Program and Position Summary:

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) engages motivated young adults, ages 18 – 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. Projects may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation, historic preservation, and local environmental service projects.   AZCC provides opportunities for members to learn about the local environment and conservation issues.

AZCC crews work in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. Selected members are placed on a crew that will then collaborate to perform project work.  AZCC is a non-residential program and does not offer housing.  Gear and equipment rental is available upon request.

Field Crew Project Work:

Project work may vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns.  Projects that crews typically work on may include, but are not limited to:

• Trail construction and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including pesticide application
• Habitat restoration
• Fence installation/repair
• Land Management Inventory and Mapping
• Fire fuels reduction
• National Disaster Relief
• Community service
• Recreation and facilities maintenance and construction

Schedule:

Generally, crews work an 8-day,10-hours/day ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, members will have 6 days off in the town of the home base office.  Drive time to and from the work site from the home base office is typically included in the hitch schedule.  Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary.

Workdays will start with a Job Hazard Analysis safety meeting followed by a 15-minute warm-up exercise and a 15-minute stretch.  Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.
• Participate in all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and national service
• Effectively communicate and discuss ideas and concerns with leaders, crew, and staff
• Learn skills and apply them to carry out service work requirements effectively
• Appropriately always represent the program and community while on a project

Safety and Judgment:

• Perceive and effectively communicate environmental and work hazards with crew and leader
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction
• Stay alert and focused while traveling and working in varied weather conditions
• Act with compassion toward crew members, leaders, and staff
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Environmental Ethics:

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques

Outdoor Skills and Fitness:

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project.

Commitment – AZCC participants must commit to all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and other crew activities.

Safety – All participants are required to participate in a culture of safety on their crew during all program activities by being aware of and adhering to program policies, as well as fostering an atmosphere of wellness in the program.

Professionalism – Participants must be willing to follow all AZCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent AZCC.

Teamwork – Members must be willing to engage in collaboration, respect others, and assist in making group decisions.

Technology – Projects are often in remote locations. The use of technology will be limited.

Substance Free – Participants MUST be willing and able to refrain from tobacco products, alcohol, and/or drugs while participating in the AZCC program.

Besides the minimum qualifications listed below, no experience is required for this position.  AZCC will provide training and certifications for all essential tasks. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, HS Equivalency Degree (HSED), or commitment to acquiring HSED while in program.
• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission for the full duration of term
• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders
• Must bring and maintain a positive perspective throughout term
• Must respect the dignity and diverse lifestyles of Indigenous people
• Must be able to work long days in adverse conditions

Essential Functions:

• Frequently required to walk and hike over long distances
• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms