Field Crew Member

Position: Badlands Conservation Corps (BCC) Field Crew Member 

Reports to: BCC Crew Leader

Service Schedule:

Dates: 2025 Project Season
Late May–Early July 2025 (Service dates are subject to change) 

Hours: 300 Hours
Monday–Friday, Saturdays as needed

Location:

Service project locations in the Badlands of western North Dakota may include: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Little Missouri National Grasslands and Maah Daah Hey Trail, private ranchlands, and others.

Contact:

Spring Bakke
Project Coordinator
Strengthen ND AmeriCorps Member
(701) 450-1631
spring@badlandsconservationalliance.org

Deadline extended: Applications are due April 27th, 2025.

Position Description

This is an entry-level position with the Badlands Conservation Corps Field Crew, a program of Badlands Conservation Alliance. The 4- to 6-person crew of 18- to 25-year-olds will work on multi-day service projects with the National Park Service, US Forest Service and private partners on some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the North Dakota Badlands.

Work days consist of long hours and are physically demanding. Projects may include trail maintenance and construction, habitat restoration, planting, backcountry work, forest fuels reduction, and more. Crew members are expected to participate in all elements of the program and maintain a positive attitude throughout. Crew members will be expected to maintain a good working relationship with other crew members, leaders and project partners. Ideal crew members are passionate about the outdoors and conservation, and are eager to make an impact in North Dakota.

Crew members will learn valuable technical and field skills, and also develop competencies to achieve success in a wide variety of careers. Through this challenging but rewarding work, crew members experience the full measure of their character and discover their capacity to lead change in their communities and, just as importantly, in their own lives. Beyond that, crew members help others to connect to the great outdoors while also improving our public lands.

Duties

  • Work on service projects that may include trail maintenance and construction, trimming and mowing, erosion control, tread work, invasive species and litter removal, fence installation and repair, habitat restoration and native plantings. Project work may vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns and can change at any moment regardless of what is scheduled.

  • Ensure that safety is top priority during all service projects.

  • Follow all BCC policies and procedures and contribute to the overall group by creating a healthy and supportive environment.

  • Work in diverse team settings, showing respect to all members of the program, our partners, the public and the land they are visiting.

  • Exhibit a strong work ethic and positive, supportive attitude.

  • Represent the program in a professional manner at all times and wear BCC gear during service projects.

  • Members are expected to be timely, hardworking, flexible and complete all functions of the tasks assigned, including challenging physical labor and hiking several miles.

  • Provide ongoing feedback regarding service and crew leaders.

Requirements

  • Minimum age of 18

  • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States

  • At minimum, must be a high school graduate or have a GED

  • Satisfy a criminal history background check

  • Be able to hike 3–7 miles per day in rocky, uneven terrain wearing a backpack and carrying tools

  • Ability to lift 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand tools

  • Be able to follow instructions and comply with safety protocol

  • Be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures independently and in collaboration with a group

  • Strong work ethic and willingness to work long hard hours in all weather conditions

  • Availability for entire duration of term of service

Benefits

  • Food provided while in the field during service projects

  • Housing and/or camping provided for the duration of each service project

  • Basic first aid/CPR certification

  • Professional development field training opportunities

AmeriCorps

This position is made possible by a partnership with Strengthen ND AmeriCorps Impact Makers (AIM). Benefits of an AIM AmeriCorps member include:

Position Type/Hours: 300 hours (Approximately 6 weeks)
Living Allowance: $3500
Education Award: $1565 (Upon successful completion)
Total Award: $5065

Badlands Conservation Alliance is committed to creating a welcoming environment and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

This is a general overview of expected duties and responsibilities, however it may not include all responsibilities required.

Things to Know

  • Crew members will serve with 1–2 crew leaders and project partners who will provide project expertise, mentorship, training and support for the success of all participants.

  • BCC will provide safety gear including eye and ear protection, hard hats, and project tools.

  • Participants must supply his/her/their own personal outdoor gear. A suggested gear list will be provided prior to starting term of service.

  • Crew members will typically travel from crew housing to the project site as a group. Each day starts with stretching and a safety meeting, and includes a 30-minute break for lunch as well as two 15-minute breaks.

  • Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time.

  • Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities including evening chores and check-ins.

  • Members are expected to communicate concerns as they arise directly to crew leaders and staff.

  • Members must have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them.

  • Members are expected to represent the program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners in a professional manner at all times.

  • Members will prioritize self-care in order to stay healthy and to prevent injuries.

If you're excited about joining our field crew and working in the Badlands, but you're not sure whether you meet all the requirements, we still encourage you to submit your application. Badlands Conservation Alliance is a welcoming place to work and we're open to everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Spring Bakke, Project Coordinator, at (701) 450-1631 or spring@badlandsconservationalliance.org. We look forward to hearing from you!