Young Adult Crew Leader, Urban and Community Forestry

Position

Young Adult Crew Leader, Urban and Community Forestry.

Tacoma, Wa. This is a community-based crew without housing or camping provided.

$775-$825 per week, depending on Crew Leader’s new/returning status and WFR/WEMT certifications. All Crew Leaders receive a $684 per week training wage for their 10‑day training.

Crew Leader Training:
September 8 through September 18, 2026. Program Dates:
September 21 through December 18, 2026.

This is a full‑time, session‑based position. Typical hours are Monday‑Friday (possibly Tuesday‑Saturday or even Sunday‑through‑Thursday), 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. No overtime will be allowed. Hours may vary due to weather, IFPL levels, training needs, etc.

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an Ameri Corps educational award.

These young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self‑sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

Urban Community Forestry (UCF) Young Adult Crew Leaders will manage and supervise crews of up to 5 young adults, ages 19‑26. Schedules will typically be Monday through Friday; however, schedules may vary for training days. Crew Leaders are responsible for completing a variety of conservation‑oriented projects on public and/or private lands and for implementing a safe, highly efficient crew experience, including facilitating work to be performed, managing break times, delivering our education curriculum, and more.

CLs are well‑balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. In many ways they teach participants how to navigate the project work and social environment with grace and positivity. CLs deliver an impactful, educational experience to young people in their communities. This position can also provide an entry point into the fields of natural resource management, youth development, outdoor education, and more.

CLs assist in creating resilient communities through improving urban forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing urban green spaces in underserved communities.

• Leadership and Mentorship
• Safety and Risk Management
• Project Management and Implementation
• Education Curriculum

• At least 20 years old
• Pass a criminal history background check
• Be able to arrive on time to the pre‑designated meeting point during all training and service
• Desire to learn and grow
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success
• Excellent judgment
• Consistent attendance and punctuality
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others, and the environment
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification before participation; reimbursement (up to $40) is possible upon completion of the session
• Current driver’s license and acceptable driving record for the past three years (Driver’s License Background Check required)
• Education in a related field and/or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development, or educational fields preferred (experience in conservation work and/or youth programming will be considered in place of education)

Applicants must be in good physical condition; capable of working on strenuous, labor‑intensive projects, as training and work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and being on foot for 8 hours per day.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Adam Cashman, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator, adamc