YCC Mentor Summary:

YCC Mentors will work in a team of two guiding a crew of up to 10 young adults, ages 15-18, in conservation projects in Petrified Forest National Park. Mentors are expected to provide training, leadership, and direction while leading their crews by example through hard work, safety, and enthusiasm. A passion for being outdoors and working with a team is required.

Dates: May 29 - July 28

Compensation

Pay: $475/week + housing provided, paid out bi-weekly

HOUSING PROVIDED

Training

YCC Mentor leadership training will include some focus on youth-specific training. Topics may include: Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting. Depending on project needs, crews have possible specialized opportunities for instruction in trail structures, crosscut use, and safety. Informal training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training to include things like tool maintenance, plant identification, and an overview of public land management agencies.

Project work will primarily happen at Petrified Forest National Park performing deferred maintenance work on Park Trails, Historic Maintained Landscapes, and Maintained Archaeological Sites.

Expectations:

AZCC is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program, however, the Petrified Forest National Park will provide park housing (June 1 - July 28) and a vehicle for crew travel for the work week. The crew member must supply his/her/their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. A suggested gear list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. Additionally, AZCC has pro-deals and some gear available to borrow.

The schedule is subject to change due to weather.

Schedule:

The schedule will generally be M-F, 8-hour days - up to 40 hours per week. The schedule is subject to change due to weather.

Qualifications:

+ Be between the ages of 21 and 24

+ Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status.

+ Have a high school diploma or GED

+ Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal criminal background check

+ Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award

+ Must have a valid driver's license and no DUI in the past 3 years

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements:

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to provide some accommodations, except that which alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your particular position.

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

+ Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.

+ Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.

+ Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and National Service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.

+ Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.

+ Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements

+ Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times

Safety and Judgment:

+ Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.

+ Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard.

+ Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions

+ Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.

+ Respond appropriately to stress or crises.

+ 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 (where appropriate)

+ Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.

+ Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

Substance Free:

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

Required SkillsRequired Experience