Position Overview:
The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking an Youth Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) for our partnership with the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Apex Youth Connections to help lead a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Crew, which is a crew of high school age individuals (ages 15-18) in conservation projects at Apex and the Rachel Carson Refuge. Our priority projects at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge will focus on creating engaging outdoor experiences, including the development of the Sense of Wonder Trail, Nature Play Elements, Pollinator Gardens, and a Pet Memorial, while exploring recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, archery, and participation in the Junior Ranger Program. APEX Youth Connection will also bring exciting opportunities to the table, including the upkeep of the local pump track, the construction of bat houses and caterpillar houses, pollinator and vegetable garden expansion and participation in the Earn-a-Bike program. These hands-on projects will provide youth with valuable skills while engaging them in meaningful conservation work.
Crew Locations:
- Project season locations
- Rachel Carson NWR, 321 Port Road, Wells, ME 04090
- Apex Youth Connections, 45 Granite Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005
Duties:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Co-manage (with the Crew Leader) a crew of 3 crew members (ages 15-18) in the field
- Delegate tasks to crew members to effectively complete projects
- Facilitate “teachable moments” to crew members throughout the season
- Coordinate project logistics with Rachel Carson and Apex staff
- Compile project logs and crew member evaluations
- Ensure a safe work environment for crew members and the public
- Routinely prepare and maintain tools/equipment before and after projects
- Serve as an exemplary leader, mentor, and role model for crew members
- Maintain a strong relationship and communication with project partners
Qualifications:
Candidates should possess, at a minimum, the following:
- Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
- The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
- Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
- Capability to perform strenuous physical labor under variety of outdoor conditions (ie. Summer heat, bugs, rain etc.)
- We are excited to have applicants with previous experience but it is not required
- Youth Assistant Crew Leader must be 15-18 years of age.
Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications or currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidate.
Employment Period: June 23nd – August 14th, 2026
Workweek: 24-32 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break).
Compensation: $17.50/hour
Reports to: Thomas Wall, Rachel Carson Visitor Services Manager/Ranger
Sarah Hoover, Apex Youth Connections Program Director
Blase Saucedo, NorthWoods Conservation Corps Program Assistant
How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and 1-2 references to [email protected]. Please indicate you are applying for the RC/Apex Youth Assistant Crew Leader position
Hiring Timeline: Application deadline is May 15th but applications are reviewed and selected on a rolling basis – apply early!
If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to Blase Saucedo, [email protected] (802) 723-6551 x304
Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:
People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities. NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.
About NorthWoods
NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont. We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England. Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas: Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more about us.