ACE Conservation crew

ACE Crews work with local and federal public land agencies to maintain high-use areas as part of conservation efforts to encourage visitors to minimize impact through use of designated facilities. Members working on public land projects can expect to assist in these efforts through site stewardship tasks such as removal of litter or camp debris, dismantling of unauthorized fire rings, and cyclical maintenance of walkways, erosion control structures, and more. For those interested in park or site management, facilities and recreation maintenance can provide an opportunity to understand daily operations and preparation for busy visitor seasons.

Projects involving fencing construction or maintenance may assist public land agencies in a number of ways, from marking a land boundary, assisting in surveying efforts, or preserving a site from unauthorized use. Members working on fencing projects can expect to learn about installing wood or metal braces, T-posts, and wire, as well as how to select appropriate materials to allow for safe movement of local wildlife. Using tools such as post pounders, wire stretchers, and fencing pliers (often called “babies” on Crew, as you would hate to lose or neglect them!), members work as a close team to communicate across wide distances in order to achieve proper wire tension and safety complete a section of fence.

Forest thinning projects are an essential part of ACE’s contributions to nationwide (USA) conservation work and fire mitigation efforts. Historically, many forests were allowed to burn regularly, preventing areas from becoming overgrown, while encouraging propagation of fire-resistant species. However, due to fire suppression over the last century, combined with current climate crises and extreme weather events, forests are becoming increasingly susceptible to broad scale devastation, with lasting impacts on human and wildlife communities. During a service term, members may have the opportunity to gain training and skills in chainsaw or crosscut saw operation, along with a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification. Members working on forest thinning or fuels reduction projects can expect to mark, fell, buck, and pile or remove designated trees or logs from overgrown, fire-suppressed areas in order to help restore forests to historic conditions.

ACE Crews working on habitat restoration efforts may perform a wide variety of tasks such as planting, naturalizing social trails (unauthorized walking or vehicle paths), or selectively spraying herbicide, among others. Members involved in habitat restoration projects can expect to learn plant identification of local plant species, as well as how to safely use and maintain gear. Planting projects may involve the use of power augers or dibble bars, while naturalization of social trails can typically be accomplished with trail tools. On herbicide projects, crews typically use backpack or hand sprayers and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to eradicate invasive species via foliar, cut-stump, or basal treatments. Herbicide treatments may be selected in place of hand-pulling or mechanical removal due to a site’s sensitivity or historical significance, or due to an invasive species’ robust ability to quickly outcompete or harm others in the ecosystem.

Historic preservation projects can vary widely depending on location and site needs but may include aspects of other project areas such as rock work, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and habitat restoration. ACE Crews have previously worked on or near historic sites to provide ADA-accessible pathways, reconstruct battlefield rock walls, maintain cliff dwellings, restore historic cabins, and much more. Members who participate in historic preservation projects can expect to find unique experiences and skill sets in connection to their region’s history, along with opportunities to speak with and ask questions of local experts within their partnering agency.

Members working on invasive species removal projects can expect to participate in a variety of tasks depending on location, conditions, and designated species. While some invasive removal efforts do include herbicide as part of habitat restoration, ACE crews may also use hand tools, chainsaws, brushcutters, and hand-pulling to mitigate species spread. Members may attend to invasive Russian olive, Chinese tallow, Brazilian peppertree, kochia, thistles, and many more in their local region. Some efforts involve removal of seed heads to prevent propagation, while others call for surface treatment or uprooting of the whole stem. Invasive species removal typically requires consecutive intervention efforts for lasting results.

Members that work on trail maintenance and construction can expect to learn hands-on skills for the implementation of sustainable trail design for varying use and weather conditions. From benching in new tread and laying out trail reroutes to installing erosion control structures and brushing corridors, ACE crews are instrumental in maintaining public use trails across the U.S. while minimizing impact and protecting surrounding habitat. Crews use tools such as the pick-mattock, McLeod, shovels, hand saws, loppers, and more to shape and improve trails, further preparing members for future careers and lifelong stewardship of public lands.

Rock work serves as a special aspect of trail work and is often connected to long-term durability against heavy use and climate impacts. Corps jobs performing rock work may install erosion prevention features such as check dams, steps, or armoring, along with larger structures such as staircases or multi-tier retaining walls. Specific projects may allow members to engage with the grip hoist apparatus, used for safely maneuvering sizable boulders onto or off of the trail. Members on rock work projects can expect to use tools such as rock bars, single and double jacks, masonry hammers, chisels, and feathers and wedges, along with the occasional drill or pionjar to assist in creating lasting trail structures.

ACE Crew projects focused on wildlife surveying and monitoring work within a variety of ecosystems to assist land agency staff in collecting data and observing local species. ACE Crews typically assist with desert tortoise monitoring and large scale fish monitoring efforts across the U.S., along with sea turtle nesting protection and release. Other project areas such as habitat restoration often converge with wildlife monitoring through maintaining a species’ natural habitat and preventing harm from visitors or unauthorized off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Outside of specific wildlife survey projects, members have the opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna on nearly every project, as well as how to respect wildlife in the field and maintain a safe distance.

