Forest Restoration Crew Leader - Southern CA

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands.  ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners. 

LOCATION(S):  Southern California - Angeles National Forest

 Job Title: ACE - Forest Restoration Crew Leader

  Exemption Status:  Non-Exempt

  Required Duties and Responsibilities:

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is seeking a Forest Restoration Crew Leader to work and lead field crews in the southern California area, specifically in Angeles National Forest for their initial 12 project weeks. The ideal candidate will possess an extensive background working with conservation corps in the field.

 Job duties include, and are not limited to, forest restoration projects based in the southern California region that integrate a fire/forest restoration and management plan to survey, eradicate and control invasive plant species. This will involve chemical and mechanical removal as well as fuel reduction through chainsaw use. Qualified candidates must have the ability to handle concurrent operations in a fast paced environment, the determination to encourage and enforce compliance with all elements of ACE's safety policies, and the skills to train and develop ACE's Corps Members.

 The Forest Restoration Crew Lead will focus on ACE California restoration specific crews. The 2018 summer season is specifically requiring a highly skilled and motivated individual to lead our Restoration Projects in southern California. This position will be field based and will require the applicant to work extensively with multiple ACE staff, Corps Members, and partner agency staff in various environments including front-country and wilderness areas throughout California.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.  

• Ability to work as a team with other members of the ACE staff.
• Ability to lead and train a team in the safe and successful execution of a variety of restoration projects.
• Must have the ability to manage multiple tasks throughout the workday safely and efficiently.
• Must have considerable knowledge of chainsaw operation and maintenance, feller experience, and overseeing chainsaw operations in large scale fuels reductions as well as other scenarios.
• Considerable knowledge of invasive plant mitigation techniques and land management practices is a plus but not required.
• Ability to collect detailed data and relay accomplishments in a timely manner to staff.
• Knowledge of environmental conservation skills, basic environmental education, and outdoor living/camping skills.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, and often under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with ACE staff, corps members, partner agency staff, and the general public.
• Ability to adapt to surrounding work environment and conditions that can change frequently.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes including supervisor key responsibilities.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex safety issues.
• Must have the ability to travel frequently and often.
• Commitment to ACE's mission and to public service through youth development and volunteerism.
• Have or ability to acquire a wilderness first aid and CPR certification.

  Essential Functions Specific to the Job:

• Ability to establish and maintain safe and effective working relationships with ACE staff, Corps Members, partner agency staff, and the general public.
• Prepare crew supplies and project gear for upcoming restoration-based project.
• Serve as a restoration Crew Lead for restoration-based projects requiring herbicide application.
• MUST HAVE the ability to test for the California Qualified Applicators License. Study materials and testing fees will be provided by ACE.
• MUST HAVE prior knowledge of chainsaw use in the field.
• Commitment to ACE's mission to public service through youth development and volunteerism.

 Typical Duties:

• Leading and training a team for forest and habitat restoration based projects. Project specifications may include: invasive plant removal using mechanical and chemical treatment; mapping and monitoring using GPS technology; fuels reduction involving extensive chainsaw use; logouts; arranging details of transportation, tools, equipment, living arrangements, field communication, and work project completion.
• Transporting crew to worksites, and camping with crew during projects.
• Arranging environmental education activities and opportunities.
• Maintaining and repairing hand and power tools and other equipment as necessary.
• Hiking, backpacking, camping and cooking outdoors while at front country and wilderness spike camps while following Leave No Trace practices.
• Completing all project paperwork correctly, including weekly reports, safety sheets, accident reports, end of week check lists, feedback forms and others as necessary.
• Directly work with and mentor ACE corps members in the field and during trainings.
• Replacing items as needed in the cookset, first aid kit, and PPE set.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be US citizen or possess a green card.
• Must be 21 -30 years of age.
• An ability to obtain California herbicide applicator's license ASAP.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record.
• A strong background in conservation corps projects, chainsaw operation, botany, fire restoration, project management, invasive species control, eradication and monitoring.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
• Leadership experience specifically advancing a culture of accountability.
• Experience in on-the-ground invasive control projects.
• Must have a high a high fitness level and an interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in small teams in close/remote settings.
• Experience and/or ability to learn use of GPS unit.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professional.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• A qualified applicator license for the State of California
• A bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 2+ years of project leadership experience specifically in Conservation Corps programs.
• Database management and ArcGIS software experience

 Compensation:  $16.00, hourly

 Benefits:  We offer health, dental & vision, paid vacation, sick leave & designated Holidays for qualified employees. 

 To Apply:  https:/usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/  to fill out an application.  You must include a resume, one-page cover letter and three professional references.  Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview.  Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity.

Deadline:  Open until filled. 

American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.  In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Forest Restoration Crew Leader Southern CA Jobs at American Conservation Experience - Staff