Conservation Supervisor

STATEMENT OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION: Operation Fresh Start is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Operation Fresh Start is committed to building a community of equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ groups, sexual minority groups and any other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of other’s life experiences and perspectives.

ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Our Vision:  All youth ages 16–24 are assets in our community.
Our Mission: Operation Fresh Start empowers emerging adults on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring and employment training. OFS programs offer youth and young adults opportunities to gain meaningful, supported work experience, earn a high school diploma or occupational credential, and continue on to higher education and/or self-sustaining employment.

ABOUT OPERATION FRESH START: OFS programs are designed for a critical time in life: the transition to adulthood. They provide a path forward for emerging adults through mentoring, education, and employment training. OFS program participants earn their high school diploma, driver’s license, certifications in the construction and conservation fields, and gain college/career readiness skills. Program participants are all also giving back to the community – building affordable homes for low-income families, completing conservation projects and environmental justice work in city and county parks. After program completion, OFS staff continue to support program graduates as they transition into post-secondary education and/or self-sustaining employment.

PURPOSE: The Conservation Crew Supervisor leads and trains a crew of eight to 13 young people in the completion of conservation projects for the City of Madison Parks, Dane County Parks and other land stewardship agencies.  Conservation Crew Supervisors work as a team with other direct service staff, including class room teachers, placement staff and participant services staff to provide a comprehensive job skill, educational, and personal development program to at-risk youth, ages 16-24.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Starting salary is $42,000 – $50,000 per year, depending upon qualifications and experience. Our amazing benefits package includes paid vacation, sick, personal, and holiday paid time off, maternity/paternity leave, FSA, 403(b) retirement fund and 403(b) matching, fantastic health, dental and vision insurance. 

HOURS:  This is a full-time position – 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday to Thursday with a three-day weekend.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Operation Fresh Start is located on Milwaukee Street in Madison, WI. The position involves travel to city and county parks, primarily in Dane County and surrounding areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are typically expected of this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Direct Service – 50%

• Establish a positive relationship “bond” with participants that facilitate achievement of specific goals.
• Assess each participant’s employment skills, social competence and emotional health.
• As a member of a team, develop an Individual Service Strategy to address employment, social and emotional needs.
• Provide on-site supervision, training, education, and counseling of participants in a manner consistent with an Individual Service Strategy.
• As a member of a team, provide a written evaluation for each crew member per agency schedule.
• Maintain daily plan/log book; use for attendance and to record any significant events.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, on a daily basis, to strengthen participant programming.
• Communicate professionally with participant’s social worker, probation agent, family members, etc.
• Communicate regularly with Case Management Coordinator concerning participant progress.

Project Implementation – 45%

• Supervise crew in the completion of conservation and community development projects.
• Plan and coordinate in advance materials, equipment, and crew work activities.
• Assign participant work duties effectively; motivate crew members to work together as a team.
• Monitor project progress and quality of crew member’s work.
• Instruct crew members in the safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools; implement and enforce all OFS safety rules, guidelines, and policies.
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship with project sponsors.
• Communicate regularly with Conservation and Constriction Manager and project sponsors concerning project progress, material and equipment needs, appropriate resource management or building techniques, and needed technical assistance.
• Maintain work site in a clean, orderly, and professional manner; maintain and properly care for van, tools, and equipment.

Administration – 5%

• Prepare and complete all required paper work.
• Assist crew members to complete card copy and electronic timesheets.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in teaching or counseling is desirable
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and good driving record required
• Willingness to complete a background check