YOUTH CONSERVATION CREW (YCC)

SUMMER CREW LEADER

Portland Parks & Recreation and the YCC are actively seeking crew leaders for their summer youth crew program. If you wish to apply for this opportunity you must submit your application materials to Kelly Rosteck, Program Coordinator on or before 4pm on Friday, March 13, 2015.  

Position:                              Crew Leader for Youth Conservation Crew (Recreation Leader I)

Trails Crew (2); No Ivy League Crew (2); Tree Crew (1); Teen Naturalist Team (1)

Compensation:                 $14-17/hour DOE

Hours:                                  Part-time (36 hours /week) from approximately June 15 – August 19, 2015

Reports to:

Youth Conservation Crew Program Coordinator

 

Information: Information about the Youth Conservation Crew can be found at:

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/ycc

 

Position Description:     

The YCC, a program of Portland Parks & Recreation, works to restore the native habitat throughout Portland by removing invasive species, planting and establishing trees, maintaining trails, and educating young children about the environment. In addition to giving youth paid work, the YCC also promotes life skills, professional development, work ethic, environmental literacy and stewardship.  Crews will work in one of the following areas: invasive-species removal, trail building, tree care or youth environmental education.

The YCC Summer Crew Leader will work with a team of diverse, high school-aged students in an outdoor setting performing restoration work in natural areas or teaching in a summer day camp environment.  The Summer Crew Leader will lead a group of 6 students ages 14-18, drive the crew to and from work sites in a 7-passenger van, provide motivation and direction for restoration and teaching activities, and ensure crew safety.

Work duties will include:

• Working 4 hours Monday, and 8 hours per day Tues – Friday, with the potential for weekend work
• Working in collaboration with other crew leaders and staff
• Creating and delivering professional development opportunities for youth work crews
• Providing experiences, resources and lessons to turn the teens into urban nature “experts”
• Mentoring teens to develop life skills, job skills, and environmentally responsible behaviors and habits
• Working alongside teens in the field

• Other tasks as assigned
  Skills& Knowledge:

• Cultural competence and experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds

• Strong background in principles, practices and techniques of successfully leading a youth crew
• Strong and effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs
• Knowledge of Pacific northwest ecosystems, flora, and fauna

• Knowledge and ability to lead teambuilding games and activities
• Demonstrate the ability to lead a youth work crew
• Crew-specific knowledge which may include:

o  No Ivy League – invasive species identification and removal; restoration techniques

o  Teen Naturalist Team – outdoor education techniques, flora and fauna of the Pacific NW

o  Trails Crew – maintenance and creation of soft-surface trails; restoration techniques

o  Tree Crew – basic arboriculture; tree identification, pruning and establishment

 

Required Qualifications:

• Certified in CPR and Basic First Aid (or able to acquire certification upon hire); WFA or WFR preferred
• Willingness to submit to a background check
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable 5 year driving record
• Willingness and ability to drive a 7-passenger van (training provided)

 

Work Environment:

90% in outdoors-field, 10% in office

Position will include outdoor work in summer weather, including rain and heat.  This position involves walking and hiking on trails of varied terrain. Safety clothing is required when working in the field or on field/site tours.  Driving city-owned vehicle(s) is required.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for supervision of youth crew members.

Application Period:                                                                                                                                       

Application, cover letter, resume, and references are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2015.

To be considered a candidate, all of the following items must be submitted:

• Cover letter not to exceed one page.  Please describe which crew(s) you are qualified to lead and why.
• Current resume
• List of three references

Mail or e-mail all application materials to:                                                                                                   

Kelly Rosteck

Portland Parks and Recreation

2909 SW 2^nd Ave

Portland, OR  97201

E-mail                    Kelly.Rosteck@portlandoregon.gov

Phone                   503-823-3601