the SFT will be eligible for an AmeriCorps education award if they successfully complete the program.
Program Dates:
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SCC Four Corners – Durango, CO |
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| Dates | Program Length | Schedule |
| March 12th – May 18th, 2012 | 2 ½ months | 11 days in the field, 3 days off |
| August 27th – October 26th, 2012 | 2 ½ months | 11 days in the field, 3 days off |
To Apply:
Complete the Corpsmember Application online PLEASE CLICK HERE. Contact the regional Recruiting Coordinator (info below) for a paper application.
If you have questions, contact:
Anna Hendricks
FCrecruiter@sccorps.org
970-403-0141
