Youth Conservation Corps Camping Crew Member

Title: Youth Conservation Corps Camping Crew Member  

Crew: Youth Conservation Corps – Camping Crew 

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator   

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee   

Project Site: Cherokee National Forest – Ocoee Ranger District           

Season Dates: 06/08/2025 - 07/25/2025  

*Unpaid week off: 06/30/2025 - 07/06/2025. See below for full season schedule 

YCC Member & Parent Night: 05/28/2025 

Status: Seasonal - Summer, Full-time, Non-Exempt  

Stipend: $15/hour - 40 hours/week ($600/week before taxes, disbursed bi-weekly) 

Other Benefits: Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), Job Training, food & transportation provided while in the field, educational extracurricular activities, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other professional development opportunities when available.   

Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 6 Crew Members. 

About Southeast Conservation 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 Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit affiliated with AmeriCorps. We engage youth (age 16-18) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. Our programs 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. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and selected crews may be deployed on disaster response projects lasting up to 30 days.  Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) programs take place throughout the state of Tennessee and neighboring states within the Southeast region. YCC programs are paid summer opportunities for regional youth, ages 16-18, to gain experience in conservation, learn on-the-job training, and have fun.   

SECC collaborates with land management agencies such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits to host day and camping crews. Our projects include trail construction and maintenance, restoration of natural areas, invasive species removal, fire fuels reduction, fencing, herbicide applications, and more. Most projects involve strenuous manual labor and require hiking to and from the project sites daily, carrying tools and day packs.  

Position Summary 

SECC’s YCC camping crew will engage members in a program that combines training and education with impactful conservation and service projects.  This program focuses on engaging regional youth in meaningful service and learning opportunities in their communities. Members will camp overnight in the field and complete service projects outdoors in all weather conditions, performing manual labor related to conservation and restoration. Potential tasks include, but are not limited to: 

• Trail construction and maintenance 

• Corridor clearing 

• Replacement of equestrian hitching posts 

• Repair or installation of water structures along trails 

• Signage installation and repainting blazes 

• Habitat restoration 

• Fence installation and repair 

• Community Service  
     

Service Project:   

SECC’s 2025 camping crew will complete service projects within the Ocoee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest. The YCC camping crew’s schedule is 6 weeks total. However, the season will be divided into 3-week hitches (what SECC calls time in the field), with weekends unpaid and off in the field, and a week off mid-season. During weekends in the field, members will have time to rest but are expected to recreate, travel, camp, and complete chores as a crew, with no solo time permitted. Evenings include group chores such as cooking, cleaning dishes, sharpening tools, etc., as well as participation in a variety of educational topics related to group and personal development, land stewardship, and conservation practices.   

Hitch Schedule:     

This position follows a variable “hitch” schedule, generally consisting of 5 days on and 2 days off camping in the field with scheduled time for group activities. Project days are 8-hour shifts with breaks. While SECC staff strive for consistency, flexibility is essential, as schedules, hours, and project locations may change based on project needs. Applicants should be prepared to camp during hitches throughout the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.    

The first hitch starts on a Sunday to account for travel time and extra time needed for members to arrive at the SECC office and get situated.  

• Hitch 1: Sunday 06/08/2025 - Friday 06/27/2025 (3 weeks) 

• • Week 1: 06/09/2025 - 06/13/2025 

• • Weekend off but still camping in field: 06/14/2025 - 06/15/2025 

• • Week 2: 06/16/2025 - 06/20/2025 

• • Weekend off but still camping in field: 06/21/2025 - 06/22/2025 

• • Week 3: 06/23/2025 - 06/27/2025 

• • Travel back to SECC office - 06/27/2025 

• Unpaid Week Off: 06/28/2025 - 07/06/2025 

• Hitch 2: Monday 07/07/2025 - Friday 07/25/2025 (3 weeks) 

• • Week 1: 07/07/2025 - 07/11/2025 

• • Weekend off but still camping in field: 07/12/2025 - 07/13/2025 

• • Week 2: 07/14/2025 - 07/18/2025 

• • Weekend off but still camping in field: 07/19/2025 - 07/20/2025 

• • Week 3: 07/21/2025 - 07/25/2025 

• Travel back to SECC office - 07/25/2025 

*Members must be able to be without cell phones the entirety of the program. Cell phones will be available to members during off time on the weekends and/or in emergency situations*   

The crew members are responsible for supplying their own personal equipment such as a day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will supply camping gear and will share a comprehensive packing list once a position is offered.   

Crew Life:    

SECC crews consist of 4-6 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field, and crew members collaborate to plan meals and share chores, such as cooking and washing dishes. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance.  

Crew members must be prepared to camp, travel, complete service projects, and share meals as a team. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related activities or travel at any time.   

Crew members will set goals at the start of the season and undergo performance evaluations at the midpoint and end of the term. Evaluations will assess professionalism, responsibility, leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Crew members will also provide feedback on their experience at the end of their term.  

