Position Description:

Crew leaders manage and supervise conservation crews of five young adults, ages 19 and up, over the course of a 9-week session. Field Staff and AmeriCorps participants will work up to 40 hours a week; most schedules will be Monday through Friday; however, schedules may vary, while spending days off and evenings in camp. While in session, field staff will be responsible for completing a variety of conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands and implementing a highly structured camp experience, including facilitation of group meals, our outdoor education curriculum, and recreational trips. Crew leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and inspirational attitude. In many ways, our leaders teach our participants how to navigate a challenging work and social environment with grace and positivity. This seasonal position not only allows crew leaders to deliver an impactful, educational experience to young people in their communities, but can also provide an entry-point into the fields of natural resource management, youth development, and outdoor education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Mentorship – Leaders manage, supervise, and participate in all aspects of crew work from hauling rocks to stacking brush. The leader maintains crew discipline, resolves conflicts, and establishes/maintains crew morale. Leaders provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. Crew leaders work to empower participants to build the skills necessary to lead the crews themselves. Crew leaders receive feedback on their performance and are challenged to develop their leadership skills within this program.

Safety and Risk Management – Oversee the physical and emotional safety of program participants at all times. Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation. This includes not only the physical safety of participants but their mental and emotional safety as well. Leaders will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite daily, safely in NYC’s fleet vehicles.

Project Management & Implementation – Leaders are responsible for safely completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with and supervising crews over a 40 hours/week. Developing skills in effectively delegating responsibilities to make your crew as efficient as possible is a major key to successful leadership in our programs. Leaders serve as the principal liaison with project sponsors and members of the local community. In the field, they will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. Crew leaders are mentors and role models and set the pace and tone of the project site. This position is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Leaders will lift heavy loads, walk long distances, and should expect to find each project physically challenging.

Education – Leaders implement daily lessons based on NYC’s education curriculum (SEED), which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness credentials. Crew leaders track participant’s progress throughout the program. Crew leaders are encouraged to bring their own skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.

Required Qualifications:

• Sense of humor, the spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
• At least 21 years old
• Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification
• Current Driver’s License
• Clean driving record for the past three years (Driver’s License Background Check required)
• Recreational/professional outdoor experience
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds and backpack 12 miles
• Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle
• Ability to work collaboratively and promote teamwork
• Good judgment and decision-making skills
• Experience/desire in working with diverse populations
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job