POSITION: Young Adult Assistant Crew Leader, Urban and Community Forestry.

LOCATION: Tacoma, WA This is a community-based crew without housing or camping provided.

CONTACT: Adam Cashman, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator, adamc@nwyouthcorps.org

COMPENSATION:

Service term of 520 total hours from February 9 through May 15, 2026

Assistant Leads receive a total stipend of $9100 (before taxes) dispersed in pro-rated, monthly increments.

AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of the service term of 520 total hours, which can be used for college tuition, loans, trade schools or outdoor certificates.

AmeriCorps term of 450 hours with education award of $1956.35 based on the successful completion of the service term of 480 total hours. Ed awards can be used for a variety of educational fees/tuition and student loans.

PROGRAM DATES:

• Crew Leader Training Mon-Fri February 9 through February 20
• Program Dates: February 23 through May 15, 2026

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Professional Development

Paid participation in comprehensive training that may cover the following topics and more:

• NYC/ICC Leadership Philosophy
• OSHA Courses
• Driver and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Work Site Analysis
• Crew Management and Motivation
• Conservation Education
• Risk Management and Safety Procedures
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Crew Management and Motivation
• Behavior Management
• Time Management
• Anaphylaxis training

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps, has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award.

More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

POSITION SUMMARY:

Urban Community Forestry (UCF) Young Adult Assistant Crew Leader (ACL's) is a unique developmental position within the crew. ACLs will have the opportunity to deepen their leadership skills while being supported by a crew leader. ACLs develop skills to manage and supervise crews of up to 5 young adults, ages 19-26. Assistant Crew Leaders are responsible for learning and implementing a variety of conservation-oriented projects on public and/or private lands and implementing a safe and highly efficient crew experience, including facilitation of work to be performed, scheduling break times, delivering educational curriculum, and more, with the support of their crew leader.

ACLs are individuals with high work ethic and integrity who embody compassion, patience, and inspirational attitude. ACLs will learn to teach our crew members how to navigate the crew work and social environment with grace and positivity.

ACLs will learn to deliver an impactful, educational experience to young people in their communities This position can also provide an entry-point into the fields of natural resource management, youth development, outdoor education and more. ACLs assist in creating resilient communities through improving urban forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting environmental equity and justice in the face of the impacts of climate change.

POSITION DETAILS:

Foster a Supportive and Inclusive Team Environment

• Promote continued organizational support of youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Seek to remove barriers to participation in NYC programs for underrepresented populations.
• Represent and promote Northwest Youth Corps commitment to creating a confidence-building environment where everyone can thrive.

Department Supervision and collaborations

• This position is directly supervised by a CWPC Crew Lead
• This position indirectly supervises CWPC Crew Members through the crew lead.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Mentorship:

The Assistant crew lead has exhibited strong work ethic, determination, and interest in being a crew lead. ACLs are developing and using skills in a challenging and dynamic environment. They are an active part of the crew while learning from the crew leader and taking on leadership responsibilities as they learn. The ACL will get the chance to practice their skills as leader throughout the session as directed by the crew leader and cover for the Lead if they are absent from the program.

ACLs will work toward developing the following skills:

• Manage, supervise, and participate in all aspects of project work. Maintain crew discipline, resolve conflict, and establish/maintain crew morale.
• Provide formal and informal feedback to crew members with specific attention to safety, work productivity and quality, efficiency, teamwork, and leadership.
• Work to empower crew members to build the skills necessary to lead the crews themselves.
• Receive feedback on their performance and are challenged to develop their leadership skills within this program.

Safety and Risk Management:

• Provide support, assessments and training to ensure everything is being completed in a safe, professional, and productive manner.
• Ensure that all staff and members are actively following NYC safety and risk management protocols; respond to field incidents and emergencies as necessary.
• Oversee the physical and emotional safety of crew members. Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation. This includes not only the physical safety of participants but their mental and emotional safety as well.
• Trasport the crew and equipment to and from the worksite daily, safely in a Northwest Youth Corps fleet vehicle.

Project Management and Implementation:

• Safely completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with and supervising crews. Developing skills in effectively delegating responsibilities to make your crew as efficient as possible is a major key to successful leadership in our programs.
• Serve as the principal liaison with project partners and members of the local community. Provide directions to the crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity.
• Model and set the pace of the project. This position can be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding.
• Lift heavy loads, walk long distances, and expect to find each project physically challenging.

Education Curriculum:

• Implement daily lessons based on Northwest Youth Corps' education curriculum (SEED), which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness credentials.
• Track participant's progress throughout the program.
• ACLs are encouraged to bring their own skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• At least 21 years old.
• Pass a criminal history background check.
• Be able to arrive on time to the pre-designated meeting point during all training and service
• Desire to learn and grow.
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success.
• Excellent judgment.
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback.
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification before their participation. Reimbursement (up to $40) of this certification is possible upon completion of the session.

Education:

• Education in a related field and/or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development or educational fields preferred but not required.
• Experience in conservation work and/or youth programming will be considered in place of education.

Experience:

• Ability to work collaboratively and promote teamwork.
• Strong communication skills.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment.
• Experience/desire in working with diverse populations.

Certification(s)/License(s):

• Current Driver's License and acceptable driving record for the past three years (Driver's License Background Check required).
• Current First Aid/CPR certification required before session start date or ability to obtain prior to employment.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition; capable of working on strenuous, labor-intensive projects as training and work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite, be on foot for 8-10 hours per day. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation).
• The noise level in the environment ranges from quiet to loud. PPE is provided and use is required.
• Applicants must be comfortable working in austere outdoor environments which include but are not limited to working year-round in weather conditions that include rain, wind, snow, wet, cold, dry, and hot conditions in temperatures that range from as low as 15F to over 100F.
• Applicants must be able and willing to frequently drive a Northwest Youth Corps vehicle to certain work locations that can be remote and may not have access to the internet, phone, or immediate emergency services.
• While performing the duties of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation, the applicant is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or vehicle; reach with hands and arms; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, hear, and smell repeatedly.

**This Position Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the applicant. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice**

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a full time, session-based position. Typical hours are Monday - Friday (possibly Tuesday-Saturday or even Sunday through Thursday), 8:00AM to 4:30 PM. No overtime will be allowed. Hours may vary due to weather, IFPL levels, training needs, etc.

This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background and drivers check.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We strive to create an empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.