What are the responsibilities and job description for the AmeriCorps Advanced Trail Crew Member position at Vermont Youth Conservation Corps?
Conservation: AmeriCorps Advanced Trails Crew Member
Location: Richmond, Vermont
Dates: June 1 – October 31, 2025
Weekly compensation: $616
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,697.50
Age requirement: 18
Who We Are
VYCC’s Conservation Program engages young people in hands-on projects that benefit
Vermont’s environment and communities. Conservation Crew Members are essential to
the success of any Conservation Crew and their efforts have a significant impact on
habitat, water quality, and outdoor recreation in Vermont.
With a 40-year history in the state, VYCC crews have completed thousands of
conservation projects. Corps Members work and learn together in a collaborative crew
environment where they gain skills, build community and have a positive impact on the
land. Projects range from trail building to infrastructure improvement at State Parks,
sustainable forestry to invasive plant management and more. In every case, Corps
Members receive paid training and support from VYCC staff. The experience is
immersive and physically demanding. With that challenge also comes tremendous
personal reward. For young people passionate about climate resiliency, joining VYCC is
a great opportunity to steward the environment while also developing valuable
leadership skills.
These projects are made possible through VYCC's partnership with The Corps
Network. This position is funded by AmeriCorps.
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AmeriCorps Member Initial
Who We’re Looking For
A successful Conservation Crew Member is someone who rises to new challenges with
a positive attitude and will work toward professional development. We look for hard-
working individuals who will demonstrate their passion for environmental stewardship
and public service through a commitment to VYCC’s mission. Strong candidates will
bring excitement for outdoor living and learning new skills.
What You Can Expect
Advanced Trail Crews complete projects including trail maintenance, dry stone
masonry, new trail construction, and more, often in backcountry settings.
Each week starts at VYCC Campus in Richmond, VT. Members arrive early on Monday
morning to prepare to leave with their crew by 7:30AM and drive to the project site.
Members are required to camp in the field with their crew throughout the week. Crews
come back to headquarters every Friday to unpack, clean gear, and have the weekends
off.
Members have additional responsibilities at the campsite outside of these hours.
Occasionally, Crew Members will have responsibilities on weekends, including
training, preparing for and returning from time off, and the end of the season closure.
Advanced Crew Members gain specialized skills and have the opportunity to network
with conservation professionals who work for the state and federal government.
What We’ll Expect from You
Project Accomplishments
- Complete meaningful conservation projects including, but not limited to, trail
- Serve approximately 40 hours/week on projects, and an additional 10-15
for some longer hours
- Perform service safely in all weather conditions, including bringing all safety
- Follow instructions from VYCC staff and project partners to learn technical skills
- Complete projects to the best of your abilities, maintaining efficiency and a high
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AmeriCorps Member Initial
Crew Community Building
- Follow all principles, practices and policies of VYCC and AmeriCorps, including
- Complete daily crew chores and tasks, both at the project site and the campsite
- Help create a supportive and inclusive crew community by participating in crew
- Set professional and personal goals and engage with supervisor to assess
- Be willing to be flexible and adaptable as schedules and projects have potential
Education and Training
- Participate in a variety of trainings, including VYCC and AmeriCorps
exceed 20% of the total number of member hours
- Participate in learning and growth opportunities throughout service
Required Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Prior trails and/or extensive backcountry experience
- Ability to perform strenuous physical work safely in all weather conditions
- Ability to hike in steep or uneven terrain, lift and carry heavy tools, gear or
- Eagerness for extensive camping with limited accommodations and support
- Be a U.S. citizen, a national, or legal permanent resident non-citizen of the U.S.
- Have not been convicted of murder or sexual assault and be willing to undergo a
National Service Criminal History Check and a VT Agency of Human Services
check. Crew Leaders will be working with vulnerable populations.
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate, or be willing to work
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record for at least three years (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
Vehicles are strongly encouraged for off-time transportation. Headquarters is not
located in a walkable area, with little to no public transit.
Compensation & Benefits
- AmeriCorps Living Allowance paid bi-weekly: $616/week
- Education Award on completion of service: $3,697.50
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AmeriCorps Member Initial
- Potential eligibility for student loan forbearance and interest payment
- Food is provided when you are with your crew
- Camping accommodations (campsite, tent) are provided while working with
- Organizational dedication to on-going professional development
- Career pathways support through VYCC’s Community Engagement Manager
Terms of Service and Dates of Service:
900 Hour (Minimum-time) term from June 1 – October 31, 2025
Equal Opportunity at VYCC
Are you concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements of this position? Please
apply anyway. VYCC is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and
accessible work environment that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited
about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with everything in this job
description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate
for this role or another one of our openings!
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AmeriCorps Member Initial
Salary : $616