AZCC Petrified Forest Mentor/Internship: Summer-Fall 2024

Dates : May 27 - November 22nd, 2024 (26 weeks)

Program Location : Petrified Forest, AZ

Schedule :

Summer : The schedule will be M-F, 8-hour days - up to 40 hours per week. One overnight experience for multiple days as an entire crew is anticipated during orientation week.

After the YCC program : To be determined by Petrified Forest National Park.

Mentors will be provided housing by the Petrified Forest National Park.

Compensation

$675 / wk total, paid out bi-weekly. Housing provided.

YCC Mentor Summary :

YCC Mentors will work in a team of two guiding a crew of up to 8 young adults, ages 17-20, in conservation projects in Petrified Forest National Park.

Mentors must 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.

Projects this year are likely to include trail construction and maintenance, fence work, recreation site maintenance, and a couple of days with wildlife / range data collection and monitoring.

Petrified Forest Internship Summary :

After the YCC season ends July 26th, the Mentor positions will transition into internships with the Petrified Forest National Park.

Lead by a project partner from the Park, the interns will assist with various projects in the Park.

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 tools maintenance, plant identification, and an overview of public land management agencies.

Petrified Forest National Park will provide additional training for their interns for project-specific skills.

Expectations :

AZCC is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program.

However, Petrified Forest National Park may provide housing for mentors, which includes running water and showers. The Mentor must supply his / her / their outdoor gear and equipment such as a day pack, work pants, hiking / work boots, etc.

A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. Additionally, AZCC has pro deals and some gear available to borrow.

Mentors will be camping all week unless they are local, usually starting Sunday night.

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 be eligible to be insured by us for example no DUIs in the past 3 years.

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements :

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. Suppose you are unable to meet specific needs. In that case, we can 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 the same for all positions and may not apply directly to your situation.

Participation and Expedition Behavior :

• Work effectively as a team member despite potentially stressful and challenging conditions. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and 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 carry out the service work requirements effectively
• 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 directions from others so that you can successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards.

These directions may be given before the risk is encountered or must be given during exposure to the risk.

• Stay alert and focused for several hours while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those 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 appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and appropriately dressed to stay generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.
• Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and include severe and trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require a minimum of one hour, but perhaps over 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

Substance Free :

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

Required Skills

Required Experience