Frequently asked questions
I'm confused about the work schedule. How does it work?
Members work 8 days on, 6 days off. It is like working two weeks at once, and then getting extra time off for it. Rig-up and De-rig will be in Hesperus, CO (about 20 minutes outside of Durango - See Directions). SCC will cover the cost of food and housing for your time on hitch; members are responsible for their off time.
Where do I stay when I'm not in the field?
Members are responsible for food and housing during their time off. In previous years members have camped at free campgrounds, traveled, or found shared housing in surrounding towns of Durango (as Durango can be expensive). See the Durango Info section for more information.
What is a typical work day like?
Days on hitch are pretty structured. Breakfast usually starts around 6 am, followed by clean-up. From there you will travel (drive and/or hike) to your worksite. Every work day starts with a stretch & safety circle to prepare you for your project work. You can count on two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute break for lunch during the day. 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.
What sort of training will I receive?
Most crews start off with a week long orientation where you will learn more about our program & policies, learn how to use tools properly, and get some hands on project experience, as well as complete a Wilderness First Aid training when applicable. Chainsaw crews receive an S-212 equivalent chainsaw training course and CPR/1st Aid. Crews also may receive pesticides training. Please note that your orientation week is not paid, but all food will be provided as well as camping.
What are the benefits of serving with SCC?
As an AmeriCorps program, Conservation Crew members will receive a living stipend of $330/week (Pay varies for specialized crews such as the high school program, Veteran's Fire Corps, and River Restoration Crews). Following completion of the program, members will also receive an AmeriCorps education award that varies depending on the length of your term of service but is detailed in your offer letter. Your education award can be used towards an array of programs, including existing student loans, future tuition, certification programs, NOLS courses, etc. See Life After SCC section for more information about using your education award.
Can I have time off during the season when I am supposed to be on hitch?
Since most of our programs are not very long, we generally don't approve time off. If you have an important event, such as a family wedding, we may approve leave. As with most things, the sooner we know, the better we will be able to help you. In the case of a family emergency, you can take time off, but will not be paid for time missed.
I want to schedule family visits during my off time. Does the project schedule change, or am I guaranteed to be in the field on certain days?
Project schedules may need to change due to natural disasters, inclement weather, forest fires, and other unforeseen circumstances. Your best bet is to stay flexible. Project schedules will most likely stay the same. We cannot guarantee that it will stay the same, but, again, the sooner we know about a conflict, the better we will be able to help you.
How are emergencies handled in the field?
If there is an emergency in the field, we are equipped with cell phones, as well as an InReach device that allows crew leaders to check in daily via text message. There is also an emergency button, and if pressed, we are alerted immediately and Emergency Services are also directly contacted with the GPS coordinates of your location. We also have an On-Call system where a staff member is available by phone 24 hours a day. Crew Leaders create Emergency Response Plans for every project, so you will head into the field knowing how to respond in case something does go wrong.
If your family or friends have an emergency and they need to reach you in the field, they can contact us at our offices during business hours and we will get in contact with your crew leaders as soon as possible
What kind of food will I eat on hitch?
We provide 3 meals a day when in the field via three sources. 1: Bulk Food inventory. 2: Fresh Food Budget (Given per crew, per hitch). 3: Farm Share CSA (From our partnership with the Old Fort at Hesperus). We like to encourage healthy eating while in the program, so you will have a balanced diet of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and grains. If you are on a back country hitch, you will generally eat more dried foods. If you have a dietary restriction, your crew will accommodate your needs as best as you can and make sure you have an alternative to the group meal. There is almost always at least 1 vegetarian/vegan on each crew, so do not worry about having a vegetarian option. Please note that due to the nature of our program, you may have to adjust your diet to what we have.
Is there paperwork I need to fill out?
For your onboarding process, we use an online system called SilkRoad Onboarding for most paperwork. You will be entered into this system once your signed offer letters are returned to us. Please contact Jeanine or Eric ([email protected] ; [email protected]) if you are having trouble. Make sure to check your spam folder too!
Where can I park my vehicle while on hitch?
While on hitch, vehicles can be parked at the Old Fort at Hesperus. While SCC considers this to be a safe location, SCC is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents. There is no parking allowed at the SCC office downtown.
Can someone from SCC pick me up from the airport?
We are unable to offer rides from the airport. Members will be responsible for their own transportation.
What does "communal living" look like at SCC?
While on a “hitch” (8-10 days in the field working on a project), you will be living and working very closely with seven other people. Come open-minded and willing to communicate! We have every meal together and share all duties and chores including cooking, cleaning, and managing gear. Three meals and a few snacks will be provided daily along with all necessary pots, pans, plates, bowls, and utensils. You will need a Tupperware and/or plastic bags to carry your lunch with you to the worksite. You can borrow a tent from SCC, but you may have to share with another member. Feel free to bring your own tent if you are not comfortable having a tent-mate.
What do I need to bring?
Members are responsible for bringing their own sturdy, leather work boots and work pants. Required camping equipment is detailed in the Gear Section.
When do I find out who is on my crew?
We usually assign people to crews a few weeks before the program starts, and you will meet them when you get here. One of your Crew Leaders will call you the week before the program starts to answer any questions you may have.
Can my friend or significant other be on my crew if we both do the program?
We usually place friends and couples on different crews. This is a great opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and meet new people and challenge yourself. You will have plenty of time to see your friends when off hitch.
When do I get paid?
You will be paid your living stipend every other week. Your crew leaders will assist you with your timesheets, and you will be paid every other Friday.
