What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Conservation Crew Leader - OR Summer position at Northwest Youth Corps?
Position Type : Youth Conservation Crew Leader - OR SUMMER
Location : Based out of Eugene, OR but local housing is not needed as crews camp together for their entire session. Project locations generally include national forests, national parks, wilderness areas throughout the state of Oregon.
Dates :
Leader Training : June 6- June 18, 2025
Session 1 : June 21- July 19, 2025
Session 2 : July 26- August 30,2025
- Crew Leaders are expected to be available for both sessions
QUESTIONS / CONTACT : Brian Thompson, Oregon Program Coordinator,
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND :
Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and / or an AmeriCorps educational award. More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).
Position Overview :
Youth Conservation Crew Leaders co-lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of youth over the course of the summer. Crews consist of 9 youth members and 2 leaders. Leaders will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands, and facilitating daily lessons using our accredited outdoor education curriculum.
Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. While leading the Rainbow crew, Crew Leaders will be responsible for creating a safer space for their members to balance the nuances and intersectionality between personal identity and work.
Leaders should expect organizational support during their endeavors that may include activities led by an outside facilitator and weekly check-ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows leaders to deliver an impactful educational experience to young people and also provides an entry-point within the fields of natural resource management, youth development, and outdoor education.
Duties / 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. 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 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 teenage participants. 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.
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. Field leaders track corps member participation and progress throughout the program. Field leaders are encouraged to bring their own skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.
Hours : Though schedules can vary, most crews will conduct project work Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will stay together to conduct resupply, shower, do laundry and participate in recreational activities (e.g., hike). During the week, crews will have a 30 minute lunch break as well as several rest / water breaks throughout the day.
Compensation : $100 / daily during training; $130 / daily, $135 / daily as a returner or WEMT / WFR; $140 / daily as a returner and WEMT / WFR.
Required Qualifications :
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 strive to create an 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 : Learn more and apply at
Salary : $100 - $140
