Appalachian Conservation Corps
FOUNDED IN: 2016
Address:
147 Dinkel Ave
Mt. Crawford, Virginia
22841
Spring Conservation Crew Member
JOB DETAILS
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Spring Conservation Crew Member
Deadline to apply: 2026-01-30
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc: Harrisonburg
State / Territory: Virginia
Benefits: Education Award, Student Loan Forbearance
Project/Program Focus: Trails
ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) is a corps program based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The ACC moves forward from the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps to engage young people in conservation service projects. The ACC is a Conservation Legacy program. The ACC strives to cultivate a new generation of local land stewards. We partner with land managers to accomplish impactful and lasting conservation service projects. We work to build and support sustainable public access, historical interpretation and ecological health. The ACC runs as a fee-for-service crew and we are willing to collaborate with land managers to find project funding.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Project Description
Crews will meet at the Appalachian Conservation Corps office in Harrisonburg on Monday mornings, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site, and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. Projects take place across the Appalachian region, including partnerships with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other land managers.
During their time in the field, crews perform heavy manual labor on environmental conservation projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. These hands-on projects include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.
Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Schedule and Crew Life
Appalachian Conservation Corps is an independent, non-residential program. Crews are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants are asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.
Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites.
JOB DUTIES
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (except for veterans up to age 35).
- Have US citizenship or legal permanent residency status.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
- No previous experience is required, but general comfort and previous exposure to working outdoors and/or camping is helpful.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Any questions can be addressed to:
Sarah Akers
sakers@conservationlegacy.org







































































