Youth Conservation Crew Leader

Join us. Do work that matters! 

In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, MobilizeGreen seeks a Youth Conservation crew leader for our 2025 summer youth program. Each crew leader is responsible for co-leading a team of high-school youth to live and work together on conservation-related projects, environmental education, and leadership development activities in Northern Minnesota (Superior National Forest) over two 3-week sessions.

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, May 26- July 29, 2025

• 8 days crew leader training: May 26 – June 5, 2025
• Leading cohort 1: June 8 – June 28, 2025
• 1 week off
• Leading cohort 2: July 6 – July 26, 2025
• 3 day reporting/admin work: July 27, 2025 – July 29, 2025

Benefits:

• $800 per week living stipend
• Travel, Housing, and Living Expenses included for duration of the program
• Meals provided for the duration of the program
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification
• Defensive Driving Training
• Hands-on, specialized tools training
• Mentorship and teaching experience
• Work directly with USDA Forest Service staff and network with land management experts

Duties and Responsibilities:

Crew Management

• Supervise crew members during all program activities, projects, and while at housing with students.
• 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
• Lead Environmental Education and team building lessons during off-project days
• On-call overnight duty is required on rotation

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 USDA 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 housing 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. This includes a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
• Communicate effectively with MobilizeGreen staff, parents, agency partners, and co-leader during program
• Participate fully in crew leader Orientation and all safety training.
• Maintain a positive relationship with agency partners.
• Provide an 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 (included in MobilizeGreen training)
• 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: up to 8 miles of 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
• 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 be required to work a rotating schedule for work projects, administrative tasks and 24/7-on call for the safety and well being of members.

For more information on MobilizeGreen go to: www.mobilizegreen.org