2023 Crew Leader

Overview

Crew Leaders (CLs) are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life while leading a 5 to 10- person crew on various conservation-related projects. CLs provide direct leadership, mentorship, support, and training for their field crew. They must act professionally, with a high level of maturity when faced with uncertainty and discomfort. CLs should be able to motivate, creatively problem-solve, and adapt to changing circumstances. CLs are also responsible for upholding UCC’s values, ensuring that policies and procedures are followed, communicating with project partners, and recording and reporting weekly project outcome data and other documentation.

The CL term of service is approximately 9 months, spanning 3 field seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall). This position involves frequent travel, camping, irregular hours, and a varying weekly schedule. The CL must have strong leadership and communication skills, flexibility, capacity for self-direction, a passion for conservation work, and a desire to provide mentorship to emerging conservation leaders.

UCC operates three 12-week field seasons throughout the year. The CL begins their term of service in the spring with conservation, leadership, outdoor living, and Wilderness First Responder training. The Spring season is dedicated to development through formal training and peer-led project work. During this time, CLs become familiar with their responsibilities, learn proper tool use and techniques, and participate in conservation projects under the direction of Field Logistics Technicians and other field staff.

Upon demonstration of essential competencies, CLs will receive an increase in their living stipend for the Summer and Fall seasons when they assume responsibility for leadership of 5 to 10-person crew on various conservation projects. Note: CLs may be assigned to co-lead in collaboration with another CL depending on project needs.

Field projects may be backcountry (hiking into the project site, camping away from a vehicle) or front country (such as driving to the project site daily, camping at the vehicle, or non-camping lodging). Projects may be urban (located in a city or town) or rural (located in national parks, forests, etc. with limited access to facilities and resources). Projects may include (but are not limited to):
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including herbicide application
• Habitat restoration
• Fence installation/repair
• Land management inventory and mapping
• Fire fuels reduction
• National disaster response efforts
• Community service
• Recreation and facilities maintenance and construction
• Recreation signage repair

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Conservation, Crew, Full Time, Support Staff, Trail Supervisor, Trail Supervisor, Crew, and Leaders

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Agree to undergo a National Criminal History Check
• 6 months minimum leadership or supervisory experience in a team or crew-based setting
• Demonstrated outdoor/camping skills (guiding, conservation work, front country/backcountry skills – volunteer/informal/formal)

Required Skills:

• Trail maintenance and construction experience
• Chainsaw training and experience
• Experience with group communication, conflict management & resolution
• Maturity & professionalism in an environment with irregular and changing schedules
• Self-motivated with a commitment to personal and professional growth
• Alignment to UCC’s mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and commitment

Preferred Skills:

• 6 months experience in conservation corps, public lands management, or work in similar fields
• Employ effective communication with all levels of UCC members, staff, and administration