*Applications MUST be submitted here to be considered **

View our website here.

Please direct questions regarding this position to the hiring manager, Kalee Shahayda, at kalee.shahayda@dcr.virginia.gov

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.

The mission of Virginia State Park’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is to connect Virginia's youth with the natural world through a structured program of meaningful service projects on public lands. Youth build trails, friendships, environmental literacy, and self-confidence as they work to preserve access to the outdoors for generations to come. YCC has operated for over two decades as a residential program at select parks for youth consisting of work projects during weekdays and environmental education and adventure opportunities during evenings and weekends.

In 2026, at each participating park, three to four adult Crew Leaders will guide crews of 10 youth aged 14 to 17 in all aspects of work, crew life, and recreation during a two-week session. Under the guidance of the leaders, the crew learns to live and work as a team of diverse individuals with the common goal of improving public lands across the Commonwealth.

Crew leaders will have opportunities for career development training from shadowing a park employee to receiving certification in Red Cross First Aid CPR/AED, Basic Trail Building Training, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. The YCC Crew Leader position is a unique field opportunity, allowing Crew Leaders to enhance their skills in leadership, communication, youth supervision, and program administration. Additionally, this position increases competitiveness for positions with Virginia State Parks and other conservation and recreation agencies and organizations.

Successful Crew Leader applicants must be committed to making every Crew Member's safe, successful experience their top priority. The duties of a YCC Crew Leader are divided into four main areas: safety, leadership and mentorship, program management and implementation, and administration. These categories correspond with the categories of training that Crew Leaders will receive.

Safety: Crew Leaders are responsible for supervising Crew Members on and off the worksite. They ensure that Crew Members are wearing proper uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), and that they stay hydrated. Crew Leaders also transport crews in 7-8 passenger vehicles around the park and to recreational activities off the park on weekends.

Leadership and Mentorship: Crew Leaders lead by example and ensure that their crews are following all program rules and guidelines. They also promote individual Crew Member development by creating a healthy teamwork atmosphere that empowers Crew Members to learn and challenge themselves.

Program Management and Implementation: Crew Leaders are capable of thinking on their feet, while also investing in advanced planning on and off the worksite to ensure the program runs smoothly. This includes navigating interpersonal issues among the crew, communicating frequently via phone and email with park and program staff, taking pictures, and using a Conservation Education Curriculum to enrich the program.

Administration: Crew Leaders complete and submit documentation including work reports, Crew Member evaluations, program surveys, deliverables, accident reports, and discipline forms. They also oversee budgeting and shopping for groceries for their crews.

The period of employment for YCC Crew Leaders includes a week-long training in June; two 2-week sessions, and time at a park in between sessions, engaging in professional development opportunities. Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions.

Head Crew Leaders will be selected based on highly ranked responses to interview questions that reflect a high degree of competency in the skills and abilities called for in the YCC Crew Leader position.

DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age
• Hold a valid Driver’s License
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience with youth or peers
• Previous work or educational experience that demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Ability to do manual labor in all outdoor conditions (heat, rain, stinging insects, dust, poison ivy, animals, etc.)
• Ability to live on-site 24/7 through the duration of the six-week program

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Previous experience in a Youth Conservation Corps as a Crew Member or Crew Leader
• Previous experience working or volunteering in the outdoors, including trail maintenance, yard work, basic construction, wood working, or use of power tools
• Passion for the outdoors and mentoring others in an outdoor setting
• Academic studies or interest in biological sciences, natural resource management, education, history, agriculture, tourism, and/or recreation

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application and/or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

• Background Check: Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
• Employment Eligibility: Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
• Work Requirements: Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

PAY:

• Crew Leaders - $6,500 total stipend
• Head Crew Leaders - $7,500 total stipend

PERKS:

• Red Cross CPR/AED + First Aid Certifications
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
• Meals and lodging provided
• Internship credit available