Contact Name: Halle Harklau
Company/Organization/Agency: Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
Address: 1949 E Main St, Richmond, Vermont 05477 USA
Email Address: halle.harklau@vycc.org
Contact Phone:
Job Title: Pro Crew Leader
Job Description: VYCC is seeking Pro Crew Leaders who can both manage complex, hands-on projects and also engage their Crew Members in personal and professional growth. A successful Pro Crew Leader is able to be an effective teacher and mentor, working with Members to develop their technical abilities. Crew Leaders manage the worksite to keep the project moving and ensure the crew’s work is high quality. If you are excited to dig in, get dirty and help guide this crew of experienced crew member, this position is for you. Our Pro Crews are spilt into four different groups; Trails, Water Chestnut, Forestry, and Build. Please see the qualifications for each group below.
Trails: (mid-June through October or August through October)
Previous experience in:
o Constructing staircases and retaining walls using dry stone masonry techniques
o Construct rolling contour trails with full bench construction
o Maintaining trails using standards in the USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook
Water Chestnut: (June through August)
o Pursuing a degree or having demonstrated interest in Biology or Earth Science
o Prior experience in canoes or kayaks or paddlesports safety training
o Prior experience with GIS/GPS, or willingness to learn
Forestry: (mid-August through October)
o USFS Level B Sawyer/Game of Logging #3 or ability to complete training prior to start date
o Prior experience with felling of moderate difficulty including ability to plan for and navigate hang-ups, directional felling, and side/forward leaning trees
o Proficient in local species identification
Build: (mid-June through October)
o Minimum 1 year experience in residential construction
o Ability to read schematic diagrams, blueprints, sketches, and building plans
o Ability to teach proper power tool use including miter saw, table saw, drills,
drivers, nailers, and other common construction tools
Essential Functions:
Crew Teambuilding, Education & Supervision
Foster teamwork among Crew Members, lead by example, and support Crew Members as they navigate challenges and successes
Conduct trainings for Crew Members in areas such as proper tool use, first aid, workplace safety, leadership, and effective communication
Follow and enforce VYCC policies and procedures including the rapidly evolving Covid-19 related protocols
Model appropriate Covid-19 safety for members including masking, distancing, and proper hygiene
Crew Member Development
Foster and model a supportive and encouraging environment on crew
Conduct feedback meetings that help Crew Members set goals, assess growth, and celebrate progress
Project Accomplishment
Coordinate work projects with project sponsors and VYCC staff
Collect, process, and organize project data in the field
Maintain production, quality, and safety standards for crew
Effectively communicate and ensure completion of project goals
Perform physical work safely in all weather conditions
Communication & Reporting
Develop reports for projects, equipment, budget, Crew Member development, education, and safety
Maintain regular communication with crew supervisor, VYCC headquarters staff, and project partners
Required Qualifications
Be at least 21 years of age (there is no upper age limit)
Ability to lead and be part of a team made up of diverse individuals
Experience in teaching, mentoring, or group facilitation
Willingness to work hard, in all types of weather and environments
Experience in risk management and being responsible for the health and safety of others
Ability to uphold and enforce all VYCC rules and policies
Experience in providing and receiving feedback, and creating a culture of learning and growth
Ability to adapt to change and move outside of comfort zones
Excellent time management and organizational
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
CPR Certification & Wilderness First Aid (if needed, COVID permitting, VYCC provides a WFA Course pre-season)
Valid driver’s license with good driving record for at least 3 years
Willingness to undergo a criminal background check
Meets technical skill qualifications in at least one of the four Pro Crew types
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience working for a conservation corps or similar organization
Prior experience leading small groups or teams
Prior experience living and working in the outdoors for an extended period of time, in all weather conditions
Work Environment
Pro Crew Leaders spend most of their time outdoors, working with and leading a team while also interacting with project sponsors, community members, and VYCC staff. Crew Leader positions may require occasionally living in a tent in a camp setting when required by the project. Pro Crew Leaders must abide by VYCC policies while representing VYCC on campus, on a VYCC worksite or associated site, which include: no drinking, smoking, or drug use. Beginning of season training and end of season closure will take place on VYCC’s campus in Richmond, Vermont.
Compensation & Benefits:
$560 – 585/week
CPR Certification & Wilderness First Aid Training (if needed, COVID permitting)
Educational learning opportunities with professionals in the field of conservation and workplace skills
College and career pathways support with VYCC’s Recruitment and Alumni Manager
Access to our robust Alumni network for future adventures and career assistance
Job Start Date: 6/14/2021
Application Deadline: 5/14/2021
Additional Information: How to Apply: Please apply online at VYCC.org/apply/pro. For any questions, please contact Pilar
Lopez- Gomez, VYCC’s Conservation Program Manager, pilar.lopezgomez@vycc.org.