Field Leader - Alabama Conservation Habitat Restoration Corps

Student Conservation Association•Mobile, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking an experienced, quality-oriented outdoor leader to supervise, educate, and inspire up to 8 members of the Alabama Conservation Corps’ (ALCC) seasonal GulfCorps program. Two Crew Leaders will guide and inspire a team of 8 young adults based out of Mobile, AL, while serving to improve habitats along the Gulf Coast. The crew will start and begin each day at our office in Mobile and then travel to the project site for the day in SCA vehicles. Crew Leaders will oversee and lead projects such as invasive species management, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, fire break preparation, and boardwalk repair. Projects will take place in outdoor spaces such as parks, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. Monitoring and data collection will be ongoing while in the field, using ESRI Field Maps. Strong conservation work skills (power tool operation, chainsaw, and carpentry) and experience in leading teams and mentoring individuals are preferred for this position. In addition to providing training in conservation work skills, GulfCorps provides support to both crew members and crew leaders in the development of soft skills such as resume building, interviewing skills, and the development of actionable career goals. Professional development activities ranging from workshops, presentations, and independent assignments will be scheduled out each month with the goal of supporting placement post program. Participation in professional development is a requirement of the program for both Crew Leaders and Members. The ALCC’s Gulf Corps program was originally funded by the RESTORE Council in 2017 following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and has been able to continue into this season thanks to NOAA’s Transformational Communities Grant. SCA manages the AL crew in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, who manages the NOAA grant, and The Corps Network, which oversees the professional development component of the program. Projects will be carried out in partnership with federal, state, county, municipal, and local nonprofit agencies along coastal Alabama. Crew Leaders may also have the option to opt into Disaster Response Deployments. Deployments would last 4-5 weeks and include intensive work schedules (50-60 hrs/week) in unpredictable environments, under the guidance and supervision of SCA staff working with the disaster response agency assigned Incident Commander. Work can include but not be limited to evacuation shelter assistance, donation center management, volunteer management, clean-up efforts, "mucking and gutting" in private residences, debris removal, Saw and/or rigging work, public information outreach, plantings and other natural area restorations.

Requirements

Experience managing teams of young adults [18+] in an outdoor setting
Experience working independently and in a team setting to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner
Strong conservation work skills, specifically related to invasive plant management, chainsaw operation, trail maintenance, boardwalk construction, and carpentry
Perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds or more
Minimum of 21 years of age
US Work Authorization

Nice To Haves

Strong project monitoring and data collection skills, specifically using GIS/GPS (Field Maps, and Survey123)
Experience with youth mentorship and/or education programs

Responsibilities

Act as a Crew Leader and work closely with a co-leader to manage field based tasks, guide crew dynamics, and facilitate teamwork for a crew of young adults (18+)
Function as a Technical Advisor and train members in technical conservation work skills, mentor personal and professional development, and teach environmental stewardship
Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by working to organize logistics, complete documentation, manage a budget, and communicate with SCA staff
Respond to and manage incidents and crew conflicts in the field
Establish group norms and a culture of safety – emotional and physical – throughout the season
Oversee equipment cache and ensure proper handling, maintenance, and inventory
Help facilitate professional development opportunities for the team, such as resume building/reviewing