We use an online system called Axiom Onboarding to complete paperwork, as well as some forms that will be emailed to you for signature by your parent or guardian. You should receive an email after you have been accepted with a username and password to access this account. We greatly appreciate you finishing this paperwork before your first day! Contact your office if you have any issues or questions about the Axiom system. Please bring your original IDs on your first day.
What are the rules on tobacco use?
The use of tobacco and nicotine products is prohibited on youth crews.
Can I contact my friends and family in the field?
Cell phones are allowed, and may be used outside of work hours, however service can be spotty or non-existent in many of the areas in which we work, so plan accordingly. Let your loved ones know that you may be out of touch during remote projects.
What if there is an emergency in the field?
All of your crew leaders will be equipped with a satellite communication device and/or government issue radio that allows them to contact help if needed. We have an On-Call system where a staff member is available by phone 24 hours a day. If you are injured in the field you may be covered by our workers compensation, and your crew leaders will have the appropriate forms to file a claim. If your friends or family have an emergency and need to reach you, they can contact program staff during business hours and we will get in contact with your crew leaders as soon as possible. Staff emails can be found on our website: Staff | Appalachian Conservation Corps (appalachiancc.org) Staff phone numbers will be distributed on your first day.
Where can I receive mail?
Mail can be sent to the office and picked up when you are back in town (See the 'CONTACT' tab for more information). Make sure that anything sent to the office has your name and "Appalachian Conservation Corps" written clearly on it. The office address should not be listed as your personal permanent place of residence for any purpose, including driver’s licenses, resident applications, etc. Do not fill out an official USPS change of address form to have your mail forwarded to us. Once the session is over, your mail will be returned to the sender.
What are the benefits of serving with ACC?
Youth crew members receive a weekly salary or an hourly wage. In addition to this compensation, members receive professional development opportunities, hands-on experience with environmental and conservation projects, access to examples of partnerships and information for collaborative restoration and community building, and build connections to agencies.
When do I get paid?
Your paycheck will be deposited in your bank account bi-weekly throughout your term (see the 'PAYROLL' tab for more information). You will need to fill in your time-sheet at the end of each hitch. If you opted out of direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to you, SENT on payday, and may take a few days to arrive. If you need this check sent to a different address than the one listed on your application, please talk to staff. If you need to change your direct deposit information, please talk to staff.
What does a typical work day look like?
Days on hitch can be long. For camping crews, breakfast usually starts around 7:00 am followed by cleanup. For day crews, you'll meet at our office, usually around 7:30. Camping crews might have to drive and/or hike to your project site, and day crews will drive to their sites. Every work day starts with a stretch & safety circle to prepare you for your project work. You will have two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute break for lunch during the day. Youth crews will get back to the office (day crews) or to camp (camping crews) between 4 and 5, depending on the crew. For camping crews, dinner usually starts around 6:30 pm; you will probably have some downtime before dinner, unless you are assigned to cook. All meals are eaten as a group. Most nights end with a debrief, which is a way for you and your crew to come together and reflect about that day. Typically, you will be working 8 hour days.
What kind of protective gear do I need?
We provide all the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed for your season, with the exception of your long pants and boots. For a youth crew, this includes hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection if needed. For eye protection, we issue either plain or over-the-glasses safety glasses, depending on your needs. If you would like to purchase prescription eye pro for yourself, it must be Z87+ rated. Several of our crew leaders like the Stoggles brand prescription eye pro.
Do we work in the rain?
Yes! Crews work in a variety of weather and different ecosystems. You should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, and always have your rain-gear and layers accessible in your day pack. If weather becomes dangerous, work will stop, and your crew leader will instruct you on lightning procedure or other precautions.
How does the schedule work?
There are three different Youth Corps models:
Model 1 is a camping crew Monday through Friday hitch schedule. Rig-up and de-rig will take place in Harrisonburg, VA. These crews can be anywhere from 4-7 weeks.
Model 2 is a four-week residential camping crew (typically in Shenandoah National Park). Rig-up on the first day and de-rig on the last day will take place in Harrisonburg, VA.
Model 3 is a local day crew. Members will meet up each morning and go home each night. Drop off/pickup or meeting place will be a central location to the crew, often a project partner office. These crews can be anywhere from 4-7 weeks.
Where do I stay during my days off?
Members are responsible for food and housing during days off. Typically, members will go home for the weekends and day crew members will go home each night.
Where can I park my vehicle during hitch?
Camping crews may park their vehicles at the ACC office while they are on hitch. While ACC considers this to be a safe location, ACC is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents. Day crews may leave their vehicles at the central meeting location for their crew. While we work to ensure that these locations are safe, ACC is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents.
