Pacific West Conservation Crew Backcountry Assistant Team Leader (ATL)-Southern California

Job Description

Job Description

Join American Conservation Experience in California and enjoy skills training, free housing, and other benefits while helping to restore public lands from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada mountains! Multiple term lengths, locations, start dates, and other options are available.

American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps with divisional branches in Ridgecrest and Coachella Valley, CA, is looking for AmeriCorps Team Leaders (ATLs) to come join our team of young adults serving on meaningful conservation projects throughout the Pacific West. Our mission is to introduce and prepare our AmeriCorps members for careers in resource management within the conservation corps industry or with public agencies such as California State Parks, US Forest Service, National Park Service, National Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, as well as many other local and non-profit land steward organizations. ACE Pacific West crews serve in Yosemite National Park, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, on the Pacific Crest Trail, in coastal State Parks, on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and in numerous other inspiring locations. This opportunity is intended for those looking to utilize their leadership skills to advance their career while immersed in a community of like-minded young professionals from around the country. ATLs typically serve for 26 weeks on projects including ecological restoration, habitat improvement, and trail maintenance and construction, all while completing a term of AmeriCorps service. While serving, ATLs typically have 3-6 days off between each project to enjoy California's abundant beauty and recreational opportunities with their friends and colleagues. Take your next step towards beginning or advancing your career by applying with us today!

Start Dates: 1) 1/25/2026

Estimated End Dates: July 28th, 2027 (900 hour term)

Location: Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) or Ridgecrest, California

Projects take place throughout California and the Pacific West.

Schedule: Project schedules vary greatly, but typically ATLs serve 8 days on/ 6 days off or 4 days on/ 3 days off. For remote projects, ATLs spend off-days nearer to their project location. Remote projects often last multiple project schedule cycles.

Benefits: ATL compensation and benefits include a package valued at over $2,400/mo.

ATLs will receive a Living Allowance of $520/week, paid bi-weekly.

ATLs obtain an Education Award for the amount of $3,697.50 (for 900 hours) upon successful completion of service.

ACE provides ATLs with food during all project days; ATLs are responsible for providing their own food on off-days.

ACE provides ATLs with free housing during their term of service. When working in or near the Pacific West Division, ATLs spend off days in our hostel-style housing in Palm Springs, CA. When working remotely, ATLs will be provided housing in those remote locations. The ATL will provide their own blankets/pillow/sleeping bag/towels.

AmeriCorps Team Leaders may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage and federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Gear: ACE provides each ATL their own tent. The ATL will provide their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, and hiking boots. Upon acceptance to the program, ATLs will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather can be highly variable, so plan on bringing layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear. ATLs will have access to deeply discounted Pro Deals via Outdoor Prolink once they are offered and accept a position, and will have the opportunity to purchase discounted gear prior to their arrival.

Travel: ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the ATL's term of service. ACE does not provide relocation assistance.

Position Description:

ATLs serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. ATLs are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors within ACE, while gaining invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and many other stewards of our nation's public lands. ATLs are expected to assist Crew Leaders in all aspects of crew work and life, including leading portions of crews independently, serving as an interim Crew Leader in the event of staff absences, setting a positive example for members, and other duties as assigned.

Field work and additional responsibilities might include but are not limited to:

• Habitat restoration
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Dry and wet stone masonry
• Reforestation
• Forest thinning
• Plant identification
• Fencing
• Invasive species removal
• Swamping
• Leading safety discussions
• Discussing rules and regulations
• Instructing members
• Driving vehicles
• Keeping living spaces clean and in good order

ATLs get experience with, or in conjunction with, the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training:

• Trail Maintenance: Pick mattocks, Pulaskis, shovels, single/double jacks, McLeods, single bit axes, rock bars, chisels, crosscut saws, and griphoists.
• Restoration Equipment: Herbicide backpack sprayers, spray bottles, GPS units, and measuring tools.
• Power Tools and Gas Powered Equipment: Chainsaws, brush-cutters, drills, saws, and compressors.

Qualifications: Applicants should be prepared to perform physically challenging labor on environmental and conservation projects for 10 hours a day. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying backpacks, tools, and equipment, and be prepared to spend 8 consecutive days in the field, on each project. ATLs will work in a variety of weather conditions such as temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and snow.

Required:

• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Able and willing to work in a group
• Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions
• Willingness to undergo and must pass the required federal criminal history check
• ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred:

• 3-6 mos. experience serving in a conservation corps setting
• Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional
• Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities