ENVS Program

Lewis & Clark Environmental Studies

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 cover letter and resume to Kelly Rosteck, Program Coordinator on or before 5pm on Thursday, March 3, 2016. 

 

Position: Crew Leader for Youth Conservation Crew: Trails Crew (2 positions); No Ivy League Crew (2 positions); Tree Crew (1 position); Teen Naturalist Team (1 position)

Compensation: $14-17/hour DOE

Hours: Part-time (36 hours /week) from June 22 – August 24, 2016

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 Youth Conservation Crew has three primary goals:

  • Perform important work in our natural areas, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, tree establishment and conservation education
  • Promote economic vitality by employing youth ages 14-18 and by mentoring them to develop essential job and life skills
  • Promote diversity within our bureau and natural resources fields by exposing youth to a variety of environmentally-focused career options and the qualifications needed to attain them

The YCC Summer Crew Leader will work with a team of diverse youth in an outdoor setting performing restoration OR conservation education work.  The Summer Crew Leader will lead a group of 6 youth ages 14-18, drive the crew to and from work sites in a 7-passenger van, provide motivation, teach technical skills and ensure crew safety.

Work duties will include:

  • Working 4 hours Monday, and 8 hours per day Tuesday – Friday
  • Working in collaboration with other crew leaders and staff
  • Teaching youth about Pacific northwest ecosystems, flora and fauna
  • Mentoring youth to develop life and job skills, with a focus on environmental career exposure
  • Working alongside youth in the field, teaching technical skills and modeling a strong work ethic
  • Other tasks as assigned


Skills & Knowledge:

  • Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds and ability to use culturally responsive mentoring techniques.   Individuals who can speak more than one language are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Passion for working with and mentoring teens; ability to build a safe and supportive community for youth from all races, ethnicities, religions and genders as well as English Language Learners.
  • 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:

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

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

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

 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.

 

Application Period:                                                                                                                                       

Cover letter, resume, and references are due by 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2016

 

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

  1. Cover letter not to exceed one page.  In your letter, describe which crew(s) you are qualified to lead and why.
  2. Current resume
  3. List of three references

 

Mail or e-mail all application materials to:                                                                                                   

Kelly Rosteck

Portland Parks and Recreation

2909 SW 2nd Ave

Portland, OR  97201

E-mail                    Kelly.Rosteck@portlandoregon.gov

Phone                   503-823-3601