Question not anywhere on the website? Contact Jeanine or Eric. ([email protected], OR [email protected])
Members work 8 days on, 6 days off. It is like working two weeks at once, and then getting extra time off for it. Rig-up and De-rig will be in Hesperus, CO (about 20 minutes outside of Durango - See Directions). SCC will cover the cost of food and housing for your time on hitch; members are responsible for their off time.
Where do I stay when I'm not in the field?
Members are responsible for food and housing during their time off. In previous years members have camped at free campgrounds, traveled, or found shared housing in surrounding towns of Durango (as Durango can be expensive). See the Durango Info section for more information.
What is a typical work day like?
Days on hitch are pretty structured. Breakfast usually starts around 6 am, followed by clean-up. From there you will travel (drive and/or hike) to your worksite. Every work day starts with a stretch & safety circle to prepare you for your project work. You can count on two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute break for lunch during the day. 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.
What sort of training will I receive?
Most crews start off with a week long orientation where you will learn more about our program & policies, learn how to use tools properly, and get some hands on project experience, as well as complete a Wilderness First Aid training when applicable. Chainsaw crews receive an S-212 equivalent chainsaw training course and CPR/1st Aid. Crews also may receive pesticides training. Please note that your orientation week is not paid, but all food will be provided as well as camping.
What are the benefits of serving with SCC?
As an AmeriCorps program, Conservation Crew members will receive a living stipend of $330/week (Pay varies for specialized crews such as the high school program, Veteran's Fire Corps, and River Restoration Crews). Following completion of the program, members will also receive an AmeriCorps education award that varies depending on the length of your term of service but is detailed in your offer letter. Your education award can be used towards an array of programs, including existing student loans, future tuition, certification programs, NOLS courses, etc. See Life After SCC section for more information about using your education award.
Can I have time off during the season when I am supposed to be on hitch?
Since most of our programs are not very long, we generally don't approve time off. If you have an important event, such as a family wedding, we may approve leave. As with most things, the sooner we know, the better we will be able to help you. In the case of a family emergency, you can take time off, but will not be paid for time missed.
I want to schedule family visits during my off time. Does the project schedule change, or am I guaranteed to be in the field on certain days?
Project schedules may need to change due to natural disasters, inclement weather, forest fires, and other unforeseen circumstances. Your best bet is to stay flexible. Project schedules will most likely stay the same. We cannot guarantee that it will stay the same, but, again, the sooner we know about a conflict, the better we will be able to help you.
How are emergencies handled in the field?
If there is an emergency in the field, we are equipped with cell phones, as well as an InReach device that allows crew leaders to check in daily via text message. There is also an emergency button, and if pressed, we are alerted immediately and Emergency Services are also directly contacted with the GPS coordinates of your location. We also have an On-Call system where a staff member is available by phone 24 hours a day. Crew Leaders create Emergency Response Plans for every project, so you will head into the field knowing how to respond in case something does go wrong.
If your family or friends have an emergency and they need to reach you in the field, they can contact us at our offices during business hours and we will get in contact with your crew leaders as soon as possible
What kind of food will I eat on hitch?
We provide 3 meals a day when in the field via three sources. 1: Bulk Food inventory. 2: Fresh Food Budget (Given per crew, per hitch). 3: Farm Share CSA (From our partnership with the Old Fort at Hesperus). We like to encourage healthy eating while in the program, so you will have a balanced diet of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and grains. If you are on a back country hitch, you will generally eat more dried foods. If you have a dietary restriction, your crew will accommodate your needs as best as you can and make sure you have an alternative to the group meal. There is almost always at least 1 vegetarian/vegan on each crew, so do not worry about having a vegetarian option. Please note that due to the nature of our program, you may have to adjust your diet to what we have.
Is there paperwork I need to fill out?
For your onboarding process, we use an online system called SilkRoad Onboarding for most paperwork. You will be entered into this system once your signed offer letters are returned to us. Please contact Jeanine or Eric ([email protected] ; [email protected]) if you are having trouble. Make sure to check your spam folder too!
Where can I park my vehicle while on hitch?
While on hitch, vehicles can be parked at the Old Fort at Hesperus. While SCC considers this to be a safe location, SCC is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents. There is no parking allowed at the SCC office downtown.
Can someone from SCC pick me up from the airport?
We are unable to offer rides from the airport. Members will be responsible for their own transportation.
What does "communal living" look like at SCC?
While on a “hitch” (8-10 days in the field working on a project), you will be living and working very closely with seven other people. Come open-minded and willing to communicate! We have every meal together and share all duties and chores including cooking, cleaning, and managing gear. Three meals and a few snacks will be provided daily along with all necessary pots, pans, plates, bowls, and utensils. You will need a Tupperware and/or plastic bags to carry your lunch with you to the worksite. You can borrow a tent from SCC, but you may have to share with another member. Feel free to bring your own tent if you are not comfortable having a tent-mate.
What do I need to bring?
Members are responsible for bringing their own sturdy, leather work boots and work pants. Required camping equipment is detailed in the Gear Section.
When do I find out who is on my crew?
We usually assign people to crews a few weeks before the program starts, and you will meet them when you get here. One of your Crew Leaders will call you the week before the program starts to answer any questions you may have.
Can my friend or significant other be on my crew if we both do the program?
We usually place friends and couples on different crews. This is a great opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and meet new people and challenge yourself. You will have plenty of time to see your friends when off hitch.
When do I get paid?
You will be paid your living stipend every other week. Your crew leaders will assist you with your timesheets, and you will be paid every other Friday.
Question not anywhere on the website? Contact Jeanine or Eric. ([email protected], OR [email protected])