Better the land; better yourself. Residential Crews with the Southwest Conservation Corps blend team building with vital conservation projects in beautiful Southwest locales.The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a nonprofit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization with offices in Durango and Salida, Colorado. SCC engages youth and young adults, ages 14-30, to complete conservation work projects on public lands throughout the Southwest. SCC has a strong focus on technical conservation skills and place-based environmental education. The work is a vehicle for many other development opportunities. Life skills are learned via formal lessons, on-the-job training, and the process of communal living. The majority of SCC's programs are residential programs, with crews camping in either front or backcountry settings for nine to eleven-day periods. SCC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southwest, including at-risk youth, college graduates, Veterans and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels. |
| Seasonal Job Overview |
Exciting, challenging, rewarding—there is no one word to describe participating in SCC projects. You’ll learn, but it will take hard work and sweat. You’ll complete great service projects, but it won’t always be easy. You’ll meet some great people, but you won’t always see eye-to-eye. It’s about learning, working hard for the environment and communities, and giving something back. Positions range from 10 weeks to 8+ months, with opportunities available year-round. |
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| Featured Job Openings |
Crew Leader Development Program The focus of the Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is on leadership, Corpsmember development, and conservation skills. During the first phase, participants are placed as Corpsmembers where they will work and learn conservation skills with experienced crew leaders on conservation projects. While gaining valuable conservation skills, CLDP members will learn outdoor leadership and mentorship skills. During the second phase, CLDP members will be placed in leadership opportunities that may include positions on conservation crews, youth crews, specialized technical crews and/or individual projects. Compensation includes a living stipend of $685/week plus an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program (value dependent on length of service). Additional benefits include food provided while in the field, plus uniforms, U.S. Forest Service recognized Chainsaw and Crosscut training (certificate awarded upon completion of program), and PTO/discretionary time. WFR: CLDP Members will also be provided with Wilderness First Responder/CPR/AED training. There will be a WFR course available in Durango in mid-March through Desert Mountain Medicine. Other acceptable WFR courses and recertification courses can be reimbursed but must be taken prior to the start of the season.
Crew Leaders Crew Leaders perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. The position is multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate resourcefulness, effective communication skills, excellent judgement, maturity, initiative, professionalism, and the desire to devote themselves to a crew experience where the needs of others are placed above oneself. The Crew Leader position requires mentorship, patience, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors. Crew Leaders are ultimately responsible for successes and shortcomings of the crew. Compensation includes $720-$800/week, plus food provided while in the field, uniforms, U.S. Forest Service recognized Chainsaw and Crosscut training (certificate awarded upon completion of program), and continued development opportunities. Health benefit eligible and PTO for positions extending into fall Adult Crews.
Adult Conservation Crews Conservation Crews (between the ages 18-30) will work effectively as a member of the crew; perform heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; work outdoors in all types of weather and successfully adapt to various climates; effectively learn and apply new environmental conservation and restoration skills; actively participate in environmental education activities; practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned; and use, maintain and repair hand and power tools as necessary. Member compensation includes $600/week living and housing stipend plus an AmeriCorps education award (value dependent on length of service). Additional benefits include food while in the field, trainings, Wilderness First Aid certification, and uniform shirts. Leaders receive $720-$800/week, housing, food while in the field working, and health benefits.
Veterans Fire Corps The Veterans Fire Corps program provides training and on-the-job experience for post 9-11 era veterans interested in entering into careers and gaining experience in natural resource management, fuels mitigation and wildland firefighting. This variation of the Field Crew program follows a similar schedule with crews working a hitch schedule of 8 days on and 6 days off. Tent or occasional bunkhouse camping is provided during the 8 project days. Housing is not provided on days off. Applicants must have military veteran status and fall between the ages of 21-35. Compensation: Leaders receive $720-$800/week plus health benefits and paid time off; Members receive $600/week + an AmeriCorps education award (value dependent on length of service). Additional benefits include food while in the field, uniforms, wildland fire certifications, trainings and more!
Individual Placement (Internship) Program Southwest Conservation Corps' Individual Placement Program pairs recent graduates, college students, and young adults with resource managers and places them within land-management organizations. The resource managers serve a mentor role, creating accessible learning opportunities and experiences throughout the intern's term. Internships run anywhere from 8 to 52 weeks in duration at locations throughout Colorado and New Mexico. Each internship offers a unique opportunity for immersive training, career development, and positive impact—for both the intern, and the communities they serve. Upon successful completion of their term, interns participating as AmeriCorps Members receive an education award totaling $1,300-$6,300. |
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| Field Locations |
SCC is based out of the Four Corners region in Durango (located near the San Juan National Forest, Mesa Verde National Park, and all things Utah) and the Los Valles region in Salida (north of the San Luis Valley home of Great Sand Dunes National Park and south of the Colligate Peaks Wilderness, home of several 14’ers). From 14,000-foot snow covered mountains to deep canyons carved by rivers millions of years ago, you will experience the unique and beautiful Southwest from many perspectives with SCC. Travel places few people have been, places covered in history, beauty and true wild areas. |
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| Connections & Application |
After you've had a chance to absorb all of SCC's job opportunities, feel free to email the Program Coordinator with your questions. An online application can be filled out for each position you are interested in, and application confirmation will be sent to you. If selected, either a phone or in-person interview is conducted. Four Corners Regional Office Los Valles Regional Office Southwest Conservation Corps
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