Spring Young Adult Conservation Camping Crew Leader

Northwest Youth Corps; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking a Conservation Crew Leader for a spring program based in Eugene, OR, leading young adults through 8 weeks of hands-on conservation work in the Northwest. The role includes 24/7 immersive camping, daily outdoor education, and leadership development within a supportive team atmosphere.

Sessions run March 1–May 8, 2027, with a February 15–26 training period. Weekly pay ranges from $910 to $975, and training pay is $700 per week.

Qualifications

• At least 20 years old.
• Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certification or willingness to obtain before start date.
• Current Driver's License with good driving record.
• Outdoor experience across recreational or professional settings.
• Experience working with youth or young adults.
• Ability to lift/move up to 70–75 pounds.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise conservation crews of 5 young adults during an 8-week, 24/7 camping session.
• Provide safety oversight and manage risk for participants.
• Plan and oversee conservation projects, guiding proper tool use and work quality.
• Deliver daily lessons based on NYC's outdoor education curriculum.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Communication skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Tools

First Aid/CPR training

Job description

POSITION: Conservation Crew Leader - Spring Only Young Adult Crews

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

COMPENSATION: NYC offers competitive weekly pay of $910-$975, with returning crew leaders and those holding WFR or EMT certification earning at the top of the range. Crew Leader Training is paid at $700 per week for approximately two weeks.

DATES: Leader Training: February 15 - 26, 2027 Session: March 1- May 8, 2027

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.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award. More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to benefit their communities as citizen stewards and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

POSITION OVERVIEW:

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

Conservation Crew Leaders lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of 5 young adults throughout an 8-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. Leadership training serves as a probationary period. Continued employment as a Conservation Crew Leader is contingent upon successful completion of this training.

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 with an acceptable driving record for the past three years (you will be frequently driving an NYC vehicle)
• Recreational/professional outdoor experience
• Prior experience working with youth or young adults
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds
• Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team setting
• Strong communication skills
• Consistent attendance and punctuality
• Good judgment, excellent organization, and time management skills
• Spirit of adventure and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
• Experience/desire in working with diverse populations

INCLUSION AND BELONGING

Support the continued growth and delivery of Inclusion and Belonging initiatives

Seek to remove barriers to participation in NYC programs for underrepresented populations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK 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.

Physical demands-the physical demands of the position, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

In the performance of the position duties, the Leader will work in a variety of environments from an office setting to remote locations in the wilderness.

This position will work outside in all types of weather conditions and environments including but not limited to high elevations, remote areas, cold, rain, snow, heat, humidity, wind, etc.

The noise level in the environment is quiet to loud. PPE is provided when necessary and use is required.

The Leader must - frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation).

While performing the duties of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation, the Leader is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or vehicle; reach with hands and arms; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, and hear.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

**This Position Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the applicant. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice**

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).

We will begin reviewing applications and reaching out for interviews on December 7, 2026.

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Amanda Wallace, Oregon Program Manager [e-mail]

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer - At Northwest Youth Corps, we believe diversity is an essential source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for all participants and staff from the widest range of backgrounds and abilities. We are privileged to facilitate conservation service on our public lands with humility and are deeply invested in supporting youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic status, and/or other socio-cultural identifiers to learn, grow, and experience success in our programs, and beyond.