Senior Crewmember

2027 SENIOR CREW MEMBER

(JANUARY- DECEMBER)

ABOUT EARTHCORPS:

EarthCorps (EC) is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that believes all people and nature can thrive together. Our aim is to create a global community of environmental leaders through local, hands-on service to the land and community.  Putting our mission into action looks like an intensive year-long training program that unites young adults (ages 18-26ish) from across the United States and around the world to learn skills in leadership, environmental restoration, and culturally resonant community building. 

EarthCorps is committed to work that closes persistent and pervasive gaps, expands access and opportunity and promotes values of fairness in outcomes, belonging and respect. We prioritize fair access to environmental benefits, community-centered environmental practices, and balancing environmental outcomes across under-included communities. Each year, we strive to build a cohort program reflective of many different perspectives and experiences.  Through this lens, EarthCorps builds a network of leaders who have the skills to build a bright future, while restoring vital lands and waters and connecting people to nature. This work is ongoing, and the organization is committed to being transparent with program participants about our work, as well as including their input to drive the direction of the organization towards a healthy, welcoming, and sustainable community for us all. 

SR CREW MEMBER PROGRAM: 

The EarthCorps program is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental restoration. Crews make a difference on the land through on-the-ground restoration projects throughout Western Washington.  The program is an opportunity to directly improve the resiliency of our land by restoring habitat, improving water and air quality, reducing erosion, sequestering carbon and engaging the broader community to become stewards of our shared resource. 

This position is supervised by the EarthCorps Program Operations Manager, managed by EarthCorps project managers, and is offered through AmeriCorps. As such, all applicants must meet the requirements to become an AmeriCorps member and abide by AmeriCorps policies.   

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTENDED OUTCOMES:

Leadership & Delegation: The Sr Crew Member role allows opportunity for members to bring their previous experience to set a clear example for other crew members on their team. They will have opportunity to strengthen skills in communication, delegation, team building and interpersonal support. Additional Sr Crew Member opportunities and tasks include:

• Coaches the crew to achieve quality results, monitors safety and efficiency of crew work.
• Encourages crew morale and supports teamwork amongst corps members.
• Practices problem solving and critical thinking in a field-based, team environment
• Leads by example while serving alongside corps members. 

Project Implementation: Through mentorship from Crew Supervisors and their work on projects, Sr Crew Members practice skills in project delegation, risk management, problem solving, and environmental restoration techniques.  

• Serves as on-site project leader for EarthCorps, as assigned by a staff Crew Supervisor
• Supports Crew Supervisor in maintaining production, quality, and safety goals/standards for crew. 
• Responsible for implementing environmental restoration projects throughout the Puget Sound region. These projects (with typical percentages per year) include but are not limited to:  
• Vegetation control (manual,/ mechanical, chemical) 45%
• Indigenous Plant installation (planting)15%
• Stewardship/ Site maintenance20%
• Trail construction/maintenance20%

Education, Training and Instruction: 

• Leads by example 
• Fosters and encourages high morale and respect amongst corps members. 
• Shares expertise and supports other members in the field in areas such as: proper tool use, first aid, workplace safety, leadership skills, & service mindset.

Communication: 

• Demonstrates sensitivity to and awareness of cultural differences and their effect on crew and corps leadership. 
• Models proactive communication with Crew Supervisor and other crew members.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING: 

• Experience in environmental restoration or a similar work environment 
• Demonstrated high level of personal responsibility  
• Capacity to delegate, multitask, stay organized and be responsive 
• Experience communicating to a wide range of audiences and sensitivity to cultural differences 
• Commitment and ability to serve for the full AmeriCorps term

Restoration is a physically demanding service that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. Each year, new members consistently underestimate the physical and mental requirements. Crew Leaders must both have the capacity to perform restoration tasks in challenging physical situations and the ability to motivate others. Service regularly involves: 

• Long days of repetitively shoveling, digging, and swinging heavy tools,
• Heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. (22 kg) and bending,
• Working, eating, and camping outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, heat, smoke, wind, and snow.
• Walking on steep or uneven terrain up to 8 mi. (13 km) while carrying 40 lbs. (18 kg) of weight
• Working in extremes of heat or cold/rain
• Handling herbicides
• Interacting and collaborating with others daily in-person

Please consider the nature of the work prior to applying and let us know if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Regarding our Community Health Policy, circumstances may dictate that masks or distancing will be required during the course of service. This may include the wearing of face coverings and necessary distancing between crew members in the field, among other crew protocols.

TERMS OF SERVICE: 

• PERIOD OF SERVICE: January 19th, 2027 – December 11h, 2027
• RATE OF PAY: Living stipend of $3,500/month, pre-tax
• TYPICAL HOURS OF SERVICE: 7:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, with some Monday and Saturdays as required
• STATUS: Temporary, enrolled through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members must abide by policies set by AmeriCorps and complete 1,700 hours of service, including mandatory trainings.
• Clear Criminal History Background Checks conducted to fulfill AmeriCorps requirements

BENEFITS: 

• Approx 30 Training and Education Days as part of program participation
• For eligible participants: AmeriCorps education award up to $7,395 dependent on service hours
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training provided if needed
• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Paid Time Off (8 sick days and 6 personal days) and Holidays designated by EarthCorps
• Subsidized ORCA Pass for bus transportation 
• Boots, pants, t-shirts, rain gear and safety equipment provided

We encourage applicants from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities to apply, especially those from historically marginalized communities.