<p>Summary:</p> <p>American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps with a divisional branch in Flagstaff, Arizona, is looking for members to join a small team in Boulder, Colorado. This opportunity is intended for those looking to work hard and learn valuable skills for their career, specifically in trail building, alongside professional trail builders. Members typically serve for 5.5 months on this project and it will include trail building, ecological restoration, and habitat improvement all while completing a term of AmeriCorps service. While serving, members typically work 4 days and have 3 days off between projects to enjoy Colorado's abundant beauty and recreational opportunities. This work requires being outdoors, often without shade, and includes rock work. Take the first step toward an exciting and demanding opportunity-challenge yourself, grow your skills, and advance your career by applying with us today!</p> <p>Start Dates: June 1, 2026</p> <p>Estimated End Dates: October 16, 2026</p> <p>Location: Boulder, Colorado</p> <p>Your crew will spend 5.5 months working closely with the Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks crew (OSMP), maintaining trails within Boulder, Colorado.</p> <p>The Open Space Mountain Parks project is an organization tasked with managing green spaces within Boulder, CO. They have a dedicated trail crew who you will be working closely with (some are former ACE members).</p> <p>This season will involve general routine trail maintenance, likely in the beginning of the season, with additional focused trail projects including: timber work and stone work.</p> <p>Schedule: Project schedules vary greatly, but typically members serve 4 days on/ 3 days off. Housing will be provided during the entire term.</p> <p>Members will receive a Living Allowance of $400 per week is the stipend provided by AmeriCorps.</p> <p>Members obtain an Education Award for the amount of $2,817.14 upon successful completion of service.</p> <p>ACE provides members with food during all project days; members are responsible for providing their own food on off days.</p> <p>ACE provides members with free housing during their term of service. The members will provide their own blankets/pillows/sleeping bags/towels.</p> <p>AmeriCorps members may also qualify for childcare coverage and federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.</p> <p>Gear: Upon acceptance to the program, members will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather can be highly variable, so plan to bring layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear.</p> <p>Travel: ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; however bringing personal vehicles are recommended throughout the member's term of service to provide off day accommodations. ACE does not provide relocation assistance.</p> <p>Position Description:</p> <p>Members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in conservation. Members are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors by the project partners and within ACE while gaining invaluable career perspectives.</p> <p>Fieldwork and additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li>Trail construction and maintenance </li><li>Dry and wet stone masonry </li><li>Working in a Team Setting </li></ul> <p>Members get experience with, or in conjunction with, the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training:</p> <ul> <li>Trail Maintenance: Pick mattocks, Pulaskis, shovels, single/double jacks, McLeods, single-bit axes, rock bars, chisels, crosscut saws, and grip hoists. </li></ul> <p>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 4 consecutive days in the field on each project. Members 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.</p> <p>Required:</p> <ul> <li>Must be a United States Citizen, United States National or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States. </li><li>Candidates must demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate in a small, stable team setting over a five month period. </li><li>Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions. </li><li>Willingness to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check (National Sex Offender Registry check, Arizona state criminal history check, federal criminal history check). </li></ul> <p>Preferred:</p> <ul> <li>Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain. </li><li>Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional. </li><li>Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities. </li></ul> <p>Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:</p> <ul> <li>Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity is required for the use of various tools or equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions. </li><li>Vision Requirements: Close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision, as well as the ability to focus, may be required. </li><li>Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 60 pounds. </li><li>Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can frequently change when working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. </li><li>Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise, such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. </li><li>Travel: This position requires domestic travel. </li></ul> <p>Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties safely and orderly so as not to endanger themself, fellow staff/members, or resources.</p> <p>The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.</p> <p>To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume, complete a cover letter, and provide at least 2 references that are either professional or from a supervisor (former or current) community leader (e.g., colleagues, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, career advisors) using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our https://www.usaconservation.org/ website.</p> <p>NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sara at spena-lee@usaconservation.org.</p> <p>EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.</p>