
Idaho Conservation Corps
Address:
5657 Warm Springs Ave
Boise, Idaho
83716
Leadership Development Program Member (Boise, ID)
JOB DETAILS
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Leadership Development Program Member (Boise, ID)
Type of Position: Other
Town, City, Park, etc: Boise
State / Territory: Idaho
Benefits: Education Award, Student Loan Forbearance
Project/Program Focus: Habitat Restoration, Invasive Species Management, Trails
ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
History Philosophy
Idaho Conservation Corps is a state wide program of Northwest Youth Corps. Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) was started in 1982—during a tough economic period—with the mission of helping youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. Since that time, NYC has helped 17,000 diverse young people benefit from education, leadership, empowerment, and challenge, while completing high priority resource management objectives across the state. Annually NYC crews carry out 180,000 hours of projects such as invasive plant removal, riparian planting, stream restoration, fence construction, and trail maintenance for a variety of federal, state, and local partners.
Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. Our programs focus on education, challenge, community, leadership and empowerment, giving youth critical life skills and confidence. Programs stress teamwork, inclusion, and leadership while promoting a solid work ethic and individual achievement. Youth leave Idaho Conservation Corps knowing that they can overcome obstacles, solve problems, make friends, and attain their objectives in life.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
During the first five-to-seven weeks of the Leadership Development Program, members will work as a crew with other emerging leaders in conservation. Guided by an experienced crew leader, they will complete project work while developing both their technical and their leadership skills. Provided Leadership Development Program members demonstrate sufficient skills, they will spend the second five weeks of their program completing a leadership practicum.
NYC/ICC’s Leadership Development Programs are innovative AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience to those interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps, land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor careers. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development, conservation work skills, and leadership.
LDP members who transition to their leadership practicum lead, manage, and supervise crews of youth ages 16-18 over one 5-week session. LDP Members will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands alongside their crew and project partners.
LDP Members are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. LDP Members should expect organizational support during their endeavors that may include weekly check-ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows LDP Members to deliver an impactful educational experience to youth just entering the field and provides an entry-point within the fields of natural resource management, conservation, and outdoor education.
JOB DUTIES
Duties and Responsibilities during the first five-to-seven weeks of the program:
Work Project Participation – Crew Members will be part of an eight- or nine-person crew led by one Crew Leader. Crew Members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned projects promptly to predetermined specifications under the direction of their Crew Leader. They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe workplace practices, proper tool use, work quality, and efficiency. Participants will work on high priority conservation projects for land management partners like the Forest Service, BLM, and Bureau of Reclamation.
Development & Education: – Crew Members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. A Participant Success Plan will be created by each member to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program. Participants may have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
After stepping into the Leadership Practicum for the second half of their session, Leadership Development Program Members will have increased duties and responsibilities.
Leadership and Mentorship – LDP Members help 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. LDP Members provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. LDP Members receive feedback on their performance from NYC/ICC staff and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.
Safety and Risk Management – LDP Members are responsible for assisting with 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. This includes not only the physical safety of participants but their mental and emotional safety as well. LDP Members will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite and frequently drive long distances in NYC/ICC fleet vehicles.
Project Management & Implementation - LDP Members are responsible for completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and assisting with supervision of crews of youth or young adult participants, working roughly 38 hours/week. In the field, LDP Members will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. LDP Members are mentors and role models and set the pace and tone of the project site. This position is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. LDP Members will lift heavy loads, walk long distances, and should expect to find each project physically challenging.
REQUIREMENTS
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- 20+ years old
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- Current Driver’s License and acceptable driving history for at least 3 years
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- Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle
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- Must pass criminal background check and have acceptable driving record for the past three years
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- Recreational/ professional outdoor experience, accustomed to living for periods of time without modern conveniences
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- High School Diploma or GED
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- Ability to lift and/or move 70 lbs., hike several miles, and be on foot for 8-10 hours per day
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- Positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success
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- Desire to learn and grow
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- Good judgment and decision-making skills
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- Excellent organization and time management skills
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- Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team setting
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- Ability to listen, give and take feedback
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- Strong communication skills
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- Spirit of adventure and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
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- Experience/desire in working with diverse populations
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- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Leadership Development Program participants are provided comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew’s projects, training MAY cover the following topics:
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- USDA Chainsaw/Crosscut operation and maintenance
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- NYC Leadership Philosophy
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- Basic Trail maintenance and Construction
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- Crew Management and Motivation
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- Conservation Education
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- Risk Management and Safety Procedures
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- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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- Driver Training
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- Tool Use and Maintenance
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- Wilderness First Aid
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- Anaphylaxis training
CONTACT INFORMATION
Zeke Zeff, Member Services Coordinator, ZekeZ@nwyouthcorps.org