Youth Conservation Rainbow Crew Leader (both AmeriCorps and non-AmeriCorps positions available)- WA
Northwest Youth CorpsPosition Type: Youth Conservation Rainbow Crew Leader (both AmeriCorps and non-AmeriCorps positions available)
Location: Based out of Lake Wenatchee, WA but local housing is not needed as crews camp together for their entire session. Project locations generally include national forests, national parks, wilderness areas throughout the state of Washington.
Dates:
Leader Training: June 10th, 2024 - June 20th, 2024
Session 1: June 22nd, 2024 - July 20th, 2024
Session 2: July 27th, 2024 - August 24th, 2024
*Crew Leaders are expected to be available for both sessions*
QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Laura Woodhouse: lauraw@nwyouthcorps.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 is partnering with the National Park Service to offer an award-winning program for youth and young adults who identify with the LGBTQ+ community the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience success. Crewmembers will learn valuable work and outdoor skills, create new friendships, learn more about the LGBTQ community and themselves, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Position Overview:
- Connect people with nature
- Impact the lives of youth
- Teach job-skills and education lessons
- Accomplish meaningful service projects
Youth Conservation Crew Leaders co-lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of youth over the course of the summer. Crews consist of 9 youth members and 2 leaders. Leaders will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands, and facilitating daily lessons using our accredited outdoor education curriculum.
Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. While leading the Rainbow 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.
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: $120 daily; $122 for returner or WFR/ WEMT certification; $130 returner and WFR/WEMT.
- At least 21 years old
- A member of the LGBTQ+ community
- 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
- 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.