Summer Youth Conservation Crew Leader

Summer Youth Conservation Crew Leader Project YESS at Mt. Hood Community College

The Project YESS program at Mt. Hood Community College is accepting applications for part-time Youth Conservation Crew Leaders (summer only). Successful candidates will lead a conservation crew consisting of 8 to 10 at-risk and low-income youth (age 16-21) completing valuable natural resource-based projects. Typical projects include removal of non-native invasive plants, trail building & maintenance, tree planting, riparian/stream restoration projects, plant surveys/native plant seed collection, parks ground maintenance, and other natural resource projects. This position will also be responsible for creating and delivering a basic, field-based environmental education curriculum; transporting the crew to and from work sites each day in a 15 passenger van; providing general motivation, support, mentoring, and monitoring of crew members; ensuring correct and timely completion of projects; completing various weekly, monthly, and end-of-program reporting; and ensuring crew health, safety, and well-being.

General Responsibilities (performs job functions that include, but are not limited to):

1. Mentor, motivate, support, inspire, and educate a group of at-risk youth that need consistent, positive role models in their lives.

2. Provide leadership and logistical assistance for day-to-day operation of conservation crew, including tool/gear maintenance; communicating with partners on projects; administering first-aid; and managing the crew (making sure they’re on time, have proper food, water, and clothing, etc.)

3. Create/deliver a basic environmental education curriculum in conjunction with supervisor and other crew leaders.

4. Potentially supervise and mentor assistant crew leaders who are also program participants.

5. Maintain records such as crew timesheets and crewmember evaluations; write or assist in writing weekly and end-of-program reports; maintains first-aid/safety logs; maintains weekly work log.

6. Transport crew to and from work in 15 passenger van

Required Qualifications/Skills:

1. Have, or be able to obtain before starting, First-Aid/CPR certification

2. At least one year or equivalent experience leading a youth work crew or working with high school aged, at-risk youth in a social work setting.

3. Experience working/volunteering on natural resource projects (invasive plant removal, basic trail maintenance, etc…), and/or experience using basic hand tools for outdoor-based work.

4. Must be 25 years of age (in order to drive our vehicles)

5. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a Van Driver Training and safely drive a 15-passenger van

6. Willingness to undergo a background check

7. AA degree (BA or higher preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Significant experience working with a diverse population of youth

2. Significant experience leading youth conservation crews

3. BA degree or higher in Outdoor/Experiential Education, Natural Resources, or similar field

4. Experience working in the Outdoor/Experiential Education and/or Natural Resources fields

5. Understanding of natural resource restoration processes, principles, and techniques

6. Experience leading or teaching environmental education activities

7. Wilderness First-Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification highly preferred

8. Strong oral and written communication skills

Working Conditions:

• Crew leaders will work about 10-12 weeks total, between roughly June 14th and September 3rd, including a mandatory paid training in Bend, OR, on June 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. They will then lead a crew in the field from June 28th to approximately August 28th. Crew runs Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm and crew leaders will typically work 8 am to 5 pm those four days with Fridays off. (Roughly 35 hours per week.)

Salary: $16-17/hr DOE To apply: Resume, cover letter, and three references are due Thursday, June 3rd, and qualified applicants will be invited to interviews the following week. Please send materials to: Michael Oliver, Mt. Hood Community College, Project YESS, 26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030 Or via email (preferred method): [email protected]