2027 MobilizeGreen Youth Conservation Program Crew Leader

MobilizeGreen; California; On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living stipend

Travel & housing

Meals provided

WFA & CPR

Defensive driving

Tools training

Mentorship

Forest Service exposure

Job summary

MobilizeGreen seeks a Youth Conservation Crew Leader to co‑lead a team of high school students on conservation projects in the San Bernardino National Forest (CA) or Superior National Forest (MN) during two 3‑week sessions in summer 2027.

The role emphasizes safety, environmental education, hands‑on project work, and collaboration with USDA Forest Service staff, with virtual/in‑person hybrid training provided and a weekly living stipend of $800.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults in teaching or mentoring roles.
• Proven ability to organize and deliver outdoor education and activities.
• Experience with service projects and trail or habitat work.

Responsibilities

• Supervise crew members during all program activities and housing.
• Provide a safe environment per field standards and policies.
• Lead environmental education and team-building lessons.
• Participate in overnight on-call duty.
• Train crew in safe tool use and project logistics.
• Manage program administration and reporting.

Skills

Youth programming

Teaching

Outdoor skills

Conservation projects

Driver's license

Background check

Drug screening

Age 21+

US work eligibility

Education

First Aid/CPR Certification

Job description

Join us. Do work that matters!

In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, MobilizeGreen seeks a Youth Conservation Crew Leader for our 2027 summer youth program. Each Crew Leader is responsible for co‑leading a team of high school youth to live and work together on conservation‑related projects, environmental education, and leadership development activities in the San Bernardino National Forest (CA) or the Superior National Forest (MN) over two 3‑week sessions.

The goal of the program is to create environmental stewards and future leaders through community engagement, hands‑on teamwork, and professional development. Crew Leaders work in a team of 5‑6 to facilitate student and group safety, camping excursions, personal development, environmental education, and work project management. Crew Leaders also represent MobilizeGreen on‑site and coordinate with partners on designated projects. All Crew Leaders are required to attend a pre‑program training (virtual/in‑person hybrid).

We encourage you to apply, as applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Term: Late May - Early August, 2027

• 2-week Crew Leader Training: May 31 - June 12, 2027
• Leading Cohort: June 13 - July 3, 2027
• 1 week admin work: July 4 - July 10, 2027
• Leading Cohort 2: July 11 - July 31, 2027
• 1 week of closing/reporting and admin work: Aug 1 - Aug 6, 2027

Benefits:

• $800 per week living stipend
• Travel, Housing, and Living Expenses included for the duration of the program
• Meals provided for the duration of the program
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification
• Defensive Driving Training
• Hands‑on specialized tools training
• Mentorship and teaching experience
• Opportunity to work directly with USDA Forest Service staff and network with land management experts

Duties and Responsibilities:

Crew Management

• Supervise crew members during all program activities, projects, and while at housing with students.
• Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment in accordance with MobilizeGreen’s Field Operations Standards and COVID Policies.
• Work with the co‑leader to manage the group dynamics of the crew.
• Lead environmental education and team‑building lessons during off‑project days.
• Participate in rotating overnight on‑call duty.

Service Project Advisor

• Train and supervise crew members in safe and proper use of tools and all aspects of the service project, which may include trail construction, maintenance, wildlife habitat work, site restoration, etc.
• Facilitate worksite and project, tool, and equipment logistics; tool maintenance; and work schedules in partnership with the Project Leader and the USDA Forest Service staff.
• Care for and maintain all program equipment and tools used in the project.

Program Administrator

• Manage administrative aspects of the crew, including but not limited to required pre‑ and post‑program paperwork, daily work logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, evaluations, and final report.
• Communicate with full‑time MobilizeGreen and housing staff as required to report incidents, potential hazards, and program evaluations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements During Term of Service:

• Uphold and act in accordance with MobilizeGreen’s Field Operations Standards. This includes a zero‑tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
• Communicate effectively with MobilizeGreen staff, parents, agency partners, and co‑leaders throughout the program.
• Participate fully in Crew Leader orientation and all safety training.
• Maintain a positive relationship with agency partners.
• Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment for members.
• Maintain a positive, professional relationship with co‑leaders.
• Complete all necessary weekly and post‑program paperwork, including an end‑of‑program debrief with MobilizeGreen staff.

Qualifications:

• Current First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start of the program (included in MobilizeGreen training).
• Youth/Young Adult Programming: Documented experience working with youth or young adults (ages 14-18) as a teacher, mentor, leader, counselor, or coach.
• Teaching/Leadership: Experience working in a formal or informal educational environment or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to organize and effectively teach lessons, motivate teenage and/or young adult students, provide and accept constructive feedback, and communicate effectively.
• Outdoor Education/Skills: Experience and familiarity with outdoor skills, including hiking up to 8 miles, extensive camping experience, safety awareness, Leave No Trace, etc.
• Conservation Project Skills: Experience in service project management, service learning, conservation or trail projects, and proper hand tool usage. May also include experience with carpentry, landscaping, gardening, etc.
• A valid driver’s license with no major violations within the past 3 years.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must pass a pre‑employment drug screening.
• Must be 21 or older.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legally able to work in the U.S.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This is physically demanding work. Work conditions are challenging and require the ability to handle strenuous work, such as steep terrain and lifting weights up to 40 pounds, as well as environmental conditions including rain, bugs, and extreme heat.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Crew Leaders will be expected to stand, walk, and carry gear for up to 8 hours per day while maintaining morale among members. Additionally, as this is a live‑in program, Crew Leaders must work a rotating schedule for projects and administrative tasks and participate in 24/7 on‑call duty to support members' safety and well‑being.

For more information on MobilizeGreen, go to: www.mobilizegreen.org