Hybrid Urban Green - C&O Canal National Historic Park Towpath Crew Member -Potomac bei Student Conservation Association

Conservation Begins Here

C&O Canal National Historic Park Towpath (Potomac, MD)

Position Summary 

This crew will be based out of the Palisades maintenance shop in Potomac, MD, and support the C&O Canal maintenance staff with routine daily activities along the towpath. This crew will consist of three members that will work alongside an SCA crew leader, NPS partners, and SCA staff. Primarily, this project requires SCA members to remove vegetation from historic stone culverts, locks, flumes, abutments, walls, and any other historic stone structure within the park boundaries that the NPS deems the need for vegetation removal. This crew will assist the NPS staff with the removal of fallen trees in the park and along the towpath. Members may have an opportunity to support projects related to carpentry, masonry, and GIS mapping. If members do not already have basic first aid and CPR training, they will receive this training during the program. Members of this crew may receive chainsaw certification, dependent upon the capacity of NPS staff to host the training. If the position is successfully completed, members may be eligible to earn the Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority giving them eligibility to apply to merit vacancy announcements within the Federal Government for two years.

Schedule 

Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (8-hour workdays, 40-hour work weeks) Schedule subject to change with notice from NPS or SCA.

6:00 am – Report to shop receive work assignment

6:00 am – 11:00 am – Project work

11:00 am – 11:30 am – Lunch break

11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Continue project work

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Wrap project work, clean-up worksite, team debrief workday

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Participate in outdoor conservation field work and nature stewardship education; Work collaboratively with team members and SCA partners and staff completing designated work projects; Learn and develop skills in vegetation removal, mower use, power tools use, plant ID, and forest health; Participate in career builder activities and National Park Service trainings

Marginal Duties 

Participate in nature stewardship education learning activities; Letter of Reflection; Complete feedback surveys; Participate in professional development sessions like career panels, SMART Goal planning, and Leave No Trace training

Initial trainings will be held for all types of service activities: AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy; AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination; Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.; SCA Professional Development; Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace; Risk Management 101; Other training opportunities when available 

Required Qualifications 

Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be a minimum of 18 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; Must be able to select Saturdays throughout the program season

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:  

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements;  

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;  
• Being at least 18 years or older;  
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;  
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered. 

Optional benefit: This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger to be eligible for PLC Hiring Authority certificate. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward a future Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience working in team a plus; Experience working outdoors a plus

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

No housing provided; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview

Compensation  

• $600/weekly Living Allowance; 40-hour work weeks; bi-weekly pay
• $385.72/monthly Housing Allowance; paid on the second pay period of the month
• Eligibility for 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service valued at $3,697.50 
• AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program 
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps 
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans 
• Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group 

*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Transportation and Site Locations: Leader and members must provide their own transportation to and from the maintenance shop at the Palisades, Maryland site. The Palisades shop is located at; 11710 Macarthur Blvd Potomac, MD.

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driver Training
• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.