Title: AmeriCorps Youth Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP)  

Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator 

Location: Durango, CO | Four Corners Office  

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Exempt   

Dates: March 24th** – August 8th, 2025, *There may be potential for extension through the fall season  

**Late start date May 5th 

Wages: $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) + AmeriCorps Education Award at completion of service term  

Benefits: Paid time off between summer sessions and 2 additional days of PTO; Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.  

Training:  U.S. Forest Service recognized OHLEC Chainsaw training, Technical Trails Training, Mental Health Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training. Potential for Crosscut & Backcountry Training. 

Housing: SCC-Durango will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Other options, including host-housing, and a partnership with a local Hostel. All options will be reviewed in the interview process.   

*Wilderness Medicine: CLDP members are provided with Wilderness First Responder/CPR/AED training. There will be a WFR course available in Durango in Mid-March through Desert Mountain Medicine. Other acceptable WFR Courses and Re-certification Courses can be reimbursed (up to $650) but must be taken prior to the start of the season.

Multiple positions opened. Application closes December 30th, 2024.  

The AmeriCorps (A*C) Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is a two-phase program.  The first phase focuses on orientation, training and development, the second phase focuses on implementation and continued leadership development. The AmeriCorps CLDP will spend 8 weeks in a crew leader training period, which will include a Leadership skills week, Chainsaw training, technical trails training, a youth crew leader training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In June, leaders will transition to co-leading two 4-week sessions with high school students ages 14-18 or middle school students ages 11-13. Each CLDP will be paired with an experienced crew leader who will provide mentorship and support to them through a goal setting process and CLDP development plan. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation and community projects.  

 

CLDPs are responsible for assisting Crew Leaders in ensuring the physical safety and emotional well-being of their crew. The intention of the CLDP/Crew Leader pairing is to aid in the leadership development of the CLDP. Over the course of the season, the CLDP will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities the following season. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan. Based on their own skills and experience, CLDP’s may take lead or assist with project management, creating and implementing development and educational opportunities, and completing required hitch paperwork. 

Currently, the typical schedule is either: 9 days on followed by five days off (During training season), or five days on followed by two days off (During Youth Crew Season). Depending on proximity to the work site, crews either return to town each day, or camp at the project site (we refer to this as a “hitch”) for its duration. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. 

We will be running the following crews during the 2025 season, please be ready to speak to your preferences and how you will support them during your interview. You will lead 2 different crews over the summer and are expected to camp and work Monday through Friday for all crew models. Exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.  Open crews include: 

Indigenous Youth Affinity Crew  Backcountry Youth Crew  Middle School Crew Day Crew   Camping Crews