Overview
POSITION: AmeriCorps Leadership Development Program (LDP) Member
LOCATION: Programs will launch out of Eugene, OR. Crews camp together onsite for their entire session so local housing is not required. Project locations generally include national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas throughout Idaho, Oregon, or Washington. Program members may work throughout NYC’s three-state region, depending on scheduled project work.
DATES AND PAY:
Oregon Practicum Track
Crew Work: April 13 – May 25, 2024
Practicum: June 3 – August 24, 2024
Living Allowance: $10,800
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50
Idaho Practicum Track
Crew Work: April 13 – May 25, 2024
Practicum: May 31 – August 17, 2024
Living Allowance: $10,800
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50
QUESTIONS/CONTACT: For any questions or additional information, please contact Eryn Lippitt at erynl@nwyouthcorps.org
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) and Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC), a non-profit organization, have given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award. More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps.
Position Description:
During the first six weeks of the Leadership Development Program, members will work as a crew with other emerging leaders in conservation. Guided by an experienced crew leader, they will complete project work while developing both their technical and their leadership skills. Provided Leadership Development Program members demonstrate sufficient skills, they will spend the second eleven weeks of their program completing a leadership practicum.
NYC/ICC’s Leadership Development Programs are innovative AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience to those interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps, land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor careers. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development, conservation work skills, and leadership.
LDP members who transition to their leadership practicum lead, manage, and supervise crews of youth ages 16-18 over two 4 or 5-week sessions. LDP Members will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands alongside their crew and project partners.
LDP Members are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. LDP Members should expect organizational support during their endeavors that may include weekly check-ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows LDP Members to deliver an impactful educational experience to youth just entering the field and provides an entry-point within the fields of natural resource management, conservation, and outdoor education.
Through these challenging and rewarding experiences, our programs consistently help members become resilient, disciplined, empathetic and strong. A high value is placed upon interpersonal dynamics and the development of robust workplace skillsets.
Training/Professional Development:
Leadership Development Program participants are provided comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew’s projects, training MAY cover the following topics:
USDA Chainsaw/Crosscut operation and maintenance
NYC Leadership Philosophy
Basic Trail maintenance and Construction
Crew Management and Motivation
Conservation Education
Risk Management and Safety Procedures
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Driver Training
Tool Use and Maintenance
Wilderness First Aid
Anaphylaxis training
Duties and Responsibilities during the first six weeks of the program:
Work Project Participation – Crew Members will be part of an eight-person crew led by one Crew Leader. Crew Members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned projects promptly to predetermined specifications under the direction of their Crew Leader. They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe workplace practices, proper tool use, work quality, and efficiency. Participants will work on high priority conservation projects for land management partners like the Forest Service, BLM, and Bureau of Reclamation.
Development & Education: – Crew Members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. A Participant Success Plan will be created by each member to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program. Participants may have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
After stepping into the Leadership Practicum for the second half of their session, Leadership Development Program Members will have increased duties and responsibilities.
Leadership and Mentorship – LDP Members help supervise all aspects of the crew and the work project. They delegate responsibilities to crew members, maintain crew discipline, resolve conflicts, and establish/maintain crew morale. LDP Members provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. LDP Members receive feedback on their performance from NYC/ICC staff and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.
Safety and Risk Management – LDP Members are responsible for assisting with the physical and emotional safety of program participants at all times. Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation. This includes not only the physical safety of participants but their mental and emotional safety as well. LDP Members will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite and frequently drive long distances in NYC/ICC fleet vehicles.
Project Management & Implementation - LDP Members are responsible for completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and assisting with supervision of crews of youth or young adult participants, working roughly 38 hours/week. In the field, LDP Members will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. LDP Members are mentors and role models and set the pace and tone of the project site. This position is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. LDP Members will lift heavy loads, walk long distances, and should expect to find each project physically challenging.
Required Qualifications:
21+ years old
Current Driver’s License and acceptable driving history for at least 3 years
Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle
Must pass criminal background check and have acceptable driving record for the past three years
Recreational/ professional outdoor experience, accustomed to living for periods of time without modern conveniences
High School Diploma or GED
Ability to lift and/or move 70 lbs., hike several miles, and be on foot for 8-10 hours per day
Positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success
Desire to learn and grow
Good judgment and decision-making skills
Excellent organization and time management skills
Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team setting
Ability to listen, give and take feedback
Strong communication skills
Spirit of adventure and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
Experience/desire in working with diverse populations
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
BENEFITS:
Leadership Development Program members receive a living allowance along with a $3,447.50 AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of the program. Living allowances per program are listed above in the Dates and Pay section.
Members are responsible for any transportation expenses incurred prior to their program start, but all transportation/campground expenses incurred on-program will be reimbursed.
Learn more about additional benefits here https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/your-benefits
HOURS:
Though schedules can vary, most crews will conduct project work Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will stay together to conduct resupply, shower, do laundry and participate in recreational activities (e.g., hike). Members must complete a minimum of 900 hours of service and complete their full term of service including: work, training, education, and travel time, a 30-minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. This 30-minute lunch break, along with activities such as setting up camp, meal prep, cleaning and crew down time, does not count toward AmeriCorps member service hours.
Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We believe diversity is a key source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.
In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.
To Apply: More information and link to apply can be found at information can be found at nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com
