Dear COSA Community,
Mile High Youth Corps are excited to announce that we have opened hiring for our Fall Forestry season. The open positions are for our Land Conservation Crew Members.
Land Conservation Crew Members, called Corpsmembers, serve on environmental stewardship projects throughout the greater Denver Metro and the El Paso County area. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. No experience is required! We will provide you with hands-on training related to all projects.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Biweekly Stipend – Earn a living stipend of $1,120 (Colorado Springs), or $1,160 (Denver) before taxes paid every 2 weeks.
- Leadership Opportunities available: Corpsmember Drivers are eligible for a living stipend of $1,140. Returning Corpsmembers earn $1,160. More information available on request.
- AmeriCorps Education Award – Earn a scholarship upon successful completion of service. This award can be used to pay future tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.
- Student Loan Forbearance – Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.
- Counseling – Corpsmembers receive up to 5 free mental health counseling sessions per year plus additional services through a Member Assistance Program.
- Networking – Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!
- Training – Depending on crew assignments, Corpsmembers will receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws (required for sawyers), trail building and maintenance, and pesticide application.
Corpsmembers have the choice to serve on a variety of crews. MHYC staff will work with you to find the best match! We strive for each and every crew to be diverse, inclusive and safe for all Corpsmembers.
Crew Type Descriptions:
- Chainsaw – primarily complete invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects.
- Trail/Hand – primarily complete trail maintenance and construction, fence construction and demolition, ecological restoration, and other park development projects.
- Noxious Weed Management – trained on how to safely handle and apply pesticides for invasive species removal projects, the role of pesticides in natural resources management, native and invasive species identification and how to operate a variety of hand pump and backpack sprayers.
- Day – complete projects in nearby locations, starting and ending each day at the MHYC warehouse. Day crews are ideal for projects close to urban areas or easily accessible sites.
- Camping – complete projects further away from the MHYC warehouse, setting up camp near the project site and your vehicles to minimize travel time.
- Backpacking – complete projects that are in remote areas that are difficult to access with vehicles. These projects require members to complete a strenuous hike in to establish a base camp. Due to the remote nature of these sites, backpacking crews complete longer-duration projects for 8 consecutive days.
Qualifications:
- Between the ages of 18-24.
- High school or GED/HSE graduate or still enrolled.
- Must be eligible for enrollment in AmeriCorps as a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Documentation will be required on the first day. Must bring identification documents necessary to complete the I-9 and other forms on your first day.
- Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.) and hike up to 7 miles with a day-pack.
- Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service. Must commit to complete the program.
Requirements:
- Pre-service National Service Criminal History Check required.
- Corpsmembers must not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.
- This position reports to Program Coordinator: Land Conservation.
Position descriptions for both Denver and Colorado Springs have been attached. Please feel free to share with any who may be interested in a fun fall season to work hard, make a difference in your community, and be paid!
Thanks for reading.
Tierni Chun (she/her)
Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator | Mile High Youth Corps
Cell: 719-822-3237
Office: (719) 630-7421
417 E Vermijo Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
2024 Land Conservation Corpsmember Colorado Springs_Fall Updates.docx