Women’s Young Adult Chainsaw Crew Leader- Idaho
Northwest Youth CorpsPOSITION TYPE: Women's Young Adult Chainsaw Crew Leader
LOCATION: Based out of Boise, ID but local housing is not needed as crews camp together for their entire session. Projects will generally focus on chainsaw work in national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas throughout the state of Idaho.
Dates:
Leader Training: 5/21 - 6/3
Program Dates: 6/5 - 8/16
There are also opportunities to lead other crews.
QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Elie Lewis - Program Coordinator - eliel@idahocc.org
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) has provided youth and young adults work opportunities in the great outdoors in a fun team-based learning environment that emphasizes personal growth and stewardship since 1984. NYC positions include a program for youth and young adults who identify as women (trans and cis) the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience success. Crewmembers will learn valuable work and outdoor skills, create new friendships, and be a part of a community of empowering women, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Position Overview:
YA Conservation Crew Leaders lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of young adults over the course of 9-10 weeks. Crews consist of 4-5 members and 1 leader. Leaders will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands alongside their crew and project partners.
Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. While leading the Women's crew, Crew Leaders will be responsible for creating a safer space for their members to balance the nuances and intersectionality between personal identity and work. This seasonal position allows leaders to deliver an impactful educational experience to young adults just entering the field and also provides an entry-point within the fields of natural resource management, conservation, and outdoor education.
Duties and 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 of young adult participants, working roughly 38 hours/week. 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.
Training/Professional Development:
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 and Trailer Training
- Tool Use and Maintenance
- Wilderness First Aid
- Anaphylaxis training
HOURS: Sessions are 9-10 weeks of camping, plus an additional 10 days of camping during training. Though work 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: $120 daily / $122 daily for returning staff or WFR/ WEMT. $130 for WFR/ WEMT certification + returner.
- At least 21 years old
- Identify as a women (including cis and transgender folks)
- Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain prior to employment start date. 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
- 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.