Natural Resources Conservation Corps- Work Exp. & Edu. Prog.

Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps (CCEC) is a division of the Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD). FIELD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1978 by Farmworker leader Cesar E. Chavez, and is dedicated to strengthening America’s agricultural and rural communities through our Core Values of Opportunity, Excellence, Integrity, Innovation and Si Se Puede. FIELD carries out its mission through a continuum of educational and workforce development programs that assist underserved communities in achieving empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life. FIELD has realigned our training and education to promote career pathways for adult learners. This includes work experience opportunities in Environmental Conservation, Energy, Education, Entrepreneurship and Civic Action.

The Corpsmember supports projects at various sites located throughout Kern County and various California regions. This position is geared to develop hands-on job skills with the completion of contracted projects. The Corpsmember must be actively enrolled in an approved educational program in tandem with this role. This position is a job training program for one (1) year, with possibility of extension for an additional year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES includes, but not limited to the following. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

Natural Resources

• Environmental restoration
• Litter removal
• Trail building, maintenance, and restoration
• Landscaping and tree planting
• Invasive species removal
• Fence building
• Water conservation irrigation
• Outdoor worksite camping (spiking)
• Fire fuel reduction
• Fire Training
• Physical Fitness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• None

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be between the ages of 18 to 26 at the time of hire
• Must be comfortable working along highways and fast-moving vehicles
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with other team members in a positive manner
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public
• Must be punctual and reliable
• Must be able and willing to participate in spikes where you may camp outdoors or lodge in primitive conditions for periods of time up to two (2) weeks
• Must be able to be physically engaged, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc. of 50 pounds repeatedly, independently and throughout your entire work shift

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Required to be actively enrolled and participating in an educational program (high school diploma, college/university, career technical education (CTE), or any another approved educational program)
• No previous work experience required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

• Possession of California driver license preferred

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel as needed/required.
• Spikes will require travel up to two (2) weeks at a time with outdoor camping in primitive conditions or motel/hotel lodge required

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

• Basic reading and writing skills
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or concerns from customers, employees/coworkers, supervisors, management and other personnel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, and/or feel. The employee frequently is required to stand, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders. May be required to hike up to six (6) miles, or more as required. Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Ability to see for purposes of driving CCEC vehicles including depth perception. Requires hearing sufficient to be aware of traffic and road distractions/conditions and listen to passengers.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside conditions 

(extreme heat and cold, wildlife, steep incline/uneven grounds, etc.) and warehouse environment. Driving a CCEC vehicle to conduct work; driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions; working around machinery having moving parts and vehicles. Regular exposure to fumes (including fumes from vehicle and equipment operation), dust, gasses, and odors. Exposure to cleaning agents, chemicals, skin irritants, and electric shock. Must be able to enter bodies of water such as lakes, creeks, channels, rivers, etc.