Connect people with nature while completing meaningful service projects!

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

DATES: Leader Training: May 19-30, 2026 Session: June 2-August 14, 2026
COMPENSATION: NYC offers competitive compensation for crew leaders, including bonuses for returning leads and leads holding a WFR or EMT certification. Current weekly rates range from $910.00 to $975.00. Training wage is $700/week during Crew Leader Training (roughly 2 weeks).

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. 

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 a 12-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.

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 a clean 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

• Good judgment, excellent organization, and time management skills

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.