Youth Conservation Program Crew Leader

Overview

Join us. Do work that matters! In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Mobilize Green seeks a Youth Conservation crew leader for our 2026 summer youth program. Each crew leader co-leads a team of high-school youth to live and work together on conservation-related projects, environmental education, and leadership development in Northern Minnesota (Superior National Forest) over two 3-week sessions. The goal of the program is to create environmental stewards and future leaders through community engagement, hands-on teamwork, and professional development.

Crew leaders work in teams of 5–6 to facilitate student and group safety, camping excursions, personal development, environmental education, and work project management. Crew leaders also represent Mobilize Green on-site and coordinate with partners on designated projects. All crew leaders are required to attend a pre-program training (virtual/in-person hybrid).

At this time, dates for the 2026 program are still to be determined. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Term: 8 total weeks, Summer 2026

• $800 per week living stipend
• Travel, housing, and living expenses are included for the duration of the program
• Meals provided for the duration of the program
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification
• Defensive Driving Training
• Hands-on, specialized tools training
• Mentorship and teaching experience
• Work directly with USDA Forest Service staff and network with land management experts

• Crew Management
  • Supervise crew members during all program activities, projects, and while at housing with students.
  • Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment in accordance with Mobilize Green’s Field Operations Standards and COVID Policies.
  • Work with the co-leader to manage the group dynamics of the crew.
  • Lead Environmental Education and team-building lessons during off-project days.
  • On-call overnight duty is required on rotation.
• Service Project Advisor
  • Train and supervise crew members in safe and proper use of tools and all aspects of the service project (may include trail construction, maintenance, wildlife habitat work, site restoration, etc.).
  • Facilitate worksite and project, tool, and equipment logistics; tool maintenance; and work schedule in partnership with the Project Leader and the USDA Forest Service Staff.
  • Care for and maintain all program equipment and tools used in the project.
• Program Administrator
  • Manage administrative aspects of the crew, including but not limited to required pre- and post-program paperwork, daily work logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, evaluations, and final report.
  • Communicate with full-time Mobilize Green and housing staff as required to report incidents, potential hazards, and program evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Uphold and act in accordance with Mobilize Green’s Field Operations Standards. This includes a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
• Communicate effectively with Mobilize Green staff, parents, agency partners, and co-leaders during the program.
• Participate fully in crew leader Orientation and all safety training.
• Maintain a positive relationship with agency partners.
• Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment for members.
• Maintain a positive, professional relationship with co-leaders.
• Complete all necessary weekly and post-program paperwork, including an end-of-program debrief with Mobilize Green Staff.

• Current First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to obtain before the start of the program (included in Mobilize Green training).
• Youth/Young Adult Programming — documented experience working with youth or young adults (ages 14–18) as a teacher, mentor, leader, counselor, or coach.
• Teaching/Leadership — experience in an informal or formal educational environment; ability to organize and effectively teach lessons, motivate teenage/young adult students, provide and accept constructive feedback, and communicate effectively.
• Outdoor Education/Skills — experience with outdoor skills, including up to 8 miles of hiking, camping experience, safety awareness, Leave No Trace, etc.
• Conservation Project…