Pro Trails tackles some of our most challenging trail projects. They will camp and work along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, constructing trail features like staircases, causeways, and drains.

Qualifications:
Leader:
Previous experience in:

• Constructing staircases and retaining walls using dry stone masonry techniques
• Construct rolling contour trails with full bench construction
• Maintaining trails using standards in the USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook

Member:
Previous experience in:

• Trail or conservation work
• Using power tools and hand tools
• Utilizing sustainable trail practices

This crew is filled for 2021.

Pro Build will be made up of a Leader and three Members, supported by our Build Project Supervisor. This Crew will work on the construction of a 4-season, off-grid backcountry hut at Grout Pond—measuring and cutting lumber, framing walls, using pneumatic tools, and high fiving from a distance.

Qualifications:
Leader:

• Minimum 1 year experience in residential construction
• Ability to read schematic diagrams, blueprints, sketches, and building plans
• Ability to teach proper power tool use including miter saw, table saw, drills, drivers, nailers, and other common construction tools

Members:

• Some prior carpentry, building, or trades experience
• Knowledge and experience with hand and power tools
• Interest in pursuing career in building trades work, design, architecture, weatherization, etc.

This crew is filled for 2021.

Pro Forest Projects will be made up a Leader and three Members working on forest management. This crew will identify trees for timber stand improvement, use chainsaws to fell trees, and work with foresters to better understand forest management plans.

Qualifications:
Leader:

• USFS Level B Sawyer/Game of Logging #3 or ability to complete training prior to start date
• Prior experience with felling of moderate difficulty including ability to plan for and navigate hang-ups, directional felling, and side/forward leaning trees

Members:

• Prior saw experience and knowledge
• Interest in forestry and timber stand improvement including prior experience with simple felling and bucking
• VYCC will provide Game of Logging 1 & 2 at beginning of season

This crew is filled for 2021.

Pro Water Chestnut will be made up of two Leaders who have experience in paddle sports. By kayak, they will lead groups of volunteers on the water to pull invasive water chestnut. They will spend their days paddling, managing safety for their group of boaters, and using their kayak to remove water chestnut in Lake Champlain.

This crew is filled for 2021.

For the safety of Corps Members, Crews, and the wider Community, VYCC encourages all staff, including all Crew Leaders and Members, to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If possible, we encourage all Crew Members and Crew Leaders to get fully vaccinated, including the two weeks to achieve full immunity, before joining a crew. Should a Corps Member need to receive their vaccine while they are in the field, we will support them in doing so.

While it is not mandatory for a Corps Member to get a vaccine, being vaccinated makes it easier to join their crew at the start of the season (no quarantine needed) and gives them more freedom during break weeks. All crews will follow the same policies, regardless of how many individuals on the crew are vaccinated. For safety purposes, we will require Corps Members to share their vaccination status on their health form. This information will be confidential and will not affect the roles and responsibilities given to anyone on the crew.

VYCC is challenging by design. We believe that young people discover their true potential when things get tough. Our programs set you up for success with training, support, and resources that nurture the development of:

• Grit & Resiliency—When you join a VYCC Crew, you are tested physically, emotionally, and mentally. There will be rain, bugs, and mud but these experiences provide opportunities to rise to the challenge. With the support of your Crew, you will become stronger and more resilient.
• Service — VYCC is dedicated to making this world a better place, but we can’t do it without you. With your help, we will build trails that increase access to the outdoors, create backcountry infrastructure that support our state lands, grow fresh food for Vermonters in need, and improve water quality. Join the hundreds of VYCC Corps Members who make a difference in Vermont every year.
• Leadership— Leaders aren’t born, they are inspired. Every day on a VYCC crew will be filled with opportunities to engage, aspire, and grow. This is your chance to be the spark that ignites your crew and your community.

Every season, VYCC Corps Members rise to the occasion when faced with the hard work that defines life on a VYCC crew. It takes a willingness to push yourself and, for this reason, VYCC may not be for everyone. But if you are ready to dig in, with a spirit of curiosity and courage, then this is the place for you. Believe in yourself, you got this.

Diverse crews are strong crews. We believe we are strongest when VYCC represents all members of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse experience for our Corps Members. VYCC, along with many other Corps in the country, are committed to reducing barriers and ensuring that people can see themselves on a VYCC crew.