Seasonal Hitch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title:Fall Conservation Crew-AmeriCorps Crew Member

Conservation Legacy Program:Southeast Conservation Corps

Reports to:Crew Leader, Program Coordinator

Site Location:Crewswill be based out of Chattanooga, TN, camping and serving in various locationsacross the greater Southeast Region

Terms of Service:

• Start Date:August17,2026

• End Date:November20, 2026

• AmeriCorps Slot Classification:450hr

Status:This is a full-time, seasonal,14-week-450-hourAmeriCorps National Service position

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of$1,956.35upon successful completion of the program

• Living Allowance of$480per week

• Additional Benefit of$120per week

Other Benefits:United States Forest Service-recognized chainsaw certification,Wilderness First Aid Training,food & transportationprovided while in the fieldovernight, uniform shirts,personalprotective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available.

Crew Structure:1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members

Available Positions:20

Purpose - About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hardworkand land stewardship.

Southeast Conservation Corps,aprogram of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC collaborates with land management agencies (United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits) to host day or overnight camping crews and individual placements.

Our AmeriCorps positions provideimpactful educational and service opportunities thatbenefitboth communities and landscapes.SECC's participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various backgrounds.

SECC is an independent, non-residential program, andcrew membersare responsible forsecuring their own housing when not in the field.On-hitch, crews manage camp chores and prepare all their own meals, with evenings often including group discussions.Members must provide their own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots), while SECC provides group camp equipment, tools, protectivegearand transportation between SECC Office and project sites.

Description of Duties:

The crew memberposition is an entry-level role.During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and serve outdoors in all weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor to complete conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and a day pack.While prior experience withthe outdoorsor outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.

Service Project:

SECCfallcrewswill be based out of SECC's office in Chattanooga,TNand travelin a crew vehicle to their project site and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. Projects will take place across the Southeast region, including partnerships with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other land managers.

Service projects vary depending on seasonal factors and safety considerations. While the staff at SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change perprojectneeds.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Repair and construct trail bridges and boardwalks

• Trail construction and maintenance

• Corridor clearing

• Repair or install water structures along trails

• Log out trailsimpactedby fallen trees

• Invasive species removal

• Community service

Crew Life:

• Crew Structure:SECCcrewsconsistsof4crew members and2crew leaders who will provide projectexpertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants.

• Hitch Schedule:FallcrewswilloperateonaTuesdaytoWednesday,9dayon5dayoff hitch schedulewith 10-hour shifts and scheduled breaks throughout the day.Most projects involve strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions and require hiking to and from the project sites daily, carrying tools and day packs.

• Camping:Frontcountryor backcountrydepending on project needs.

• Housing:While on hitch, applicants should be prepared to campthroughout the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.Housing is not provided fromWednesday-Mondayevenings. Crew membersare responsible forsecuring their own housing arrangements while not in the field.

• Food:Food is provided while in the field. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance.

• Chores:Crewmembers collaborate tomanage camp chores (planningmeals, shopping, cooking, washingdishes, etc.) andparticipatein any group discussions.

• Gear:Members must supply their own personal outdoor gear (day pack, water bottle, work pants, hiking/work boots,tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack). SECC has a limited supply of loaner gear available for crew members to borrow, but it may not fit personal preferences or specific needs.SECC will provide tools, group camp equipment, and personal protective equipment

• Transportation:SECC will provide transportation between SECCofficeand project sites.

**SECC is a nonresidential program. Housing is not provided during off-hitch (Wednesday-Monday) evenings. Crew membersare responsible forsecuring their own housing arrangements while not in the field.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien

• Must be betweenages18 and 30, or up to 35 ifa military veteran.

• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award

• Agrees to provide information toestablisheligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Generalcomfort withand prior experience in outdoor environments.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities areprovidedreasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specifictoolsand 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also berequiredfor some positions. If you needassistanceand/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected toserveAugusttoNovember, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch breakwill notbe counted towards AmeriCorps service

• Members maybe requiredtoparticipatein national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Members will receive an orientation that includes training onAmeriCorpsprohibited and unallowable activities.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performancewill be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Participant Behavior Expectations:

Professionalism:

• Be punctual, hardworking, and flexible.Appropriately represent SECC and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times.

Participation:

• Learn all necessary skills and apply them to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.

• Commit toparticipatingin all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.

Positive Atmosphere:

• Contribute to a positive and safe culture, free from harassment.

• Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences.

Corps Values:

• Strive for an experience grounded in the corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity.

Safety and Judgment:

• Effectively communicate ideas, concerns, and danger as they arise directly to colleagues,supervisor, and program staff.

• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directionsby others so that you will be able to successfully executeappropriate techniquesto manage hazards.

• Stay alert andfocusedfor several hours at a time while traveling and serving in varied weatherconditions.

• Perceive and comprehendsignificant and apparenthazards, including those hazards previously identifiedby others.

• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.

• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able tomaintainproper dosage by self-medicating withoutassistancefrom others.

Outdoor Skills:

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living, travel, and industry skills asappropriate tothe project. Additionally, remainadequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressedtoremaingenerally healthyand safe, avoiding environmental injuries.

• Live in a physically demanding,possibly remoteenvironment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks.Conditionsmay vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at leastone hour, but perhapsin excess of12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

• Practice 'Leave no Trace' principles to preserve public spaces

Substance Free:

• Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during AmeriCorps and program activities, and on organization property,in accordance witha drug free environment.

Application Instructions:

To Apply:Complete theapplicationanduploadresume.

Any questions can be addressed to:

Kelsey Durr

Program Director