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

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

The Corpsmember will take part in various projects at different sites across Kern County and various regions of California. This position is designed to provide hands-on job skills through the completion of contracted projects. The Corpsmember must be actively enrolled in an approved educational program alongside this role. This is a one-year job training program, with the possibility of extending for an additional year.

Key responsibilities include environmental restoration, litter removal, trail building and maintenance, landscaping and tree planting, invasive species removal, fence building, water conservation irrigation, outdoor worksite camping, fire fuel reduction, fire training, and physical fitness.

Qualifications for this role include being between the ages of 18 to 26 at the time of hire, comfortable working along highways and fast-moving vehicles, effective communication and teamwork, tact and courtesy in public interactions, punctuality and reliability, willingness to participate in outdoor camping or primitive lodging for up to two weeks, and physical capability to repeatedly lift, push, pull, etc., of 50 pounds throughout the work shift.

The candidate must be actively enrolled and participating in an educational program, with no previous work experience required. Possession of a California driver license is preferable.

The position may require travel as needed, with spikes involving travel for up to two weeks at a time, including outdoor camping in primitive conditions or motel/hotel lodge.

Furthermore, basic reading and writing skills are necessary, and the employee must be able to respond to common inquiries or concerns from customers, coworkers, supervisors, management, and other personnel.

The physical demands of the job include using hands, standing, sitting, reaching, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting up to 20 pounds frequently, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, climbing stairs and ladders, and hiking up to six miles or more as required. The individual should also have consistent mental alertness, be able to see for driving CCEC vehicles, and have sufficient hearing.

The work environment involves regular exposure to outside conditions such as extreme heat and cold, wildlife, steep incline/uneven grounds, driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions, working around machinery, exposure to fumes, dust, gasses, odors, cleaning agents, chemicals, skin irritants, and electric shock. The individual must also be able to enter bodies of water such as lakes, creeks, channels, and rivers.