YCC Leaders & Assistant Crew Leaders

Overview

The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking Crew Leaders (CLs) and Assistant Crew Leaders (ACLs) for its Youth Conservation Corps Crews. The CLs and ACLs will lead a crew of high school age individuals (ages 15-18) in conservation projects on locations throughout New England. CLs and ACLs are responsible for inspiring and motivating crew members while completing priority conservation projects in the field. Projects vary each year, but generally include trail maintenance and construction, addressing water quality issues, removing invasive species, and improving wildlife habitat.

Prior to the season, CLs and ACLs will have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to confidently lead a crew at the NorthWoods Collaborative training. They will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics, gain hands-on trail work experience, and meet the rest of the NorthWoods leadership team. In addition, they will receive specific, on-site training throughout the season. At the end of the season, all leaders will walk away as greater stewards of the natural environment.

Crew Locations:

NorthWoods will be hiring Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders for the following crews in 2023:

Northeast Kingdom Day Crew (East Charleston, VT)
Northeast Kingdom Backcountry Crew (East Charleston, VT)
Northeast Kingdom Women’s + Crew (East Charleston, VT)
Nulhegan Basin National Wildlife Refuge (Brunswick, VT)
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (Errol, NH)
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (Westbrook, CT)
Fort River National Wildlife Refuge (Hadley, MA)
Silvio O. Conte Springfield Division (Springfield, MA)
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (Wells, ME) *CL only here*
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (Baring, ME)

Duties:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Co-manage a crew of 4-5 members in the field
Delegate tasks to crew members to effectively complete projects
Facilitate “teachable moments” to crew members throughout the season
Coordinate project logistics with NorthWoods staff
Compile project logs and crew member evaluations
Ensure a safe work environment for crew members and the public
Routinely prepare and maintain tools/equipment before and after projects
Serve as an exemplary leader, mentor, and role model for crew members
Maintain a strong relationship and communication with project partners

Employment Period: June 12th – August 4th, 2023; some locations may have longer employment periods

Workweek: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)

Compensation: $17-$17.50/hour for CLs; $16.50-17/hr for ACLs, paid biweekly

Housing: Options may available for on-campus housing; please inquire

Reports to: Dusty May, Conservation Corps Director and Blase Saucedo, Conservation Corps Assistant Director

Tagged as: Conservation, Trail Supervisor, Crew, and Leaders

Qualifications:

Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
CLs and ACLS must be 18 or older by June 26, 2023
Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid and CPR must be obtained by the first day of employment. Financial assistance/reimbursement is available, please inquire.

Required Skills:

Capable of performing strenuous physical labor under variety of outdoor conditions (ie. Summer heat, bugs, rain etc)
The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
Experience working with and managing groups

Preferred Skills:

We are excited to have applicants with previous trail maintenance experience but it is not required
Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications, or currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidate.