At American Conservation Experience (ACE), our commitment to environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with an equally profound dedication to the safety and professional development of our crews and staff. When you see an ACE crew in the field—whether they’re restoring a trail, felling invasive trees, or collecting vital conservation data—you’re not just witnessing passionate individuals at work. You’re observing highly trained professionals, equipped with a diverse skill set honed through robust, multi-faceted instruction.
For prospective partners considering collaboration with ACE, and for individuals eager to join our ranks, understanding the breadth and depth of our training is key. It underscores the quality, efficiency, and safety that define every ACE project.
A Holistic Approach to Training: Building Competence and Confidence
Our training philosophy at ACE is comprehensive, designed to prepare our crews and staff for the varied and often challenging environments they encounter. We believe that a well-trained individual is not only more effective but also safer, more confident, and ultimately, more impactful in their conservation efforts.
Here’s a glimpse into the extensive training our field members and staff receive, highlighting the dedication to professionalism that sets ACE apart:
- Chainsaw & Crosscut Certification: Power and precision are critical for many of our land management projects. Staff and select crew members undergo intensive training in both chainsaw and traditional crosscut saw operation, adhering to industry best practices and emphasizing safe felling, limbing, and bucking techniques. This certification ensures efficient and responsible vegetation management.
- Emergency Preparedness: CPR, Wilderness First Aid (WFA) & Wilderness First Responder (WFR): In remote settings, immediate and effective medical response can be life-saving. Every ACE crew has members trained in CPR, and many staff members are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR). WFR training goes far beyond basic first aid, equipping individuals with advanced skills to manage injuries and illnesses in challenging environments until professional medical help arrives. This commitment to wilderness medicine ensures that our crews are prepared for any unforeseen medical emergency.
- Technical Rigging & Lifting: Griphoist Training: From moving large timbers for bridge construction to maneuvering rocks for masonry projects as well as clearing heavy debris, the safe and effective use of mechanical advantage systems is crucial. Our griphoist training provides staff with the knowledge and practical experience to safely operate these essential tools for heavy lifting and pulling, ensuring project efficiency and safety.
- Environmental Stewardship & Compliance: State Herbicide Application Licensing: ACE is one of very few conservation corps that is licensed for herbicide application to perform targeted removal of destructive invasives that threaten our ecosystems. For invasive species management, responsible herbicide application is a critical tool. ACE staff receive state-specific pesticide applicator licensing, ensuring they understand and adhere to all regulations, safety protocols, and environmental best practices for chemical applications. This commitment reflects our dedication to both effective conservation and environmental health.
- Backcountry Health & Safety: Working in remote and often rugged terrain demands a deep understanding of backcountry risks. Our comprehensive backcountry health and safety training covers everything from risk assessment and prevention to navigation, emergency communication, and shelter building. This training empowers crews to make informed decisions and operate safely in diverse wilderness environments.
- Mental Well-being: Mental Health First Aid: Recognizing that conservation work can be physically and mentally demanding, ACE prioritizes the holistic well-being of our crews. Mental Health First Aid training equips our staff to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health struggles in the field and ACE focuses on early intervention and a supportive approach. This vital training fosters a positive environment and ensures that our crew members have access to initial support when needed.
- Industry Standards & Regulations: OSHA Compliance: Safety is paramount. ACE adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and our staff receive training on relevant OSHA regulations. This ensures a safe working environment and reinforces our commitment to preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Minimizing Impact: Leave No Trace Principles: As stewards of public lands, we are deeply committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. All ACE crews are thoroughly trained in Leave No Trace principles, ensuring they understand and practice techniques for responsible outdoor recreation and conservation work, from proper waste disposal to minimizing impact on vegetation and wildlife.
Additional training offerings:
- Hazardous Waste Operations
- Community Engagement Training
- Community Emergency Response Team
- FEMA related trainings including Incident Command System training
- Red Cross Disaster Mental Health
- Safety on Disaster
- Muck & Gut
- Mold suppression
- Asbestos Information
- Safety and contamination
More Than Just Skills: A Culture of Professionalism
The extensive training provided by ACE isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about fostering a culture of professionalism, responsibility, and continuous improvement. Our training programs instill:
- Attention to Detail: Precision in every task, from tool maintenance to data collection.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to adapt and overcome challenges in dynamic field environments.
- Teamwork and Communication: Essential for effective and safe project execution.
- Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of potential hazards.
- Environmental Ethics: A deep understanding of our role as stewards of natural resources.
Partner with Professionals, Join a Dedicated Team
For prospective partners, ACE’s comprehensive training translates directly into high-quality project outcomes, efficient operations, and a reliable, safety-conscious workforce. We are proud to deliver professional conservation services, backed by a deeply trained and experienced team.
Whether we are working in challenging backcountry environments or closer to home, ACE is a professional leader in completing conservation projects. We cover everything from clearing downed trees and debris to designing and building complex trail systems.
For aspiring ACE members, this extensive training represents an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. You will gain valuable, transferable skills, contribute to meaningful conservation efforts, and become part of a community that values safety, professionalism, and excellence.
At ACE, we believe that investing in our people is investing in the future of conservation. The wide range of training our crews and staff receive is a testament to this belief, ensuring that every project we undertake is executed with the utmost quality, safety, and professionalism. Join us in making a difference, with the confidence that comes from being truly prepared.