Position Overview: 

The NorthWoods Youth Conservation Corps Support Staff position is intended for individuals seeking to strengthen their skills in sustainable trail development, conservation fieldwork, and outdoor leadership. This position will provide essential support to the NorthWoods Conservation Corps by assisting with the supervision of Youth Conservation Corps crews and the Adult Conservation Services crew. This support staff will primarily be assisting and supporting project work where needed throughout the field season. Throughout the field season, the Corps Support Staff member will contribute to project implementation across a variety of trail and conservation sites, stepping in where support is most needed. The Corps Support Staff will work closely with the Corps Northern Field Coordinator and Corps Director on projects throughout Northern Vermont and New Hampshire.

A successful candidate will bring prior trail work experience, the ability to work in this role will have trail work experience and be able to work safely and effectively in demanding outdoor conditions, and a commitment to producing high-quality results. The role requires someone who can contribute positively to crew operations, communicate clearly, and operate both independently and as part of a field team.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are energized by working outdoors, eager to strengthen their technical and leadership abilities, and motivated to contribute to impactful conservation efforts in Vermont and New Hampshire. The Corps Support Staff member will have the chance to refine leadership skills, engage meaningfully with crew dynamics, work directly with youth (ages 14+), gain hands-on experience in sustainable trail construction and maintenance, and collaborate closely with the NorthWoods leadership team.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Assist Conservation Corps Director with Interviews and hiring of crew leaders and crew members
• Assist in administration duties associated with hiring and on boarding of seasonal staff
• Assist with recruitment of youth crew members
• Assist in training and teaching others hard skills seasonal staff
• Support Youth Conservation Crews during their field season
• Support adult crew during field season
• Work with crew leaders to effectively complete projects
• Coordinate project logistics with NorthWoods Corps Staff
• Assist with preseason planning, site visits and gathering project information
• Assist with project work logs, timesheets, and crew leader evaluations
• Serve as an exemplary leader and role model for crew members and crew leaders
• Work as part of a team to implement a variety of recreation trail projects: including sustainable recreation & accessibility improvement projects on state, federal, Wilderness and private lands.
  • Specific project types may include: level 1 trail maintenance; new trail construction; construction of trail structures such as staircases, stone walls, bridges, drainages, etc.; habitat restoration; and trail decommissioning
• Engage with training opportunities provided and apply knowledge and skills to the completion of set project tasks
  • Specific trainings may include: Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2, Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Leave No Trace, Rigging basics, tree planting and restoration techniques,
    trail building & maintenance, hand tool use and maintenance, Ax and Crosscut training, sustainable trails best practices, and Wilderness knowledge and skills.
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with each crew, NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
• Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors
• Work independently and as part of a team to produce high-quality and on-schedule project outcomes
• Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety, and project implementation
• Attend meetings, workshops, and special events as necessary to represent NorthWoods and support programmatic goals
• Be committed to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human
• and natural communities
• Adapt to changing conditions and plans based on real-time information

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.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in trail building and leadership preferred
• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with team members, staff, and
• project partners
• Ability to stay focused and on track during repetitive tasks such as arranging stones or
• building structures and performing trail maintenance.
• 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
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor such as carrying more than 50 pounds and/or heavy tools and materials over rough, uneven terrain under varied weather conditions.
• Strong sense of curiosity and interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
• Experience in best practices for field safety, situational awareness, and a general understanding of Leave No Trace principles
• Candidates must be 18 or older by the first day of employment
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people
• Ability to adjust to changing plans

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Backcountry camping experience
• WFA/CPR certification (Training opportunities will be provided if not already acquired)
• Power tool experience (drill/driver, circular saw, rock drills, sawzall, brush saw, etc)
• Hand tool experience (shovel, rake, tamper, sledgehammer, axe, hand saw, etc)
• Chainsaw or Cross Cut training and/or experience (Game of Logging, US Forest Service or equivalent). For those without training, opportunities for training, refresher courses, and certifications may be offered.
• Rigging/Grip Hoist experience (Training opportunities and refreshers will be offered)
• Driver’s license
• Trailer towing experience (training can be provided)
• Prior, positive NorthWoods experience

Possible Training Opportunities:

Wilderness First Aid & CPR; Sustainable Trail Building and Maintenance skills; proper tool use and tool maintenance, leadership development; OSHA job safety; Leave No Trace; Axe use, Game of Logging chainsaw trainings 1 & 2; ground and/or aerial Rigging; Wilderness Knowledge, Ethics and Skills

Employment Period: May 11-July 31st (Opportunities for an extended employment period may be available)

Workweek: During Feb-April work hours will be part time, sporadic and remote as mentioned above. Flexible Schedule to be coordinated with Corps Director. From May 1st- July 31st the work schedule is 40 hours per week (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and two 15 minute paid breaks each day). Schedules will vary depending on projects and locations.

Compensation: Hourly wage of $20-$21/hr, based on experience. Returning employees are eligible for increased hourly range. Paid bi-weekly. This position is eligible for a gear stipend of $180, half paid in the first week and half paid in the final week of employment. When required to stay overnight, employees will receive a $25 per night stipend. 3 paid days off (24 hours). Vehicles for on the job travel will be provided and if not employees will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate. Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, the wood shop, and access to a gear lending library.

Housing: On and off-campus housing is available at an affordable rate. Occasional camping will be required (back-country and front-country) with crews. Campsite and logistics will be handled by the Conservation Corps Directors. A $25/night stipend per individual will be provided to cover food costs when overnight camping is required for work. Cook and camp gear will be provided.

Reports to: Dusty May Conservation Corps Director

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to corps@northwoodscenter.org

Hiring Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early. If selected, applicants will be notified of an invitation to interview. Deadline to apply is March 31st, 2026.

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to: Dusty May/Conservation Corps Director at dusty@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.

About NorthWoods

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more about us.