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Form of workUnder direct supervision of the Environmental Education Coordinator, this position assists with coordinating daily operations of Polk County Conservation's Youth Corps crews. The work is performed in an indoor and outdoor environment and requires a flexible work schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
- Work with Youth Corps Coordinator to coordinate and plan Youth Corps work projects with various Polk County Conservation staff.
- Supervise, motivate, and encourage crew members and leaders, in a variety of scenarios and situations, to restore and protect habitat, appreciate the outdoors and learn life skills.
- Serves as a positive role model and mentor to foster environmental awareness and a strong work ethic in crew members and leaders.
- Aid in Instructing crew members in safe operation of tools and equipment and enforces safe practices.
- Lead crew to complete projects that may include invasive species removal, trail maintenance, painting, small carpentry projects, campground maintenance, trash removal, seed harvest, tree planting, etc.
- Lead educational and recreational activities that may involve following a lesson plan, facilitating group discussions, leading activities, or teaching recreation such as canoeing, fishing, camping, fire building, etc.
- Serve as a co-leader for a crew of up to 10 youth when a Crew Leader may be absent.
- Aid in the repair, maintenance, and inventory of Youth Corps equipment.
- Manages daily activities and work projects by communicating expectations to crew leaders.
- Completes necessary paperwork including but not limited to incident reports, crew member check-in, pre-and post-program surveys and daily work logs.
- Assists Youth Corps Coordinator with administrative tasks as needed to support seasonal crews.
- Communicate effectively while taking a leadership initiative.
- Uphold and demonstrate the Polk County Conservation Youth Corps Code of Conduct at all times
- Ability to lead, direct, and creatively motivate socio-economically and ethnically diverse teenage work crews ages 15-18.
- Ability to work outdoors for long periods in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, etc.)
- Ability to complete heavy physical labor tasks (extensive lifting, bending, digging) and requires the use of various equipment, trailers, and vehicles including tool maintenance
- Ability to lift and carry loads up to 30 pounds in all terrains and hike up to 5 miles
- Ability to motivate and educate under challenging conditions.
- Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment welcoming to diverse backgrounds and culture
- Knowledge of basic conservation practices, outdoor recreation skills, and current environmental issues.
- Ability to use basic forestry and construction equipment (shovels, rakes, pruners, loppers, etc.)
- Prior leadership experience with peers.
- Ability to coordinate project tasks and logistics
- Adaptable and active problem solver when faced with changing conditions
- Previous work experience involving teenage youth preferred.
- A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
- Graduation or currently enrolled at an accredited college or institute in Environmental Science, Forestry, Education, Social Work or similar degree or experience working with youth.
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed above
