Hiring members for 2016 Residential Leadership Corps

DATES: Positions run from August 5 2016-November 23 2016.

NOW HIRING members for our 2016 Residential Leadership Crew!! Calling young adults between ages 18-25, who want an opportunity to live communally on our awesome homestead near Asheville NC, complete conservation and habitat restoration projects on public lands, and learn about sustainable agriculture.

Members will complete an AmeriCorps term of service working on invasive species management, trail maintenance, and other conservation projects throughout the Southeast. Following a brief orientation, members will be working with SMC partners to complete native plant management projects on sites near Asheville NC. Additionally, the crew will travel to Georgia to complete trail maintenance and habitat restoration projects in Chattahoochee Bend State Park.

While living at SMC headquarters in Western NC, members will also have opportunities throughout the season to learn about permaculture, engage in trainings and projects with local farms and organizations, and experience community living on a growing homestead. Members will engage in a weekly “community day” on site, which may consist of community meetings, chores, onsite agriculture projects, field trips, and additional trainings.

During some projects, the crew may camp for up to 8 days at a time. SMC provides tents and other group camping gear.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$90/week living stipend + full room and board for the duration of the program.
Trainings and orientation with SMC and project partners (trainings may include: conservation work skills and tool use, construction and green design, gardening, permaculture and sustainable agriculture, food preservation, leave no trace camping, leadership, community building, teamwork, etc.)
Experience living and working in a vibrant residential community.
AmeriCorps educational scholarship upon completion of the program.
Plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful southeast!

DESIRED SKILLS AND INTERESTS:.

Ability to hike for long distances carrying backpacks, tools, and equipment, completing repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects, and using machinery.
Ability to live and work in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to eight days.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions.
Experience and/or strong interest in conservation and invasive species management, and a desire to learn related skills.
Experience and/or strong interest in sustainable agriculture, gardening, and low impact living.
Experience and/or strong interest in leave no trace camping and back-country living.
Desire to live and work in a close knit residential community.
Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities.
Environmental science, biology, botany, resources management, or similar degree preferred but not required.

Apply now to join our 2016 residential leadership corps!

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter, resume, and three references to Heather Buckner at Hebuckner@gmail.com

Applications will be accepted until July 15.

Applicants may also be asked to complete an additional online application which can be found at http://thesca.org/serve/position/smoky-mountain-corps/po-00699166. Use code PO-00699166 when requested.