Youth Corps Crew Leader

Spend your summer outside and inspire youth through environmental stewardship projects. Together with a fellow crew leader, you will supervise, mentor and inspire a crew of 10 teens. Gain experience in habitat restoration, trail maintenance, environmental education, and outdoor skill instruction.   

Crew Leaders will receive $6,000 living stipend split up over 450 hours of service. AmeriCorps members will also receive an $1,956.35 education award upon completion of their term. Members will serve 40 hours/week. 

Daily Times 

• Typical weekly schedule will run from 7:30-4:00pm M-F, with a 30-minute lunch allotted, totaling 40 hours/week minimum.

 Evening and Weekend Schedule 

• Overnight camp-outs. Members would do one of the time periods in June and one in July but not both. Wednesday – 7:30am-10pm, Thursday – 6:30am-10pm, Friday 6:30am-3:30pm
• June 11-13th, 18th-20th
• July 16th- 18th, 23rd- 25th

Schedule changes:  

• May 19-30, 8-4:30
• Aug. 4-20, 8-4:30

This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk County.  Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County.  However, these positions will be serving with Polk County Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits and requirements.   

* Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance. 

Position/Site Specific Member Service Activities (if applicable): 

• Execute plans, organize, and lead natural resources projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and environmental education activities.
• Ensure project objectives are met safely and efficiently, adhering to established protocols and safety guidelines. Project objectives will be provided to member, with support of Program Coordinator
• Mentor and motivate youth crew members, fostering teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Training will be provided to members.
• Conduct training sessions on project tasks, tools, and safety procedures to ensure crew members understand and follow best practices. Training will be provided to members.
• Collaborate with community partners, local organizations and stakeholders to enhance project outcomes and promote youth involvement in conservation initiatives.
• Follow coordination plans to get transportation, equipment, and materials needed to and from project sites.

Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities. 

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Experience working with youth in an outdoor setting
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• First aid CPR certification (or willingness to obtain) Is desirable
• Ability to work in all outdoor elements

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Certify that they have or will obtain the diploma/GED
• Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident

Benefits: 

• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
• Living Allowance
• Cellphone stipend ($80/month)
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Housing opportunities through Polk County Conservation
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans

Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements: 

• Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term, if applicable
• Regular submission of member timesheets
• Monthly progress reports