Conservation Services Assistant Crew Leader

Position Overview:

The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking an Assistant Crew Leader to partner with a Crew Leader to lead three (3) Conservation Services Crew Members in 2025 to work with Conservation Science, Conservation Corps, and Forest Stewardship staff and partner organizations on a variety of projects related to water quality and wildlife habitat improvements, ecological land stewardship, and public accessibility to recreation areas in Vermont and New Hampshire. Along the way, leaders gain technical trail and conservation skills while building their professional network. 

A successful Conservation Services Assistant Crew Leader is able to work in challenging conditions, complete high-quality work, provide support for their crew, collaboratively work with the Crew Leader, and work well both independently and as a part of a small team. Assistant Crew Leaders will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics, gain hands-on conservation experience, and meet the rest of the NorthWoods leadership team. In addition, they will receive specific, on-site training throughout the season. At the end of the season, leaders will walk away as greater stewards of the natural environment.

Responsibilities & Expectations:

• Provide support to the Crew Leader in the supervision and manage a crew of 3 adult crew members
• Assist the Crew Leader in successful completion of crew leadership responsibilities, including:
  • Delegate tasks to crew members to effectively complete projects
  • Coordinate project logistics with NorthWoods Staff
  • Compile project timesheets
  • Lead and work as part of a team to implement a variety of projects: water quality improvement projects, wildlife habitat enhancement projects, forest and riparian ecosystem management projects, and sustainable recreation & accessibility improvement projects.
    • Specific project types may include: riparian buffer planting, floodplain forest restoration, installation of stormwater management practices such as encapsulated soil lifts, infiltration steps & trenches, rain gardens, open-top driveway culverts, bioswales, invasive species manual and/or chemical management,  forest pre-commercial thinning & firewood harvesting, hiking trail building & feature installation, trail maintenance & improvement.
• Lead and manage a small breakaway crew to complete separate, in-tandem conservation projects
• Engage with training opportunities provided and apply knowledge and skills to the completion of set project tasks
  • Specific training may include: Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Leave No Trace, canoe paddling technique & safety, tree planting technique, trail building & maintenance, hand tool use and maintenance, invasive species identification and management.
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with crewmates, NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
• Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors
• Work independently and as part of a team to produce high quality and on-schedule project outcomes
• Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety, and project implementation
• Attend meeting, workshops, and special events as necessary to represent NorthWoods and support programmatic goals
• Be committed to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Adapt to changing conditions and plans based on real-time information

Note: Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all of the listed qualifications or do not currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidates.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years field experience working on projects with conservation goals (if you don’t have experience still feel free to apply)
• College degree in environmental science, natural resource management or related field OR other knowledge, experience and ability to think critically about water quality, ecosystem health, and habitat restoration
• Ability to stay focused and on track during repetitive tasks such as tree planting, pulling or chemically controlling invasive plants, arranging stones, or building step structures.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor such as carrying heavy tools and materials over rough, uneven terrain under varied weather conditions.
• The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
• Understanding of best practices for safety and situational awareness
• Strong sense of curiosity and interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptability and flexibility to a variety of different project types and ability to improvise in the event of changing conditions
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people
• Must be 18 years or older by first day of employment

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Backcountry camping experience
• WFA/CPR certification. For those without this training, it will be offered at no cost during the position
• Power tool experience (drill/driver, circular saw, hole hawg, sawzall, brush saw, etc)
• Hand tool experience (shovel, rake, tamper, sledge hammer, axe, hand saw, etc)
• Chainsaw training and/or experience (Game of Logging, US Forest Service or equivalent). For those without chainsaw training, Game of Logging will be offered at no cost during the position
• Driver’s license
• Trailer towing experience (training can be provided)
• Prior, positive NorthWoods experience

Employment Details:

Employment Period: Monday April 14th, 2025– Friday October 31st, 2025. This includes 1 week of training and orientation, approximately 19 weeks of water quality and wildlife habitat work, 5 weeks of invasive species and forest stewardship work, 4 weeks of recreation access management work, and one mid-season, unpaid break from June 30th, 2025 to July 4th, 2025.

Work Week: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional overnight projects, weekend trainings, and evening events. Some project types and locations will require a four 10-hour day schedule, which will be notified well in advance.

Compensation/Benefits: Hourly wage of $18.50-20.50/hr, based on experience. Paid bi-weekly. This position is eligible for 1 day of Paid Time Off (PTO) initially plus PTO time accrued at a rate of 1 hour per 52 worked. This position is eligible for a gear stipend of $250, half paid in the first week and half paid in the final week of the season. Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, wood shop, and access to gear lending library.

Housing: Options may be available for on-campus housing; rental rates TBD.

Reports To: Morgan Larson, Watershed Program Coordinator, morgan@northwoodscenter.org

How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume to science@northwoodscenter.org 

Hiring Timeline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed until January 17th, 2025. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system, and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities. NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities, and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to Meg Carter, meghann@northwoodscenter.org or call (802) 723-6551 x302.

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more at www.northwoodscenter.org.