Connecticut Forest & Park Association
Love being outside? Interested in being on a crew while working outdoors, traveling, and camping in a small tight-knit group? If this sounds appealing to you, then CWCC is the place to gain hands-on experience in the trail conservation and outdoor recreation fields. Serve as an AmeriCorps member to build and maintain Connecticut’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System
Compensation: $400/week living stipend, $280/week additional benefit, Total: $680/Week
Age requirement: 18-25+ years old (must be 18+ as of start date)
Terms of Service:
Fall Only: Early Late August 2026 – Late October 2026 (~10 weeks total)
(300hr AmeriCorps Service Term)
Schedule
- Typical schedule is 8 (9- hour) days and 1 (8-hour) day for derig with 5 days off in between.
- Occasionally schedules may differ due to program requirements.
- Camping overnight during spikes: tents and group camping equipment provided.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Overnight camping while working in remote regions of Connecticut.
- Cooperatively living with other members and performing joint living tasks:
- Such as cooking, cleaning, and other camp chores.
- Create / rehabilitate new trails, and complete other trail conservation projects.
- Contribute to tool maintenance and group gear cleaning at the end of spikes.
- Openness to potentially work with a variety of volunteers inside and outside of CFPA.
- Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop an appreciation for their importance.
- Actively participate in work and at the educational opportunities presented to the group.
- Positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
- Perform additional duties as needed.
- Follow all CDC and State-mandated guidelines and protocols.
Benefits
- AmeriCorps Living Allowance: $400 paid biweekly
- Additional benefit: $280 paid biweekly ($300 paid biweekly for returners)
- Food: $10 per day per person while working added to crew food budget
- Possible student loan forbearance during service and interest payments as AmeriCorps alum
- AmeriCorps Segal education Award (if eligible and upon successful completion of program)
- Fall only: 300 hours ($1,565.08 ED Award)
What CWCC Can Offer You
- Strong experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management.
- Educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education.
- Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
- Communal experience living and working with others while learning about trail conservation.
- Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye pro, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.
- Tents and group camping equipment provided.
- Workers compensation (if injured during work hours).
- Transportation from CFPA Headquarters worksites.
Trainings / skills you may receive:
- Defensive driving with trailer
- Leave No Trace
- Sustainable trail design
- Hand & power tool safety / use
- Bridge building
- Rough carpentry
- Leadership skills
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Ability to work in a small, cohesive team.
- Overnight camping experience helpful but not required.
- Ability to work independently and in a small cohesive team. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background.
- Appreciation for the natural world, conservation and outdoor recreation.
- Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform work in sometimes steep and uneven terrain while carrying heavy tools and / or personal gear.
- Willing to work outside in hot or cold weather, while being exposed to sun, rain, insects, etc.
- Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate hand and power tools.
- Dependable transportation to and from CFPA headquarters.
- A strong commitment to CFPA’s mission.
AmeriCorps Required Qualifications
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
- At least 17 years of age (Please see CFPA/CWCC age requirements).
- Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
An Online Application is REQUIRED for this position.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. No phone calls please.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on environmentaljob.net Job Board.
An Online Application is REQUIRED for this position.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. No phone calls please.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on environmentaljob.net Job Board.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (environmentaljob.net) you saw this job posting.