YCC Member & Parent Orientation Night: 

Wednesday 05/28/2025 - Attendance is required. Time will be determined closer to start date.  

Members and parents will meet staff and crew leaders, complete remaining onboarding paperwork, go through a SECC orientation and a tutorial on how to pack camping/day packs. Staff will be available to answer questions about the program/season.  

Participant Behavior Expectations:    

Expectations for SECC Corpsmembers:    

• Teamwork & Responsibilities: serve effectively as part of a team by assisting with meal preparation, camp chores, and group discussions on corps-related topics.   

• Professionalism & Conduct: be punctual, hardworking, flexible, and complete all assigned tasks. Always represent SECC and AmeriCorps in a professional manner when interacting with the public and project partners. 

• Positive Environment: contribute to a positive and safe environment, free from harassment. Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. 

• Physical Readiness: be prepared for strenuous physical labor in both frontcountry and remote backcountry locations, in all-weather conditions.  

• Personal Gear & Housing: Provide your 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 camping equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between the SECC office and project sites. You are responsible for securing and paying for housing when not in the field. 

• Corps Values: strive for an experience grounded in the corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity. 

Expedition Behavior:    

• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and teamwork in stressful and challenging conditions, showing respect for all team members 

• Commit to completing all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and service days in local communities. 

• Communicate ideas and concerns directly with crew leaders, supervisors, and staff. 

• Learn and apply the necessary skills to successfully complete service project tasks. 

 
Safety and Judgment:    

• Effectively communicate potential dangers, distress, or the need for assistance from up to 50 meters, even in low visibility or noisy conditions. 

• Follow directions to safely manage hazards, both before and during exposure. 

• Stay alert and focused for extended periods while traveling and serving in varying weather conditions. 

• Recognize and respond to significant hazards, including those identified by others. 

• Respond appropriately to stress or crises. 

• Self-administer prescription medications and maintain proper dosage without assistance.  

Environmental Ethics:   

• Practice ‘Leave no Trace’ principles to preserve public spaces 

Outdoor Skills and Fitness:    

• Learn and safely perform essential outdoor living, travel, and industry skills relevant to the project.  

• Maintain hydration, proper nutrition, and appropriate clothing to stay safe and prevent environmental injuries. 

• Be prepared to live in a physically demanding, remote environment for up to several weeks, with conditions that may include severe weather. Conditions may include severe weather and limited access to advanced medical care, potentially requiring up to 12 hours of travel. 

Substance Free:  

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

Crew Member Responsibilities:    
As a SECC YCC program participant you must be able to:     

• Work as a team member.    

• Be open-minded and respect others from different cultures and backgrounds.    

• Perform heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects.    

• Work and live outdoors in wilderness areas and during all types of weather.    

• Learn and apply new environmental conservation, restoration, and outdoor living skills.    

• Participate in group activities.    

• Practice program safety protocols and procedures.    

• Learn and practice ‘Leave No Trace’ techniques.    

Required Skills:    

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements    

You must meet the essential eligibility requirements for the program. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to provide modifications, unless it changes the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or creates an undue financial or administrative burden. These requirements are written the same for all positions and may not apply directly to your specific role.   

Physical Requirements: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to fully including all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to perform essential functions. Some positions may require occasional overnight travel, non-traditional hours, the ability to navigate varied terrain, and the use of program-specific tools and technology. These positions may also involve exerting up to 25 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. In some cases, the ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may be required. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact the hiring manager. 

Minimum Qualifications:       

• To qualify, you must be between the ages of 16 and 18, and a US citizen or permanent resident. Members must be enrolled in a high school program or must have graduated in the same year as the SECC program (Example: you graduated in May 2025 and the program starts June 2025).   

• If 18 years or older, must be cleared through an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry, as well as state and federal criminal history checks    

Preferred Qualifications:    

• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.  

Required Experience:    

No trail crew or conservation crew experience is needed to apply for this position. A general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.   

* Applicants will be selected based on their interest, availability and interview. Please note that preference will be given to local applicants (Chattanooga region and surrounding cities and towns) as this program is designed to engage local youth in their local communities and public lands. *   

Substance Free     

In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.      

Technology/Phone Policy: Youth members are required to give the crew leaders their phones during the program. SECC provides communication through the crew leaders and if dire emergencies happen, we contact parents through staff. Members cannot have or use cell phones or other technology as determined by SECC staff. Guardians will be notified if contact is necessary concerning your well-being or issues related to your time with us. Members must be able to be without cell phones the entirety of the program. Cell phones will be available to members during off time on the weekends and/or in emergency situations. 

Application Instructions:    

To Apply: Complete the application, upload resume.   

Any questions can be addressed to:   

Angela Gerstner 

Recruitment Coordinator 

agerstner@conservationlegacy.org  

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Salary : $15