***Exact program dates are not yet known, however, the season will likely begin sometime in mid-May and finish near the end of September, we will update this information ASAP.  We ask for a commitment to the entire duration of the program.  ***

If you have at least 12 weeks of prior conservation corps experience, especially in trail work, please check out our WILDlands Technical Trail Crew positions.

There will potentially be one or more affinity based (all women, all LGBTQ+, all BIPOC, all ESL, etc.) type of Range Crews in 2023.  


Job Description:
Work and camp within National Parks and National Forests, including some of the most remote and pristine backcountry locations. Members will gain valuable field experience while working on a variety of outdoor resource projects including trail construction and maintenance, habitat improvement, and restoration work. This program is immersive and the entire duration of the season will be spent with your crew as you live as an active part of a tight-knit and diverse community.  

Crews will camp for the duration of the season, sometimes in remote wilderness locations. Your ‘housing’ will consist of a personal backpacking tent without cell service, electricity, and flush toilets. You will perform physically demanding manual labor in a variety of intense conditions. This is a fully immersive program, you will spend the entire season together with your crew even during ‘off’ time.  No vacation time is provided during this program except for family emergencies.

Corps members are required to engage in crew community development and personal development.  You will actively participate in the development of a safe, inclusive, and well-functioning crew community.  In addition to outdoor resource and trail work, corps members will participate in regular camp chores, position-related training, physical training, daily curriculum and education, environmental awareness education, cooperative living skills and the ability to explore surrounding wilderness areas through planned weekend backpacking trips.  

We are looking for candidates that have a great work ethic and take initiative.  Applicants should be committed to living and working together in a community with maturity, professionalism, and attention to communication.  
Corps members will learn directly from federal employees and specialists about outdoor resource work, natural resource protection and conservation careers.  

No previous conservation corps or trail work experience is required.  No previous backcountry or camping experience needed.  Must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old and a US citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States and you must be able to pass a criminal history background check.
 

Compensation and Benefits:
Corps members will receive a taxable monthly stipend of approximately $2,560.00. The living stipend is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary and direct deposits will be made every two weeks. You must have a bank account. $85 per week will be deducted for food which is provided for the duration of season including weekends.  

Members are also compensated by gaining valuable field work experience, professional development and practical job skills training and certifications.  In addition, if needed, members will be provided with most of the necessary backpacking gear required for the season including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, hiking boots, and rain gear.  A personal equipment list of required items will be provided upon acceptance into the program.  


Program Conditions:
While in the ESCC Range Crew Program members will live and work in remote, isolated backcountry settings where you are far from immediate medical services and where emergency communications can be limited and delayed.  Personal communication with friends, family, spouses/partners is extremely limited and infrequent.  Mail is received and delivered on an irregular basis.  Visitors are allowed on an approved basis with certain restrictions.  

Corps members will be exposed to the following adverse environmental conditions while living and working: rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, dry weather, lightning, high amounts of dust, camp and forest fire smoke, and high elevations. Work is extremely physically demanding and requires members to hike 3-20 miles daily over rugged, steep, uneven terrain while carrying 40-60 pounds in your backpack.  (And you will love it!)

Corps members may live and work around stock animals (horses and mules) and can be exposed to environmental hazards such as wildfires, avalanches, falling trees, etc. and wildlife hazards such as deer, poisonous insects and snakes, bears, mountain lions, etc.  All hazards will be addressed and mitigated during safety meetings and training's.  

There are no modern conveniences or luxuries and use of personal electronics will be limited, if allowed at all.  Daily bathing (in an snow melt cold creek!) and adhering to other personal hygiene standards are required. Members will assist with preparing crew meals, including handling meat and meat products, and will be required to cook for themselves on the weekends.

Members will be expected to follow regimented and structured conditions to maintain the health and safety of all members of the crew.  Rules and policies will regulate personal conduct and work performance.  Because of what is needed to maintain a healthy camp and crew, members will have very little personal or alone time, follow a strict “buddy system” at all times, as well as, be expected to abide by a strict no drug/alcohol policy. You will actively participate in the development of a safe, inclusive, and well-functioning crew community.

Daily work hours will generally be 8 hours per day, 5 days a week and members will be required to perform tasks and chores outside of their normal project work hours as well as participate in curriculum, crew activities and events after and before project work hours.  On weekends, crew members are encouraged to participate in explorations of their wilderness homes. No vacation time is provided during this program, it is completely immersive.  

Members must follow all rules, policies and guidelines set forth by Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps. Members found in violation of the Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps rules and regulations are subject to a system of disciplinary action that can lead up to and include termination from the program.

Please be prepared to submit your detailed employment history, experience, and information for two supervisor references, along with a few essay questions.  Do not begin your application unless you are ready with this information and have set aside some time to get through the application in one sitting (at least 2 hours).  We recommend you copy and paste your application into a separate document to draft your answers.  Do not refresh the page as you are working on it or your answers may be lost.   Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.  We will only accept up to a certain amount of applications, apply ASAP.  It may be a number of weeks until you hear about next steps, if any, from us. 

If you have any other questions, please email us at info@easternsierracc.org.  We are happy to discuss our opportunities with you.  Thank you for your interest in working for ESCC!

Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, disability status, marital status, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.