Ycc Crew Leader

Title:YCC Crew Leader

State Role Title:YCC Crew Supervisor

Hiring Range: $6,500 total, or $7,500 total stipend for those selected to be Head Crew Leaders

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Main Street Center

Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The duration of employment for this position is from approximately June 1 to July 25, 2024, comprised of a week-long training and two, two-week sessions at two different state parks. Lodging and most food expenses are provided. Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions. There are no health benefits or paid vacation leave associated with the job.

THE AGENCY

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state's lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about - access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

We manage 42 Virginia State Parks and their many amenities and programs to engage and educate Virginia's residents and other visitors in outdoor recreation, history, culture, and conservation. We also sustain thousands of volunteers, hundreds of miles of trails, many outdoor recreational opportunities, campgrounds and campsites, cabins, beaches, festivals, and interpretive programs.

If you're someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!

THE OPPORTUNITY

The mission of Virginia State Park's Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is to connect Virginia's youth with the natural world through a structured program of meaningful service projects on public lands. Youth build trails, friendships, environmental literacy, and self-confidence as they work to preserve access to the outdoors for generations to come. YCC has operated for over two decades. as a residential program at select parks for youth consisting of work projects during weekdays and environmental education and adventure opportunities during evenings and weekends.

In 2024, at each participating park, three to four adult Crew Leaders will guide crews of 10 youth aged 14 to 17 in all aspects of work, crew life, and recreation during a two-week session. Under the guidance of the leaders, the crew learns to live and work as a team of diverse individuals with a common goal. Crew leaders will have opportunities for career development training from shadowing a park employee to receiving certification in Red Cross First Aid CPR/AED, Basic Trail Building Training, and Mental Health First Aid. The YCC Crew Leader position is a unique, field opportunity, allowing Crew Leaders to enhance their skills in leadership, communication, youth supervision, and program administration. Additionally, this position increases competitiveness for positions with Virgnia State Parks and other conservation and recreation agencies and organizations.

Successful Crew Leader applicants must be committed to making every Crew Member's safe, successful experience their top priority. The duties of a YCC Crew Leader are divided into four main areas: safety, leadership and mentorship, program management and implementation, and administration. These categories correspond with the categories of training that Crew Leaders will receive.

Safety: Crew Leaders are responsible for supervising Crew Members on and off the worksite. They ensure that Crew Members are wearing proper uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), and that they stay hydrated. Crew Leaders also transport crews in 7-8 passenger vehicles around the park and to recreational activities off the park on weekends.

Leadership and Mentorship: Crew Leaders lead by example and ensure that their crews are following all program rules and guidelines. They also promote individual Crew Member development by creating a healthy teamwork atmosphere that empowers Crew Members to learn and challenge themselves.

Program Management and Implementation: Crew Leaders are capable of thinking on their feet, while also investing in advanced planning on and off the worksite to ensure the program runs smoothly. This includes navigating interpersonal issues among the crew, communicating frequently via phone and email with park and program staff, taking pictures, and using a Conservation Education Curriculum to enrich the program.

Administration: Crew Leaders complete and submit documentation including work reports, Crew Member evaluations, program surveys, deliverables, accident reports, and discipline forms. They also oversee budgeting and shopping for groceries for their crews.

The period of employment for YCC Crew Leaders include a week-long training in mid-June; two, 2-week sessions; and time at a park in between sessions engaging in professional development opportunities. Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience with youth or peers
• Previous work experience that demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience working or volunteering in the outdoors, including trail maintenance, yard work, basic construction, wood working, or use of power tools
• Former experience in a Youth Conservation Corps as a Crew Member or Leader

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

• Must be able to hike up to 5 miles a day
• Ability to use hands for tools, controls, and other objects
• Occasionally lift and move up to 40-50 pounds
• Required to drive a vehicle and hold a valid Driver's License

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through the PageUp recruitment system. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your PageUp Account to check the status of your application for this position. DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran's status.

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

Contact Information

Name: Scarlett Stevens

Phone: (571)-477-5846

Email: hr@dcr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.