Park Program

Residential AmeriCorps Corps Member

Serving as an AmeriCorps (AC) Corps Member for the VYCC's Park Program is an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public lands management and environmental education. AC Corps Members work on a broad array of conservation and environmental education projects which range from tree plantings to teaching children how to hold frogs. The work is both challenging and rewarding with opportunities for growth.

2010 Park AmeriCorps Corps Member Details
May 20th - September 10th
Become an AmeriCorps member
Build a strong community
Work and live in a Vermont State Park or a United States Forest Service Campground
Must be 17-24 years of age, with or in pursuit of a high school diploma or the equivalent

Park Corps Member positions begin on May 20th and run through September 10th, 2010. To begin their term, Park Educators will receive an orientation facilitated by VYCC Headquarters Staff. This orientation will set expectations for your time in the Park Program.

Upon completion of the Park Orientation, AC Corps Members will live and work at a Vermont State Park as part of a crew under the guidance of experienced leaders. Each crew will be responsible for operating all aspects of a park which includes: collecting park entrance and camping fees, visitor education, park policy enforcement, and grounds and facilities maintenance. AC Corps Members will be expected to participate in a residential crew community by engaging in crew activities and sharing the responsibility for meals, chores, and crew education.

VYCC State Park Sites:

In addition to the knowledge and skills gained from working in a park, crews will have the opportunity to participate in workshops designed to explore leadership traits, conservation techniques, and group emergency preparedness skills. Workshops will take place throughout the summer culminating in a one-week intensive training in September that will prepare AC Corps Members for leading crews in the future.

The Program will end in mid-September with all program members returning to VYCC Headquarters to debrief their experience and prepare for their next steps beyond the VYCC. Upon completion of the program qualified AC Corps Members may be eligible to return to the following season as Crew Leaders.

Park AC Corps Member Responsibilities

Work hard as part of a team
Provide park visitors excellent service to ensure a high-quality recreational and educational experience
Respect the natural environment
Complete safe, high-quality work on all projects
Participate in all VYCC activities, including leadership workshops, group training exercises, and community activities
Respect and encourage fellow crew members
To uphold and understand all VYCC policies and procedures
Share all cooking and cleaning duties
Abide by all VYCC rules and policies

Qualifications

17- 24 years of age and in the pursuit or possession of a HS diploma or the equivalent
Willingness and ability to provide visitors top-notch service
Naturalist or public speaking experience a plus
Strong interest in public service and working as a part of a team
Dedication to environmental conservation and awareness
Open to learning and receiving feedback
Ability to work long hours and live both indoors and outdoors and in all types of weather
Problem-solving ability and a strong work ethic
Willingness to undergo a criminal background check

Benefits

Weekly living stipend
Paid Training- Park AC Corps Members will receive compensation while attending our residential trainings
Certification in First Aid and CPR
Room and Board - Provided for all staff on residential crews
AmeriCorps Education Award - up to $2,362
Sterling College Education Award - $1,000 scholarship available to all VYCC alumni accepted to attend Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, Vermont.
Valuable Job Skills – Learn management, public lands conservation maintenance, supervisory, and leadership skills
Exceptional Work Environment and Travel Opportunities - Live, work, and travel in the Green Mountains of Vermont, and potentially other parts of the nation

NOTE: These positions are not open to international applicants.