Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader – Rachel Carson and Apex Youth Connections 

Position Overview:

The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking a Crew Leader for our partnership with the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Apex Youth Connections to lead a Youth Conservation Corps Crew. The Crew Leader will lead a crew of high school age individuals (ages 15-18) in conservation projects at Apex and the Rachel Carson Refuge. Our priority projects at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge will focus on creating engaging outdoor experiences, including the development of the Sense of Wonder Trail, Nature Play Elements, Pollinator Gardens, and a Pet Memorial, while exploring recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, archery, and participation in the Junior Ranger Program. APEX Youth Connection will also bring exciting opportunities to the table, including the upkeep of the local pump track, the construction of bat houses and caterpillar houses, pollinator and vegetable garden expansion and participation in the Earn-a-Bike program. These hands-on projects will provide youth with valuable skills while engaging them in meaningful conservation work.

Prior to the season, the Crew Leader will have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to confidently lead a crew at the NorthWoods Conservation Corps Leadership Training (located in East Charleston, VT). They will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics, gain hands-on trail work experience, and meet the rest of the NorthWoods leadership team. In addition, they will receive specific, on-site training throughout the season. At the end of the season, all leaders will walk away as greater stewards of the natural environment.

Crew Locations:

NorthWoods will be hiring Crew Leaders for the following crews in 2025:

• Project season location 
  • Rachel Carson NWR, 321 Port Road, Wells, ME 04090
  • Apex Youth Connections, 45 Granite Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005

• Training Location
  • NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Dr. East Charleston, VT 05833

Duties:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Co-manage (with a Youth Assistant Leader) a crew of 3 crew members (ages 15-18) in the field 
• Delegate tasks to crew members to effectively complete projects
• Facilitate “teachable moments” to crew members throughout the season
• Coordinate project logistics with Rachel Carson and Apex staff
• Compile project logs and crew member evaluations
• Ensure a safe work environment for crew members and the public
• Routinely prepare and maintain tools/equipment before and after projects
• Serve as an exemplary leader, mentor, and role model for crew members
• Maintain a strong relationship and communication with project partners

Qualifications:

Candidates should possess, at a minimum, the following:

• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
• Experience working with and managing groups
• The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
• Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Capability to perform strenuous physical labor under variety of outdoor conditions (ie. Summer heat, bugs, rain etc.)
• We are excited to have applicants with previous trail maintenance experience but it is not required
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
• Crew Leaders must be 18 or older 
• Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid and CPR must be obtained by the first day of employment. Course offered at NWSC prior to training, and financial assistance/reimbursement is available, please inquire. 

Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications or currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidate. 

Employment Period: June 8th – August 14th, 2026 

Workweek: 32 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break). The Crew Leader will undergo 1 week of training prior to leading their YCC crew. Training week is 40hours Monday-Friday.

Compensation: $19/hour

Housing: Options are available for on-site housing during training at NWSC; please inquire

Reports to:  Blase Saucedo, NorthWoods Conservation Corps Program Assistant

Thomas Wall, Rachel Carson Visitor Services Manager/Ranger 

Sarah Hoover, Apex Youth Connections Program Director

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to corps@northwoodscenter.org Please indicate you are applying for the RC/Apex Crew Leader position

Hiring Timeline:  Application deadline is May 15th but applications are reviewed and selected on a rolling basis – apply early!

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to Blase Saucedo, blase@northwoodscenter.org (802) 723-6551 x304

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods: 

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities, and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.