USFS Region 8 Helene Recovery Crew –AmeriCorps Crew Member

Title: USFS Region 8 Helene Recovery Crew –AmeriCorps Crew Member   

jobshiringnearme.org Legacy Program: Southeast jobshiringnearme.org Corps  

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator 

Site Location: Crew will be based out of Chattanooga, TN, camping and serving in various locations within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest 

Terms of Service: 

• Start Date: March 2, 2026
• End Date: May 15, 2026 (with options to extend service through the 2026 season)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 300hr

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal, 10-week- 300-hour AmeriCorps National Service position  

Benefits:  

• Segal AmeriCorps education Award of $1,565.08 upon successful completion of the program
• Living Allowance of $480 per week
• Additional Benefit of $120 per week

Other Benefits: Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), food & transportation provided while in the field overnight, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available  

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

Purpose — About Southeast jobshiringnearme.org Corps (SECC):   
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship. 

SECC, a program of jobshiringnearme.org Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age 15-17) 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 provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. 

description of Duties 

The crew member position 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 with the outdoors or 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:   

The crew will be based out of SECC’s office in Chattanooga, TN and travel to complete various conservation projects directly supporting Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The crew will collaborate with U.S. Forest Service land managers to complete conservation projects.    

In 2024, the southeast was impacted by Hurricane Helene, causing significant damage to trails and recreation areas within national forests. This crew will focus on repairing storm-impacted trails by constructing trail reroutes, restoring damaged tread, repairing bridges, re-establishing trail corridor, and logging out down trees. Trail maintenance will require use of carpentry and hand tools. During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and serve outdoors on rugged terrain in all weather conditions, often in remote wilderness areas, performing heavy manual labor related to conservation and restoration projects.  Most projects require hiking out to project sites for the day with tools, equipment, and a day pack.  

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 per project needs. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:     

• Repair and construct trail bridges and boardwalks
• Trail construction and maintenance
• ex. Water bars, drain dips, reroutes of sections of trail, fixing slope
• Corridor clearing
• Repair or install water structures along trails
• Log out trails impacted by fallen trees
• Invasive species removal
• Community service

Crew Life:    

• Crew Structure: This crew consists of 4 crew members and 2 crew leaders who will provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants.
• Hitch Schedule: This crew will operate on a Tuesday to Wednesday, 9 day on 5 day off hitch schedule with 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: Frontcountry
• Housing: While on hitch, applicants should be prepared to camp throughout the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary. Housing is not provided from Wednesday-Sunday evenings. Crew members are responsible for securing 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: Crew members collaborate to manage camp chores (planning meals, shopping, cooking, washing dishes, etc.) and participate in 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 SECC office and project sites.

Requirements:     

Minimum Qualifications:       

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Must be between ages 18 and 30, or up to 35 if a 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 to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

Preferred Qualifications:    

• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.

Our Commitment: 

jobshiringnearme.org Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable 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-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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. 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: 

• Typically, this position is expected to serve March to May, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Members may be required to participate in 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 on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.

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

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will 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 to participating in 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 directions by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate techniques to manage hazards.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and serving in varied weather conditions.
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Outdoor Skills:    

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living, travel, and industry skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at least one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 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 with a drug free environment.