Youth Outdoors Crew Leader

Position Summary:

Youth Outdoors Crew Leaders operate a hybrid program with part of their service focused on leading youth (age 15-18) and their remaining service completing natural resource conservation and restoration projects in and around the Twin Cities metro area. 
Youth Outdoors Crew Leader AmeriCorps members grow personally and professionally during their service term while gaining leadership and natural resource conservation experience in the field. In the fall and spring, AmeriCorps members supervise, motivate, direct, and coordinate youth in a rigorous program of education, training, and work during after-school and weekend hours.  In the summer months, AmeriCorps members participate in natural resource and conservation projects in and around the Twin Cities region. 
Members develop leadership and technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects. Natural resources projects vary by region and crew location, but may include:

• Invasive species management
• Stream bank stabilization, erosion control
• Trail construction & maintenance
• Tree planting
• Basic carpentry
• Rain garden installation and maintenance

Projects are in partnership with public land management agencies such as local park and recreation boards, counties, nonprofit and trail associations. Projects are physically challenging and team-oriented.

The AmeriCorps Crew Leader pairs typically co-lead a crew of 2-8 youth members, serving as the primary liaison between project hosts and program staff. The Crew Leaders are responsible for the crew’s service and safety during each project. The Crew Leaders are supervised by Program Managers.


Qualifications: 

• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting.
• Interest in and willingness to develop shared leadership to co-lead high school aged youth
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
• Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
• Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include but are not limited to:
•  
  • Long (8-12 hour) days engaging in physically demanding work using various hand and power tools
  • Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
  • Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
  • Working outdoors in all weather conditions

• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
• Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing the criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the state or FBI checks.
• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years)

Training & Development 
The Corps provides orientation and skills training at the start of the program year, and additional region or project specific training throughout the service term that may include: 

Team building and conflict resolution 

 Youth development training  

Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion

Safety and risk management 

Power and hand tool safety and maintenance

First Aid and CPR 

MN Safety Council defensive driving 

Trailer operation and safety 

Invasive species management/herbicide application 

Plant identification 

AmeriCorps Benefits

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $2,300/month
• Education Award: $7,395, if eligible and upon successful completion of program
• Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)
• Health insurance
• Childcare assistance
• Training, certifications, networking