Conservation Camping Crew Leader

Northwest Youth Corps; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 31,850 - 44,362; Full time

Job summary

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking Conservation Crew Leaders for a seasonal role based in Eugene, Oregon. Leaders will supervise young adults in outdoor conservation projects, offering mentorship and education throughout a 12-week immersive camping program.

Qualified candidates must be at least 20 years old, possess Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications, and be comfortable living outdoors. An adventurous spirit and strong leadership capabilities are essential for delivering impactful experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years old.
• Recreational or professional outdoor experience.
• Experience working with youth or young adults.
• Ability to lift 70 pounds.
• Strong organization and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise conservation crews and projects.
• Ensure safety of program participants.
• Implement educational lessons.
• Maintain crew morale and discipline.

Skills

Leadership

Safety Management

Project Management

Education and Mentoring

Education

Wilderness First Aid certification

CPR certification

Driver’s License

Job description

LOCATION

Starts and ends in Eugene, OR. Crews spend their session working and camping on public lands and in communities across Oregon, Washington, and/or Idaho.

DATES

Leader Training: August 25 – September 8, 2026
Session: September 9 – November 20, 2026

COMPENSATION

NYC offers competitive compensation for crew leaders, including bonuses for returning leads and leads holding a WFR or EMT certification. Current weekly rates range from $910.00 to $975.00. Training wage is $700/week during Crew Leader Training (roughly 2 weeks).

HOURS

Though schedules can vary, most crews will conduct project work Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will stay together to go grocery shopping, shower, do laundry, and participate in recreational activities (e.g., hike to a waterfall, visit the ocean). No vacation time is provided during the 12-week, 24/7 immersive camping program.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Connect people with nature
• Impact the lives of young people
• Teach job-skills and education lessons

Conservation Crew Leaders lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of 5 young adults throughout a 12‑week, 24/7 camping immersive session. Crew leaders are responsible for completing a variety of hands‑on, conservation‑oriented projects on public lands and in communities across the Northwest, and for facilitating daily lessons using our accredited outdoor education curriculum.

Leaders are well‑balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. Leaders can expect organizational support during their endeavors that may include activities led by an outside facilitator and weekly check‑ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows leaders to deliver an impactful job skills and educational experience to young people and provides career pathways in natural resource management, young adult development, and outdoor education.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Mentorship – Leaders supervise all aspects of the crew and the work project. They delegate responsibilities to crew members, maintain crew discipline, resolve conflicts, and establish/maintain crew morale. Field Leaders receive feedback on their performance from NYC staff and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.

Safety and Risk Management – Leaders are directly responsible for the physical and emotional safety of program participants at all times. Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation. Leaders will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite and frequently drive long distances in NYC fleet vehicles.

Project Management & Implementation – Leaders are responsible for completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and supervising crew participants. In the field, leaders will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity.

Education – Leaders implement daily lessons based on NYC’s education curriculum, which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 20 years old
• Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification or willingness to obtain prior to employment start date
• Current Driver’s License
• Must pass criminal background check and have clean driving record for the past three years
• Recreational/ professional outdoor experience, accustomed to living for periods of time without modern conveniences
• Prior experience working with youth or young adults
• Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds
• Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team setting
• Good judgment and decision‑making skills
• Spirit of adventure and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
• Physical condition: Applicants in good physical condition, capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor‑intensive projects are preferred as NYC’s work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite.
• Work environment: temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person’s working conditions while performing the position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.