Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leaders

Position Overview:

The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking Crew Leaders (CLs) for its Youth Conservation Corps Crews. The CLs will lead a crew of high school age individuals (ages 15-18) in conservation projects on locations throughout Vermont. CLs are responsible for inspiring and motivating crew members while completing priority conservation projects in the field. Projects vary each year, but generally include trail maintenance and construction, addressing water quality issues, removing invasive species, and improving wildlife habitat.

Prior to the season, CLs will have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to confidently lead a crew at the NorthWoods Collaborative training. They will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics, gain hands-on trail work 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, all leaders will walk away as greater stewards of the natural environment.

Crew Locations:

NorthWoods will be hiring Crew Leaders for the following crews in 2025:

• Two Northeast Kingdom Day Crews (East Charleston, VT)
• Northeast Kingdom Backcountry Crew (East Charleston, VT)
• Northeast Kingdom Women’s + Crew (East Charleston, VT)

Duties:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Co-manage a crew of 4-5 members in the field
• Delegate tasks to crew members to effectively complete projects
• Facilitate “teachable moments” to crew members throughout the season
• Coordinate project logistics with NorthWoods staff
• Compile project logs and crew member evaluations
• Ensure a safe work environment for crew members and the public
• Routinely prepare and maintain tools/equipment before and after projects
• Serve as an exemplary leader, mentor, and role model for crew members
• Maintain a strong relationship and communication with project partners

Qualifications:

Candidates should possess, at a minimum, the following:

• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
• Experience working with and managing groups
• The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
• Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Capability to perform strenuous physical labor under variety of outdoor conditions (ie. Summer heat, bugs, rain etc.)

• We are excited to have applicants with previous trail maintenance experience but it is not required
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
• CLs and ACLS must be 18 or older
• Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid and CPR must be obtained by the first day of employment. Financial assistance/reimbursement is available, please inquire.

Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications or 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 candidate. 

Employment Period: June 9th – August 1st, 2025 (Options to extend work season may be available)

Workweek: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break). CLs will undergo 2 weeks of training prior to leading their YCC crew.

Compensation: $17-$19/hour, based on experience and position,  paid biweekly. This position is eligible for a gear stipend of $100, half paid in the first week and half paid in the final week of the season. When required to stay overnight, employees will receive a $25 per night stipend.  Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, the wood shop, and access to a gear lending library

Housing: Options maybe available for on-site housing; please inquire

Reports to:  Dusty May, Conservation Corps Co-Director and Blase Saucedo, Conservation Corps Co-Director

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to corps@northwoodscenter.org Please indicate which crew or crews you are interested in applying for.

Hiring Timeline:  Application deadline is May 31st but applications are reviewed and selected on a rolling basis – apply early!

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to Blase Saucedo, blase@northwoodscenter.org or Dusty May, dusty@northwoodscenter.org (802) 723-6551 x304

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods: 

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.

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.