ACE Crew FAQs

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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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!