Vermont Youth Conservation Corps

Contact Name: Stephen Cohen

Company/Organization/Agency: Vermont Youth Conservation Corps

Address: 1949 East Main St, Richmond, Vermont 05477 United States

Email Address: stephen.cohen@vycc.org

Contact Phone: (802) 434-3969

Job Title: Trail Assessment Crew Leader

Job Description: The Trail Assessment Crew is a new, specialty crew developed through a partnership with the State of Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation Department (FPR). This new position represents a tremendous opportunity to work directly with – and learn from – FPR professionals and a nationally recognized youth conservation corps. 

The Assessment Crew will focus on evaluating trail conditions, inventorying and monitoring park and trail infrastructure, and surveying and trail planning to advance projects into the planning cycle. In addition, the Assessment Crew will be equipped and trained to respond to immediate trail problems, while simultaneously identifying work for subsequent years.

The Trail Assessment Crew Leader position is a residential, full-time, seasonal position with VYCC. As a Crew Leader, you will serve as a teacher, work supervisor, and role model to three AmeriCorps Corps Members (18-24 years old). This position will work directly with FPR staff to assess projects for 2017 while helping Corps Members develop technical skills in areas of mapping, inventory, survey, and assessment. As a Crew Leader, you will build a community, oversee the health and safety of your crew, and teach both life and job skills. We are seeking someone who is ready for a challenge and enjoys working with and teaching others.

Job Start Date: 5/22/2016

Application Deadline: 5/22/2016

Additional Information: Crew Supervision:
• Supervises, motivates, and directs a crew of young adults (ages 18-24) in a structured job training, work, and education program
• Maintains positive crew morale, fosters teamwork among Corps Members, and leads by example
• Enforces VYCC policies and maintains crew focus on program goals and the VYCC mission

Project Implementation:
• Coordinates work projects with Project Sponsors (FPR) and VYCC Staff
• Responsible for maintaining production, quality, and safety standards for crew
• Responsible for completing conservation projects as assigned
• Performs physical work in all weather conditions

Training and Instruction: 
• Fosters and encourages quality work and interaction among Corps Members
• Conducts trainings and presentations in areas such as: proper tool use, first aid, workplace safety, leadership/management skills, & community service

Communication: 
• Provides reports for projects, equipment, Corps Member development, education, and safety
• Conducts regular, individual meetings to discuss Corps Member progress and provides guidance and support

Minimum Qualifications
• Firm belief in the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps mission
• Previous experience with trail construction and residential camping
• Experience in survey, mapping, or assessment is preferred
• Experience in conservation work or similar education-based programs
• Exceptional time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal communication, and writing skills
• Dedication to the field program and mission
• Willingness to uphold and enforce all VYCC rules and policies
• Ability to manage complex logistics
• Excellent physical and emotional stamina
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR or equivalent

Employment Specifics
• Status: Full-time, temporary, non-exempt
• Location: In the field on conservation projects in Vermont - both in urban and rural settings
• Employment Dates: May 22 until August 22
• Compensation: $475-550 per week, based on experience
• Typical Schedule: This crew is residential. Crew Leader is responsible for supervising their crew whenever Corps Members are present. Evenings and most weekends are spent with the crew. Time off will be provided during the season, with the schedule determined by VYCC Headquarters Staff.
• Physical Conditions: Projects will be completed in all weather conditions and are physically demanding. Work regularly involves hiking, heavy lifting, & repetitive motions, including lifting up to 50 lbs., as well as hiking up to 4 miles while carrying 40 lbs. of weight.
• Reports to: VYCC’s headquarters Program Staff who serve as an advisor to the Crew Leader and their crew. 

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
The VYCC is a nonprofit service, conservation, and education organization modeled after the 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps. The VYCC instills the values of personal responsibility, hard work, education, and respect for the environment. Corps Members live and work together in small groups, completing priority conservation projects throughout Vermont and other states under the guidance of highly-trained leaders. The VYCC is a partner in The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI) with a plan to field three 5-month AmeriCorps Crews under VYCC Field Staff leadership.

To Apply
Please visit www.vycc.org to apply. If you have any questions feel free to contact Natasha Steinmann, Conservation Program Coordinator at natasha.steinmann@vycc.org or 802-434-3969 x140.