Where do I stay during my days off?
All of our programs are non-residential, so where you stay during your days off is up to you! Some folks choose to camp during their off days, while others may prefer to find a more permanent place to live. Both Tucson and Flagstaff have a wide variety of camping options. Craigslist is always a good place to start looking for rentals, and folks in your office may know of other corpsmembers who are looking for roommates as well.
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.
Can I contact the outside world?
Cell phones are allowed on most crews, however you are not allowed to use them during the work day. Service can be spotty or non-existent in many of the areas in which we work, so plan accordingly, and let your loved ones know that you may be out of touch during remote projects.
What kind of paperwork do I need to do?
Most of the paperwork which is required can be completed through our on-line on-boarding system called Silk Road. You should receive an e-mail 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 Silk Road system. Also please bring original copies of your ID's on your first day. We will need ID both to complete the I-9 form, and to establish citizenship. Contact your office for instructions on which types of ID to bring.
Where can I receive mail?
Mail can be sent to the office that you are working out of to be picked up when you are back in town. Make sure that anything sent to the office has your name 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.
Tucson:
1443 West Prince Road Tucson, AZ 85705 |
Flagstaff:
2500 North Rose Street Suite 101 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 |
White Mountains:
1892 Pinelake Rd. Suite 7 Pinetop, AZ 85935 |
What if there is an emergency in the field?
All of your crew leaders will be equipped with a cell phone, a satellite phone, or a spot device depending on the reception in the area where you are working, and will be able to contact help. 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 the office and the message will be passed on.
What kind of training will I receive?
While the training for each crew will vary, most crews start off with a week of orientation before work begins. Most crews receive some sort of First Aid or Wilderness First Aid training, Leave no Trace training, and instructions on the particular project work that your crew will be involved in. This could include training in invasive species, trail construction or chainsaw work, depending on the type of crew that you are on.
Can I take time off?
Since most of our programs are not very long, we generally don't give corpsmembers time off outside of their scheduled days off. If you have an important event, such as a family wedding, we may approve unpaid leave. You will need to tell us much sooner than later. In most cases, members are responsible for coordinating their own transportation from their project site, and members may need to make-up for missed hours. In the case of a family emergency, you can take time off, but will not be paid for time missed.
What is my volunteer commitment?
We ask that all corpsmembers attend community events or complete volunteer hours during their term. The exact hour or event requirement will vary depending on the length of your term, but will typically mean attending 1-3 community events such as Earth Day or National Trails Day, or the equivalent number of volunteer hours. Volunteermatch.org is a good place to find local volunteer opportunities. In some cases, volunteer work may also count as a way to make up for hours missed.
When do I get paid?
Your stipend will be deposited in your bank account, or onto your issued debit card bi-weekly throughout your term. You will need to fill in your time-sheet every other week when you return from the field.
How can I use my AmeriCorps education award?
If you are an AmeriCorps member, you will receive the AmeriCorps Education Award at the end of your term if you have completed the term successfully. You will be able to access this award through the my.americorps.gov website. It is distributed like a grant, and there is a form that you can find on the website to apply that money to different institutions. This money WILL count as income on your taxes for the year in which you use it.
The AmeriCorps award can be applied towards college tuition, student loans, certain NOLS and Outward Bound courses, and other educational programs and expenses. There are also a number of colleges and universities that will match the award amount. Check out the alumni pages of our website for more information on how to use your award and what you can use it for.
The AmeriCorps award can be applied towards college tuition, student loans, certain NOLS and Outward Bound courses, and other educational programs and expenses. There are also a number of colleges and universities that will match the award amount. Check out the alumni pages of our website for more information on how to use your award and what you can use it for.