Badlands Conservation Alliance
FOUNDED IN: 2025
States Served: North Dakota
Developing Field Crew Leader
JOB DETAILS
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Developing Field Crew Leader
Type of Position: Crew Leader
Town, City, Park, etc: Bismarck
State / Territory: North Dakota
Benefits: Education Award, Housing – Primarily Non-Camping, Industry-Recognized Certifications, Meals/Food Assistance
Project/Program Focus: Habitat Restoration, Herbicide Application, Invasive Species Management, Native Plants, Trails
ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Badlands Conservation Alliance operates the Badlands Conservation Corps, a 300-hour seasonal program providing a field crew for service projects on public lands in the North Dakota Badlands.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Badlands Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) offers an opportunity to make a positive impact through hands-on conservation projects while developing the skills needed to lead a conservation corps crew. Participants in this program serve as mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults while gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to assume full Crew Leader responsibilities.
JOB DUTIES
Leadership Development Phase
During the early season, Developing Crew Leaders participate in orientation, training, and personal development, and assist with project season planning. Developing Leaders complete an onboarding and training process and receive technical and safety training that may include chainsaw training and leadership instruction. Throughout this phase, Developing Leaders build field skills, leadership capacity, and confidence while working under close mentorship and support.
Crew Leader Phase
Successful Developing Crew Leaders will transition and serve as Crew Leader throughout the project season, assuming full leadership responsibility for a traditional BCC field crew consisting of one leader and 4 members. Crews will live cooperatively, forming a close-knit community focused on service and teamwork. Crew Leaders ensure safety, foster team dynamics, and support Crew Members’ growth. They co-lead project work, train Crew Members in conservation techniques, and model effective communication and problem-solving. They also operate vehicles, and oversee logistics. This position offers valuable leadership and conservation experience while making a lasting impact on public lands through AmeriCorps service.
Service Description: BCC crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting change in natural areas in the North Dakota Badlands that may include:
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Habitat restoration through the treatment and removal of invasive species
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Trail building and design in state parks, national parks, conserved land, and other publicly accessible natural areas
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Boardwalk construction and installation along National Scenic Trails and in publicly accessible natural areas
Crews spend the full duration of their season living, serving, and traveling together. Off times during the season are an opportunity to explore nearby towns and natural areas, take care of chores like laundry and grocery shopping, and relax at camp or in provided housing. BCC does not allow the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or tobacco throughout the entire crew season, during the service day or during non-project time. BCC crews live sustainably and follow Leave No Trace principles. Participants are responsible for developing a menu, grocery shopping, and cooking together, while taking into account all possible dietary restrictions. Participants will be responsible for daily assigned household chores and project preparation tasks.
Leader Training: Developing Crew Leaders receive technical and safety training at the beginning of the season. We work closely with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, MHA Tribal Park, and conservation partners that have various requirements. For this reason, some technical trainings listed below may or may not be needed depending on project season. This includes all certifications listed below, with additional mentorship and leadership development support during the first phase of the summer.
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CPR/First Aid
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Chainsaw Use and Maintenance Certification
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Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training
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Certified Pesticide Applicator Certification in Wisconsin
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Leave No Trace (LNT) Training
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Trail Building Training
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AmeriCorps Orientation
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AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training
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Fleet Vehicle Use and Driving Training
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Trailer Towing Training and Practice
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Tent and Campsite Set Up Training
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Budgeting, Food Shopping, Cooking, and Hygiene Overview
Early Season Responsibilities (Developing Phase):
Serve on a field crew made up of 1 Senior Crew Leader, 1 Developing Leader and 4 Field crew members.
Participate in progressive leadership development under Senior Leader mentorship
Support project implementation, safety, logistics, and camp life
Assist with documentation, data reporting, communication, media development and crew operations
Learn day-to-day crew management tasks (conflict resolution, task delegation, budgeting, schedule management, daily project preparation, cooking, logistics)
Late Season Responsibilities (Crew Leader Phase):
Serve as one of the 2 Crew Leaders with 4 Crew Members
Promote the safety and well-being of the crew during the service day – Provide technical, logistical, and leadership support
Promote safety and well-being during non-project time – in all aspects of camp life, including Leave No Trace principles, group kitchen setup and use, hygiene practices, and waste management
Document and promote the BCC Program by photographing crews in the field and sharing images and updates with BCC Communication staff
Communicate regularly with project partners to confirm project goals, expectations, and successful completion of deliverables
Foster clear, respectful, and consistent communication with Crew Members, BCC staff, project partners, and the public
Operate fleet vehicle and trailer as assigned
Oversee day-to-day crew tasks, including cooking, camp/housing cleanliness, crew schedule and time management, errands, chores, and vehicle and trailer cleanliness
General Crew Program Responsibilities:
Complete service projects and camp in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures
Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
Support a functional and positive crew community
Practice Leave No Trace principles and sustainable living techniques
Serve up to 10 hours per day on the project for 4 to 10 consecutive days in outdoor locations.
*May operate and maintain chainsaws, brush saws, carpentry and power tools, herbicide applicators, backpack sprayers, mowers, and hand tools to accomplish conservation projects as assigned
Abide by all BCC & AmeriCorps policies and procedures
Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times
REQUIREMENTS
Be a US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
At minimum, must be a high school graduate or have a GED
Satisfy a criminal history background check
Availability for entire duration of term of service
Possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old, or have a minimum of three years of driving experience and an insurable driving record. Follow all BCC policies and procedures and contribute to the BCC by creating a healthy and supportive environment.
Able to perform field duties while exposed to adverse conditions such as inclement weather and biting insects Represent the program in a professional manner at all times and wear BCC gear during service projects.
Willingness and ability to use herbicide, chainsaws, and any other tools required to complete assigned tasks
Participants must provide personal items such as boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers and rain gear; BCC has a small inventory of outdoor gear that may be borrowed for a season (supplies are limited and are not guaranteed to be available upon arrival)
Provide ongoing feedback regarding program, crew, and service.
Work in diverse team settings, showing respect to all members of the program, our partners, the public and the land.
Exhibit a strong work ethic and positive, supportive attitude.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Housing provided during the project season in the form of US Forest Service housing, single-occupancy tents at campsites accommodation. Bismarck housing is not provided.
Food provided while in the field during service project
Basic first aid/CPR certification
Professional development field training opportunities
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact:
Shannon Straight
Executive Director
Badlands Conservation Alliance
(701) 450-1631
bca@badlandsconservationalliance.org




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