Stream Restoration: Felling

• Location: 2001 N. Chamberlain Ave., Chattanooga, TN, 37406, United States
• Job Category: Conservation, AmeriCorps
• Industry: Environmental, Conservation

Position Title: Stream Restoration: Felling & Rigging Assistant Crew Leader - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps

Site Location: Based out of the SECC office in Chattanooga, TN, camping and serving within the Cherokee National Forest

Terms of Service

Start Date: 01/18/2027

End Date: 04/30/2027

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hours

Applications will begin review on September 28th, 2026, with a selection by January 4th, 2027.

Purpose

Southeast Conservation Corps works to empower youth (ages 15-17) and adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship throughout the Southeast region of the United States. As an AmeriCorps program, Southeast Conservation Corps collaborates with land management agencies (United States Forest Service, National Park Service, state parks, local municipalities, and non-profits) to host crews and individual placements.

Assistant Crew Leader Position

The AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) is responsible for facilitating a positive Crew Member experience. The ACL is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires an open dialog with the Staff Crew Leader; helping them to manage projects, partner communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments. Our program model fosters a supportive learning environment where participants can maximize their opportunities to grow and develop while gaining certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship.

This position is more than just showing up; it is setting an example on how to persevere with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It is facilitating a learning experience for Crew Members, both formally and informally. This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.

This position will be coached and mentored by an SECC Staff Crew Leader. ACLs are responsible for maintaining SECC’s high standards for technical projects and hands-on member growth, managing projects, and implementing feedback among crew members. The ACL position is a key development opportunity designed to identify and overcome challenges in leadership through a hands-on leadership role in conjunction with close mentorship from the Staff Crew Leader. Qualified candidates will identify growth plans and assist the Staff Crew Leader in administrative functions.

Project Description

SECC crew members will be based out of Chattanooga, TN and will travel in a crew vehicle to the project sites in the Cherokee National Forest. SECC has partnered with the Cherokee National Forest to support fisheries biologists and hydrologists along the Citico Creek Watershed and other forest streams.

During their time in the field, crews will perform heavy manual labor to complete conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking through difficult terrain to remote project sites while carrying up to 50lbs of gear and equipment. Crew members will camp overnight, serve outdoors (in all weather conditions), maintain equipment, and perform all duties with safety as a top priority. We ask that crew members embrace the learning opportunities, preserve through challenges, and build community with their crew.

• Using tools (chainsaws, grip hoist, hand tools, pulleys, levers) to place trees into streams to create woody habitat structures for aquatic species. Although orientations will be implemented, applicants with a strong background in chainsaw felling and rigging are encouraged to apply.
• Transport gear (up to 50lbs/crew member) daily across difficult terrain
• Collaborate as a team with a high degree of coordination and communication
• Keep a positive attitude and follow directions while conducting physically demanding projects, often in inclement weather
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor
• Collaborate on field design and implementation of structures to enhance stream morphology
• Maintain a high level of integrity while in the field

Crew Life

Crew Model: SECC crews consist of 2 crew leaders and 5 crew members

Hitch Schedule: Crews operate on a 9- day, 5- day off (Tuesday-Wednesday) schedule. Project days are 10-hour shifts with two 15-minute breaks, and one 30-minute unpaid lunch scheduled each day.

Camping: Crew will camp in the primitive front country for the duration of