Help Wanted: Mile High Youth Corps Eastern Plains Crew Leader

Description: Mile High Youth Corps helps youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences. MHYC is committed to hiring candidates with unique backgrounds and perspectives. If you are interested in this position but are concerned that you do not meet all of the requirements or possess all of the necessary skills, or that prior convictions or your background might disqualify you, we highly encourage you to submit an application anyway.

Crew Leader: Eastern Plains

Position Description:

Mile High Youth Corps' Eastern Plains Crew Leader positions require individuals who are skilled problem-solvers, experienced leaders, and positive role models. Crew leaders must possess a strong work ethic, promote high-quality performance in their crew, and devote themselves to field-based youth development. The position requires both leadership and technical aptitude, in addition to a high level of comfort in the outdoors. Crew Leaders begin the program with two weeks of in-house training and eight weeks of field-based training and projects with a crew of MHYC Land Conservation Leaders. They then transition to Crew Leader roles for the Summer of Service and Fall Forestry seasons. Crew Leaders lead environmental stewardship projects on public and protected lands throughout the Eastern Plains Region. Projects include fire mitigation, habitat restoration, fencing and park development. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps-a national community service program. This position is based in La Junta, CO, and will complete land conservation projects in the six-county region of Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers counties.

This position is contingent upon grant funding notification on March 14, 2025.

This position reports to Program Coordinator: Land Conservation.

Service location: 103 Dalton Ave, La Junta, CO 81050. This position requires occasional overnight travel, including travel to and lodging in Colorado Springs (provided) Monday-Thursday required during first four months of program.

Position open until: March 3, 2025

Compensation and Benefits

• Biweekly stipend: Earn a program total living stipend of $23,280. The stipend will be paid every two weeks from March 17-November 21, 2025. The program total stipend reflects two different rates of pay, associated with the following

     • During training and fieldwork (March 17 - August 29), members will earn $1,240 every two weeks before taxes.

     • Upon joining the Fall Forestry Crew (September 2-November 21, 2025), members will earn $1,400 every two weeks before taxes.

• AmeriCorps Education Award: Earn a scholarship of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of the term (1,200) hours of service). This award can be used to pay tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.

• Student Loan Forbearance - Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.

• Counseling - Corpsmembers receive up to 8 free mental health counseling sessions per year.

• Networking - Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!

• Training - Corpsmembers will receive training in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No Trace TM, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws, outdoor ethics, facilitation and public speaking, peer mentoring and extensive leadership development.

Timeline:

This is a temporary position from March 17-November 21, 2025.

• 1,200-hour term of AmeriCorps service in an 8-month commitment.

• 40-hour weeks Monday-Friday, hours will vary by season and project.

• Overnight camping is required for some projects and trainings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicate effectively with project partners around project goals, asking clarifying questions when needed.

• Facilitate daily safety circles, goal setting activities, and project debriefs.

• Ensure timely, accurate, and quality completion of projects.

• Complete project photographs and gather required data for reporting for each project.

• Provide support including, but not limited to building, vehicle and tool maintenance. Corpsmembers may be responsible for additional camp chores and educational activities in the evening or morning when camping Ensure Corpsmembers follow all MHYC policies and procedures; encourage a positive Corps culture.

• Provide daily support of the members of the crew including assigning, leading and instructing project tasks and training Corpsmembers in the development of technical and leadership skills.

• Plan and facilitate crew meetings and team-building activities.

• Provide support to Corpsmembers in the development of technical and leadership skills.

• Monitor and promote physical and mental wellness on and off the project-site.

• Provide consistent, ongoing informal feedback to Corpsmembers.

• Promote safe space for Corpsmembers to share near misses, injuries, etc., providing a positive safety culture. Support the retention of Corpsmembers through active mentorship, trainings, check-ins, and resource support. Oversee crew competitions including the safety competition and Summer Olympics.

• Oversee the near miss log, submits weekly updates with red flags from the near miss log to the Land Team, and has follow-up conversations with Corpsmembers when necessary.

• Support the Program Coordinator in identifying, procuring, and distributing resources to Corpsmembers.

MHYC is committed to hiring candidates with unique backgrounds and perspectives. If you are interested in this position but are concerned that you do not meet all of the requirements or possess all of the necessary skills, or that prior convictions or your background might disqualify you, we highly encourage you to submit an application anyway.

Qualifications:

• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.) and hike 7 miles with a day pack.

• Must have valid driver's license with insurable driving record and ability to drive a 12-passenger van to and from project sites with an attached trailer or wood chipper.

• Able to camp approximately 4 consecutive days at a time in all weather conditions.

• Must have strong communication and conflict management skills: ability to motivate others, organize and mentor a crew of young adults on projects, communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, co- workers, and supervisors, and ensure safe work practices.

• Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service.

• Must commit to complete the program.

Requirements:

• Between the ages of 21-24. (must be a driver, driver eligibility must be at least 21 years old)

• High school or GED/HSE graduate or still enrolled.

• Must be eligible for enrollment in AmeriCorps as a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Documentation will be required on the first day. Must bring identification documents necessary to complete the 1-9 and other forms on your first day.

Pre-service National Service Criminal History Check required;

Corpsmembers must not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.

To Apply:

Visit our website at www.milehighyouthcorps.org and click "Apply Now".

Questions? Email tarac@mhyc.net or call 719-877-2732

Mile High Youth Corps is committed to diversity in principle and practice, both in the community at large and within the organization. We are, therefore, committed to having our internal operations and employment practices administered on a non-discriminating basis inclusive of, but not limited to, race, color, hairstyle (hair texture, hair type, or a protective hairstyle that is commonly or historically associated with race), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and breast feeding) or gender, age, religion (including, but not limited to, religious dress and grooming practices), pregnancy, color, creed, citizenship, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, mental or physical disability, medical condition, veteran status, military or veteran status, family care or leave status, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws (together, these are referred to as "Protected Characteristics"), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Every effort shall be made to grant reasonable accommodation for qualified people with disabilities to participate in this AmeriCorps program.

Related Job Listings:

Help Wanted: Mile High Youth Corps Eastern Plains Program Coordinator

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