Residential Youth Conservation Crew Leader

In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, MobilizeGreen seeks 6 Youth Conservation Crew Leaders for our 2024 summer youth program. Each Crew Leader is responsible for co-leading a team of diverse high-school youth to work on conservation-related projects and participate in environmental education and leadership development activities.

MobilizeGreen is a nonprofit organization focused on jumpstarting green careers for diverse students, through internships, mentoring, and youth engagement. At MobilizeGreen, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Consistent with this mission, we believe people are inherently capable but often lack opportunity. We are working hard to increase the diversity in conservation spaces and strongly encourage qualified BIPOC and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply. 

The goal of the program is to create environmental stewards and future leaders through community engagement, hands-on teamwork, and professional development. Crew Leaders work in a team of 5-6 to facilitate student and group safety, camping excursions, personal development, environmental education, and work project management. Crew Leaders also represent MobilizeGreen on-site and coordinate with partners on designated projects. All Crew Leaders are required to attend a pre-program training (virtual/in-person hybrid).

Term: 8 total weeks. 13 leader training days,  6 weeks leading a crew 7 days/week, plus 1 day of pre/post program admin work.

Note: As the 2024 program will include both June 19th (Juneteenth) and July 4, Crew Leaders will be required to work during both holidays.

Program Dates: June – August 2024

• June 10 – June 22: Crew Leader Training
• June 23 – July 13: Cohort 1
• July 14 – August 3: Cohort 2
• August 4: Post-program Administrative work

Benefits:

• $800 weekly living stipend
• Travel, Housing, and Living Expenses included for duration of the program
• Meals provided for the duration of the program 
• Hands-on training and learning experience including First Aid training, and specialized tools training.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Crew Management

• Supervise Crew Members during all program activities and projects
• Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment in accordance with MobilizeGreen’s Field Operations Standards and Covid Policies
• Work with co-leader to manage group dynamics of the crew
• Assist with Environmental Education and teambuilding lessons during off-project days

Service Project Advisor

• Train and supervise Crew Members in safe and proper use of tools and all aspects of the service project (may include trail construction, maintenance, wildlife habitat work, site restoration, etc.)
• Facilitate worksite and project, tool and equipment logistics; tool maintenance; and work schedule in partnership with Project Leader and Forest Service Staff.
• Care for and maintain all program equipment and tools used in project. 

Program Administrator

• Manage administrative aspects of the crew including but not limited to required pre- and post-program paperwork, daily work logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, evaluations and final report. 
• Communicate with full-time MobilizeGreen and WolfRidge staff as required to report incidents, potential hazards, and program evaluations.

Other duties as assigned

Requirements During Term of Service:

• Uphold and act in accordance with MobilizeGreen’s Field Operations Standards
• Communicate effectively with MobilizeGreen staff, parents, agency partners, and co- leader during program
• Participate fully in Crew Leader Orientation and any safety trainings.
• Maintain positive relationship with agency partners.
• Provide emotionally and physically safe environment for members.
• Maintain a positive, professional relationship with co-leaders.
• Complete all necessary weekly and post-program paperwork, including an end of program debrief with MobilizeGreen Staff.

Qualifications:

• Current First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to get this before start of program (MobilizeGreen can assist you with this)
• Youth/Young Adult Programming- Documented experience working with youth or young adults (ages 14-18) as a teacher, mentor, leader, counselor or coach.
• Teaching / Leadership- Experience working in an informal or formal educational environment or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to organize and effectively teach lessons, motivate teenage and/or young adult students, provide and accept constructive feedback, and communicate effectively.
• Outdoor Education / Skills- Experience and familiarity with outdoor skills, including: hiking, extensive camping experience, safety awareness, Leave No Trace, etc.
• Conservation Project Skills- Experience in service project management, service learning, conservation or trail projects, and proper hand tool usage. May also include experience with carpentry, landscaping, gardening, etc.
• A valid driver’s license with no major violations w/in past 3 years (preferred)
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be 21 or older. 
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or legally able to work in the U.S.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This is physically demanding work. The work conditions are challenging and require the ability to handle strenuous work conditions such as steep terrain, and lifting weights up to 40 pounds, as well as environmental conditions including rain, bugs, and extreme heat. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Crew Leaders will be expected to stand, walk, and carry gear for up to 8 hours per day while keeping morale up among members.
Additionally, as this is a live-in program, Crew Leaders will required to create a rotating schedule for work projects, administrative tasks and 24/7-on call for the safety and well being of members.

The 2024 Residential program may be hosted at U.S. National Forests in Minnesota, Michigan, Utah, Washington, California, Oregon.