URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY (UCF) CREW MEMBER - FALL 2024

Northwest Youth Corps, is seeking young people aged 19-26 interested in a jobs-training and educational opportunity, working outdoors while making a positive impact on our urban forests.

Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) crew members complete urban forest health projects for twelve weeks throughout the Eugene/Springfield area. Experienced field staff provide training and education on urban forestry projects such as tree planting and maintenance, wildfire protection, invasive plant management, and tree surveying. You join a close-knit team of 5 crew members and one crew leader, committed to play a vital role in improving our urban forests and the environment.

The work is physical and rigorous. Crews work in all weather and terrain, rise early, and use a variety of hand and power tools in remote areas. A key focus is building leadership and cooperation within the team. Prior experience is not necessary, and all training is provided, but maturity, teamwork, and openness to new challenges are vital.

Position: AmeriCorps Crew Member, Seasonal

Dates/Hours: 9/23-12/13/23. Typical hours are Monday-Friday (possibly Tuesday-Saturday or even Sunday-Thursday), 8:00AM to 4:30 PM plus occasional Saturdays, but can vary due to weather, training needs, etc.

Members must complete a minimum of 450 hours of service - including project work, training, education, and travel time, a 30 minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. This 30-minute lunch break does not count toward AmeriCorps member service hours.

Location: Crews start and end in Eugene, OR. Crew members are responsible for arriving at the designated meeting location on time each day (we can provide info on bus and bike routes as needed). Project locations generally include city parks, public lands, and private properties in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Benefits: Members receive a living allowance of $7,200 dispersed in pro-rated monthly statements, along with receiving an 1,824.07 AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of the program.

Training & Professional Development Opportunities (varies by session): Participants are provided a comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew's projects, training MAY cover the following topics:

• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance

• Brush Cutter Operation and Maintenance
• Power Pole Saw Operation and Maintenance
• Wood Chipper Operation
• Driver (select members only) and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Native and Invasive Species Identification
• Pesticide Applicator Training
• Forestry Education including Tree Identification, Proper Tree Planting and Maintenance techniques, Common Health Issues in Trees, Surveying Techniques
• OHSA Training
• UCF Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume. These will assist Crew members in gaining access to outdoor-related career careers.
• Gear and Safety Equipment provided: 2 x field work shirts, eye protection, ear protection, hard hat, rain gear and more.

Qualifications:

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• Pass a background check (applicants with past involvement with the criminal legal system encouraged to apply)
• Be able to arrive on time to the pre-designated meeting point during all training and service
• Desire to learn and grow.
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success.
• Excellent judgment.
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback.
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, or applicants must obtain certification before their participation. Reimbursement (up to $35) of this certification may be possible on completion of the session.
• High School Diploma, GED

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Zeke Zeff, Member Services Coordinator, zekez@nwyouthcorps.org.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer - At Northwest Youth Corps, we believe diversity is an essential source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for all participants and staff from the widest range of backgrounds and abilities. While we are privileged to facilitate conservation service on our public lands, with humility, we also acknowledge that injustice and violence was at the heart of acquiring these lands. Therefore, we are deeply invested in addressing this traumatic legacy by supporting youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic status, and/or other socio-cultural identifiers to learn, grow, and experience success in our programs, and beyond.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.