Youth Conservation Corps Supervisor

~ Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)is the state’s lead conservation agency and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water and safe infrastructure. ~

As the state's lead conservation agency, DCR protects what Virginians care about - open space, clean water, natural habitats, safe infrastructure and access to the outdoors.

Position Overview

If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you! We are seeking candidates for the position of Youth Conservation Corps Supervisor which works from multiple locations in Virginia.

Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a three-week residential program that provides youth with the opportunity to work in Virginia State Parks on field-based projects. Crew leaders have many roles and are key to the success of YCC. This position is demanding but provides many rewards. Successful applicants demonstrate high standards, creative problem-solving, excellent judgment, and compassion for Virginia’s natural resources and young people. A crew leader’s primary responsibilities center on helping crewmembers in the field while ensuring their emotional and physical safety.

Leaders are responsible for organizing crew schedules, a budget, equipment, required forms and evaluations. Leader must submit receipts and documentation for the budget and submit them along with forms, evaluations, and all other documents and files to the program coordinator at the end of each session.

Service Dates: 

• Mandatory Training: June 14- June 17, 2021 (Leaders report to park assignment the Thursday before the session start)
• Session 1: June 20th-July 10th
• Session 2: July 18th-August 7th

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Leadership experience with youths and young adults, not simply a peer-group setting
• Ability to work as a team member and mentor, and to be a direct, fair and clear crew leader
• Excellent organization skills
• Experience performing physical outdoor work
• Physically fit and able to work long days in less-than-ideal conditions (heat, rain, etc.)
• Enrolling into junior year of college in fall 2019 (or equivalent post-high school education/experience)
• Must pass a background check
• Good driving record and must possess a current, valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a youth corps or conservation corps
• Experience working long days in less-than-ideal conditions and on difficult and hazardous terrain (steep slopes, wetlands,)
• Experience teaching, facilitating and team-building with diverse groups of people
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving capabilities
• Familiarity with basic conservation skills including the use of tools
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure and desire to make a positive difference

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs unassisted and work in outdoor conditions
• Ability to drive maintenance vehicles, have valid driver’s license
• Ability to operate landscaping equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, and tractors.
• Knowledge and ability to operate basic tools

Compensation: $1,800 stipend plus a $350 travel stipend.

Note: Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

The Department of Conservation & Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.