During your off time, when you are staying at one of our hub locations in our existing facilities you will have wifi and cell service. However, many project locations have extremely limited or no cell phone reception and it is rare to have Wi-Fi on a project. You may be camping and working at a project site for anywhere from 4-30 days and could go multiple days without wifi, cell service or the ability to charge your device.

Projects may include but are not limited to:

• Habitat restoration
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Dry and wet stone masonry
• Reforestation
• Forest thinning
• Plant identification
• Fencing
• Invasive species removal
• Historic Preservation

When you are out in the field working on a project, you typically stay in tents at campgrounds, but also at times we use bunkhouses, AirBnBs, and more. Sometimes you will have access to showers but often you may not. When you are staying at one of our hub locations in our existing facilities, you can expect to have 3 to 7 roommates and many housemates. There are generally co-ed rooms, a female-identifying and a male-identifying room as well as 2 bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and dining space as well as washer & dryers. There also may be times when Hot-bunking is utilized. This means you are not guaranteed the same bed in housing during your term with ACE. For example, if you are on a month-long project and spending your off-days in a remote state, the logistics coordinator may need to assign someone else that bed while you are away. Sometimes members are able to get the same bed they had before, but it is not a guarantee.

ACE provides members with food (3 meals a day and snacks) during all project days; members are responsible for providing their own food on off-days. On project days when members are in the field, meals are typically cooked and eaten communally with everyone participating in meal preparation and clean up. ACE is generally able to accommodate most dietary needs, food allergies and sensitivities with advanced notification Food can vary based on frontcountry vs. backcountry settings. Typical meals include: Breakfasts – bagels, cereal, oatmeal, protein bars. Lunches – Make your own sandwiches with a variety of options. Dinners: Burritos, spaghetti, fish and rice, chili mac, jambalaya, chicken curry, and soups

We do not cover your travel costs to a project location. That is your responsibility. However, for the majority of crew positions, we provide housing and meals are included while you’re on a project. You will receive a living allowance to help cover incidentals.

ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the member’s term of service.

Our terms are 3, 6, 9 months or longer and are available year round. We post our positions 2-4 months in advance and for summer positions we generally post the opportunities during the March – April timeframe. View our Serve with Crew website page for our latest openings.

Many of our members don’t consider themselves ‘outdoor enthusiasts’ when they join a crew. We provide the training needed to fulfill the role and project and experience is not needed. What is needed is a flexible attitude, realistic expectations (i.e. you expect to stay in shared housing or a tent and not a fancy hotel), and a desire to try new things.

ACE provides each member with their own tent, uniform, and assigns each crew with camp cooking and kitchenware. The member will provide their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, pants, warm clothing, and hiking boots. We provide a detailed packing list and access to discounted pro-deals from leading manufacturers in outdoor gear and apparel.

Smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco product are not allowed during work hours. Depending on wildfire risk, smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco products may or may not be permitted after the workday back at camp. Smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco products is not permitted anytime anywhere inside ACE property, on ACE premises in any ACE or partner vehicle (owned or leased), facility, or building including any work areas, break rooms, hallways, and entrances. Additionally, engaging in any activity that violates local, state, or federal law is against ACE policy.

Yes, tattoos and piercings are fine, as long as they are not in violation of ACE’s commitment to foster an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment.

Additionally, any newer tattoos and/or piercings must be fully and completely healed before beginning your term of service with ACE or you must seek ACE supervisor approval prior to beginning your term of service. New piercings and tattoos require sterile and dry conditions, no sun exposure, and a specific aftercare routine in order to heal properly and prevent infection. Because participating in Crew involves doing rigorous work projects outdoors for extended periods of time in all weather, it is generally not possible to safely care for a new tattoo or piercing while participating in Crew. Additionally, time off will not be given to ACE members to support the healing of a body modification completed during a term of service.

Most of our positions are funded by federal funds earmarked for youth programs aimed at ages 18-30 and up to age 35 for veterans. There are opportunities for individuals over age 30 to volunteer to benefit public lands, for example, the National Park Service has a volunteer program. Learn more here: https://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/volunteer.htm.

Due to weather, partner requests, or other developments, we sometimes need to change our plans on short notice. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for a positive conservation crew experience.

We provide housing in most locations, food and transportation while on projects, a living allowance and more. Visit your nearest location webpage for details.

Don’t have a lot of outdoor experience? No problem. Not familiar with chainsaws or other equipment? No worries. We provide training.

Individuals with an open mind, willing to do some physical labor, get a little dirty, and have a flexible nature are a good fit. And a sense of humor doesn’t hurt!