Dates: May 1, 2026 – December 2027 (exact end date TBD) 

Who We’re Looking For

A successful Year-Round Crew Leader strives to support crews and faces challenges with resilience. We look for individuals who will demonstrate their passion for conservation and participant skill development through a commitment to VYCC’s mission. They will bring experience or interest in teaching, mentoring, and group facilitation. The Crew Leader role is an opportunity to advance leadership and technical skills in a professional environment. Year-Round Crew Leaders have the unique opportunity to do this work full-time all year round, adding new skill-building capacity during the winter months. Skills developed in the first year are built upon in the following year. Ideal candidates are dedicated to professional growth and can commit to 20 months of training and field work. 

What We’ll Expect from You

Supervision, Culture, Leadership

• Follow and uphold VYCC Principles, Practices, and Policies

• Create an inclusive crew culture that prioritizes physical and emotional safety

• Supervise Crew Members: conduct check-ins and feedback meetings that help Crew Members set goals, assess growth, and celebrate progress

• Instruct and support Crew Members on topics including proper tool use and care, camp living, and personal care while in the field

• Engage with VYCC staff on setting personal goals and charting personal and professional progress, demonstrate a growth mindset

• Effectively work with your co-leader to balance tasks and responsibilities

Risk Assessment and Safety Management, Logistics, Administrative

• Play a lead role in risk assessment and safety management in the field

• Help provide emergency response and communication during emergencies

• Complete administrative and reporting tasks

• Manage field logistics (vehicle maintenance checks, tool maintenance, camp setup and tear-down, camp chores, and more)

Project Management

• Facilitate daily framing and debrief sessions with your crew

• Manage project sites efficiently with high quality while prioritizing safety and member growth and learning

• Effectively communicate with VYCC staff and project partner to ensure completion of project goals

Winter Months (December – February)

• Logistical support (gear and tool maintenance)

• Vehicle fleet management (routine vehicle and trailer maintenance)

• Recruitment and hiring support

• Professional technical skill development

• Supporting program season debriefs and planning sessions

• Winter project work (typically forest management projects) with VYCC and potentially with partnering organizations

Required Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age

• Prior experience in project areas (trails, carpentry, forestry, water quality), outdoor experience (camping), and/or outdoor leadership

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work safely in all weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, cold, snow, etc.) and motivate others to do the same

• Ability to hike in steep or uneven terrain, lift and carry heavy tools, gear or materials

• Valid driver’s license with good driving record for at least 3 years

• Offsite housing, VYCC can help connect applicants with housing options

• Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills

• Experience in risk assessment and being responsible for the health and safety of others

• Experience in providing and receiving feedback, and creating a culture of learning and growth

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification (VYCC provides a WFA course preseason)

• Willingness to undergo a criminal background check

• Ability to camp with crew for most of the field season

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends

• Desire and motivation to build a career in conservation