Community Wildfire Protection Corps Crew Leader

LOCATION(S): Serve in communities across Eastern Oregon while working in a camping-based 10-days-on/4-days-off format. Mandatory initial training in Eugene, OR, with travel provided from Eastern Oregon.  

Eastern Oregon candidates strongly preferred. Meetup point for the crew located in Pendleton, OR. 

COMPENSATION/PROGRAM DATES 

• Crew Lead Training: September 7-September 17, 2026 ($684/week)

• Service Term: September 22-December 18, 2026 ($910/week)

POSITION SUMMARY:  

CWPC Crew Leaders (CLs) manage and supervise crews of up to 5 young adults, ages 19-26. Crew work schedule will typically be Monday through Friday; however, schedules may vary for certain trainings or types of project work. While in session, CLs will be responsible for implementing a variety of fuel reduction projects, with most of the work being done on private lands for homeowners within 100 feet of their home. Saw work does not include felling of large trees and consists of non-complex, A-level sawyer scope. CWPC crews do not actively put out fires/dig fire lines, and they are not prescription burn crews.  

Leads will implement a safe and efficient crew experience, including facilitating and communicating work, communicating crew meal and break times, and facilitating the educational curriculum. CLs are individuals with high work ethic and integrity who embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. In many ways, CLs teach our crew members how to navigate the crew work and social environment with grace and positivity. CLs deliver an impactful, educational experience to young people in their communities. This position can also provide an entry point into the fields of natural resource management, outdoor education, and more. CLs assist in creating resilient communities in the face of Wildfire.  

POSITION DETAILS:  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Leadership and Mentorship:  

• CLs manage, supervise, and participate in all aspects of crew work from hauling rocks to stacking brush and much more. CLs maintain crew discipline, resolve conflicts, and establishes/maintains crew morale.

• CLs provide formal and informal feedback to crew members with specific attention to safety, work productivity and quality, efficiency, teamwork, and leadership.

Safety and Risk Management:  

• Oversee the physical and emotional safety of crew members. 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.

• CLs may be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite daily, safely in a Northwest Youth Corps fleet vehicle.

Project Management and Implementation:  

• CLs serve as the principal liaison with project partners and members of the local community. In the field, they will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity.

Education Curriculum:  

• CLs implement daily lessons based on Northwest Youth Corps’ education curriculum (SEED), which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness credentials.

• CLs are encouraged to bring their own positive skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.

Position Qualifications and Certifications   

• At least 20 years old.

• Current Driver’s License and acceptable driving record for the past three years (Driver’s License Background Check required).

• Current WFA/CPR certification required before session start date. Applicants must obtain certification before their employment.

• Be able to arrive on time to the pre-designated meeting point during all training and workdays.

• Desire to learn and grow.

• Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success.

• Excellent judgment and ability to listen, give and take feedback.

• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment.

• Education in a related field and/or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development or educational fields preferred.

• Recreational/professional outdoor experience.

• Excellent organization and time management skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and promote teamwork.

• Strong communication, good judgment, and decision-making skills.

• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment.

• Seek to remove barriers to participation in outdoor programs for underrepresented populations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment  

• Physical Condition: Applicants in good physical condition, capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor-intensive projects are preferred as NYC’s work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite.

• Work Environment: temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person’s working conditions while performing the position.
• Applicants must be prepared to spend most of the time with the crew as the crews are expected to remain together weekends/non-working hours.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.