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ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), has provided tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, participants gain the personal and professional skills to carry out demanding stewardship projects for which they earn a stipend, potential high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award. Participants also gain skills to become economically and socially self-sufficient, to benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and to recognize that they can make a positive impact. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, an internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).
POSITION TYPE: Young Adult Crew Member or Crew Leader
LOCATION: Lake Wenatchee/Tacoma, WA; Boise, ID, or Eugene, OR. Local housing is not needed; crews camp together for their entire session. Project locations include national parks, forests, and wilderness areas across each state.
Dates:
Spring Session: March 15, 2023 – May 26, 2023
– Spring Leader Training: March 3, 2023 – March 13, 2023 .
Summer Session: June 7, 2023 – August 18, 2023
– Summer Leader Training: May 22, 2023 – June 5, 2023 (limited OR programs)
Fall Session: August 30, 2023 – November 3, 2023 (OR: November 10 end date)
– Fall Leader Training: August 18, 2023 – August 28, 2023
QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Zeke Zeff, Member Services Coordinator: [email protected]
Position Description:
NYC’s young adult programs are innovative AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience to those interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps, land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor careers. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development and conservation work skills.
This position is challenging and rewarding:
- Participants work on physically demanding conservation projects in all weather and terrain.
- Our program is a highly structured immersive experience, in an environment that does not allow for much independent time away from the crew, time in “civilization,” or access to electrical power.
- We focus intentionally on the concept of community within our crews, which means we focus on being present with one another and do not use cell phones until after 8PM each evening (we intentionally “unplug”).
- Participants engage in many group activities each day to help the crew function, including meal prep, water treatment, and tool maintenance, followed by a family-style dinner and formal educational sessions.
- Participants are actively mentored and empowered by their leader and expected to take on increasing leadership roles within the crew, including acting as a “leader of the day/week” by the end of the program.
These experiences help members become resilient, disciplined, empathetic and strong. We emphasize interpersonal dynamics and developing robust workplace skillsets.
Training/Professional Development:
Participants receive comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew’s projects, training MAY cover the following topics:
- USDA Chainsaw/Crosscut operation and maintenance
- NYC Leadership Philosophy
- Basic Trail maintenance and Construction
- Crew Management and Motivation
- Conservation Education
- Risk Management and Safety Procedures
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Driver Training
- Tool Use and Maintenance
- First Aid
- Anaphylaxis training
Duties and Responsibilities:
Work Project Participation – Crew Members will be part of a 4-5-person crew led by one Crew Leader. Crew Members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned projects promptly to predetermined specifications under the direction of their Crew Leader. They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe workplace practices, proper tool use, work quality, and efficiency. Participants will work on high priority conservation projects for partners like the Forest Service, BLM, and Bureau of Reclamation. Some projects focus on bridges and kiosks, while others focus on the restoration of at-risk landscapes and watersheds. Other projects may include fuels reduction, GIS mapping, and surveys.
Development & Education: – Crew Members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. A Participant Success Plan will be created by each member to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program. Participants will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Required Qualifications:
- Desire to learn and grow
- 19+ years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Ability to lift 50 lbs., hike several miles, and be on foot for 8-10 hours per day
- Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success
- Excellent judgment
- Ability to listen, give and take feedback
- Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment
- Ability to pass a criminal history background check
BENEFITS:
Members receive a living allowance of $5,512 along with a $1,718.25 AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of the program. Learn more about additional benefits at https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/your-benefits
HOURS:
Though schedules can vary, most crews will conduct project work Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will stay together to resupply, shower, do laundry and participate in recreational activities (e.g., hike). Members must complete a minimum of 450 hours of service including: work, training, education, and travel time, a 30 minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. This 30 minute lunch break, along with activities such as setting up camp, meal prep, cleaning and crew down time, does not count toward AmeriCorps member service hours. No vacation time is provided during the 9 to 10-week immersive program.
CREW LEADERS (21+):
CREW LEADERS support, manage, and supervise conservation crews of youth and young adults. In addition to the above position description, these positions require additional responsibilities and qualifications:
Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. Organizational support may include activities led by an outside facilitator and weekly check-ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows leaders to deliver an impactful experience to youth (16-18 y/o) and young adults just entering the field as well as an opportunity to advance your career in the field of natural resource management, conservation, and outdoor education.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership and Mentorship – Leaders supervise all aspects of the crew and the work project. They delegate responsibilities to crew members, maintain crew discipline, resolve conflicts, and establish/maintain crew morale. Leaders provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. Field Leaders receive feedback on their performance from NYC staff and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.
Safety and Risk Management – Leaders are directly responsible for the physical and emotional safety of program participants at all times. Physical, mental, and emotional safety is the first priority in everything, including work, education, and recreation. Leaders will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite and frequently drive long distances in NYC fleet vehicles.
Project Management & Implementation – Leaders are responsible for completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and supervising crews of youth/young adult participants, working roughly 38 hours/week. In the field, leaders will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. 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.
COMPENSATION: Ranges from $770.00 weekly to $875.00 weekly for returning staff.
Required Qualifications:
- At least 21 years old
- Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification or willingness to obtain prior to employment start date
- Current Driver’s License
- Must pass criminal background check and have clean driving record for the past three years
- Recreational/ professional outdoor experience, accustomed to living for periods of time without modern conveniences
- Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds
- Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team setting
- Strong communication skills
- Good judgment and decision-making skills
- Spirit of adventure and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
- 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
Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We believe diversity is a key source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.
To Apply: More information and link to apply can be found at information can be found at nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com
