Overview
OREGON YOUTH CAMPING CREW LEADER – SUMMER 2024
POSITION TYPE: Youth Conservation Crew Leader (non-AmeriCorps)
Location: Eugene, OR; camping across Oregon
Dates:
Leader Training: June 3 – June 13, 2024
Session 1:June 15 – July 20, 2024
Session 2: July 27 – August 24, 2024
Depending on interest and performance, there are opportunities to lead fall young adult crews.
TO APPLY: Submit an application online (https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com) under “Apply Now”, with a resume and short questionnaire; expect a confirmation email when your application is received. For questions, Amanda Wallace, OR Program Manager: amandaw@nwyouthcorps.org.
Northwest Youth Corps is hiring crew leaders for next summer to lead youth crews, camp in remote areas of the Northwest, and work on conservation projects.
Crew Leaders lead, manage, and support conservation crews of youth ages 16-18. Crews include approximately 9 youth members and 2 leaders. Youth members come from across the country to camp, work, and learn together restoring wild places.
As a leader, you will be responsible for ensuring the physical and emotional welfare of your crew. You’ll work together on hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on federal, state, and private lands, and facilitate short daily lessons with our accredited outdoor education curriculum.
This is hard work. You’ll wake early on frosty mornings to get your crew started, and will camp in tents for two 5-week programs in succession with occasional days off. Projects are physically challenging; you’ll train your crew to safely use hand tools to build trails, cut down invasive plants, and restore natural areas. The youth you work with will challenge you to be the best leader you can be, and you’ll watch them grow as a team during the summer of a lifetime.
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has 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 (ICC).
Position Overview:
Connect people with nature
Impact the lives of youth
Teach job-skills and education lessons
Accomplish meaningful service projects
Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. Leaders should expect organizational support during their endeavors that may include activities led by an outside facilitator and weekly check-ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows leaders to deliver an impactful educational experience to young people and also provides an entry-point within the fields of natural resource management, youth development, and outdoor education.
Duties/Responsibilities
Leadership and Mentorship – Leaders 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. Leaders provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. Field Leaders receive feedback on their performance from NYC staff and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.
Safety and Risk Management – Leaders are directly responsible for 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. Leaders will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite and frequently drive long distances in NYC fleet vehicles.
Project Management & Implementation – Leaders are responsible for completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and supervising crews teenage participants. In the field, leaders will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. Leaders are mentors and role models and set the pace and tone of the project site. This position is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Leaders will lift heavy loads, walk long distances, and should expect to find each project physically challenging.
Education – Leaders implement daily lessons based on NYC’s education curriculum (SEED), which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness. Field leaders track corps member participation and progress throughout the program. Field leaders are encouraged to bring their own skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.
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). During the week, crews will have a 30 minute lunch break as well as several rest/water breaks throughout the day.
Compensation: $116 daily; $120 for returning crew leads or WFR/ WEMT; $125 for returners with WFR/ WEMT.
Required Qualifications:
At least 21 years old
Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain prior to employment start date. Wilderness First Aid certifications must include an in-person component.
Current Driver’s License
Must pass criminal background check and have clean driving record for the past three years
Recreational/ professional outdoor experience, accustomed to living for periods of time without modern conveniences
Prior experience working with youth/teens
Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle
Excellent organization and time management skills
Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds
Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team setting
Strong communication skills
Good judgment and decision-making 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
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.
