Youth Corps Leader

TEENS, Inc. is a Nederland, Colorado based non-profit organization with the mission to support, educate and empower youth and their families to make healthy choices and thrive. TEENS, Inc. Youth Corps is a youth educational-based employment program which aims to connect young people with nature and community. Youth Corps provides jobs for youth ages 14-17 to work alongside public land managers, private landowners and non-profits on conservation projects.

The Youth Corps Crew collaborates with a variety of project partners in the Nederland area. Youth Corps fosters a work environment that is equally fun and supportive, and many of our youth return to work for the program year after year, building solid relationships with one another, their crew leaders, our organization, and the lands they work on. Crews work 8 hours a day on Tuesdays and Fridays and 4 hours on Wednesdays on an assortment of conservation projects. Projects include fire mitigation, watershed restoration, and noxious weed removal, and all participants and leaders return home each night.

The Youth Corps Crew Leader will work 40 hours a week, spending Mondays and Thursdays supporting other programming at TEENS, inc.

Job Details:

• Pay: $21-26/ hr depending on experience.
• Rolling Application
• Position is based in Nederland, Colorado
• Entire season runs from May 13th – August 9th, 2024
  • May 13th – May 23rd – Paid training (four ten hour days/week: Mon-Thurs)
  • May 29th – August 9th – Season with crew and supporting other TEENS, Inc. programming)

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year previous leadership experience with youth
• Must attend a paid 3-week Crew Leader training 13th – May 30th
• At least 21 years old
• Ability and experience to operate as a solo crew leader.
• Bachelor’s degree and/ or a previous experience working with teens and young adults.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership and communication skills.
• Experienced working outdoors in various weather conditions for up to 8 hours.
• Willingness to submit a driving record and ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Ability or willingness to learn how to drive with a trailer
• Able to work for the whole season without any conflicting commitments.
• Risk management and decision making proficiency
• Effective and inclusive leadership skills
• High capacity for communication and feedback

Desired Skills (applicants do not have to possess all skills to be a good fit):

• Practical knowledge of, and experience with trail/conservation work and tool use.
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid Certification
• Ability to use challenges and experiences to foster learning among crew members.
• High level of group management and facilitation skills

 Responsibilities:

• Partner with a variety of project partners to complete needed projects, including but not limited to: Fire mitigation, trail building and maintenance, watershed restoration, noxious weed removal and light construction projects.
• Manage some administrative work and planning logistics with project partners.
• You will be responsible for training, mentoring, and working alongside a group of 6 crew members, supporting individual needs and maintaining group morale.
• Demonstrate effective communication with crew, project partners, and the TEENS, Inc. administration team.
• Manage risk at the work site and oversee and maintain crew safety.
• Complete accurate and detailed documentation of time sheets, weekly debrief, crew member evaluations, incident reports, and project work reports.
• Facilitate a safe and comfortable work environment, where youth can learn and grow.
• Provide timely feedback and guidance to encourage personal growth among crew members through both formal and informal reviews.
• Ensure that youth are learning from project partners, crew leaders and each other about the work they are completing.
• Create a positive and professional working relationship with our partners, and ensure projects are being completed to meet their expectations.
• Support other programs in TEENS, Inc. including Teen Center, TeamWorks and Outdoor Leadership as needed,
• Know and uphold TEENS, Inc. policies in the field.

Benefits:

• Access to a variety of Prodeals
• A competitive wage
• Working with local youth
• Paid 3 week long training
• Connecting with a great community of people