Position Overview:  

The NorthWoods Youth Conservation Corps Support Staff position is designed for people who are looking to build their skills and experience. This position will assist the NorthWoods Conservation Corps Staff in the supervision of Youth Conservation Corps crews as well as our Adult Trail Crew. This support staff will primarily be assisting and supporting project work where needed throughout the field season. The Corps Support Staff will work closely with with the Corps Northern Field Coordinator and Corps Directors on projects throughout Northern Vermont and New Hampshire

Along the way, this person will gain technical trail and conservation skills while building their professional network. A successful employee in this role will be able to work in challenging conditions, complete high-quality work, provide support for crews, and work well both independently and as a part of a team. If you are excited to spend the summer outdoors and develop your technical skills, work alongside other conservation professionals, and have a positive impact in Vermont, and New Hampshire then this position is for you. This position will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics and work directly with youth (14+), gain hands-on trail work experience, and meet the rest of the NorthWoods leadership team. In addition, they will receive specific, on-site training throughout the season. At the end of the season, you will walk away as a greater steward of the natural environment.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Support 4-5 Youth Conservation Crews during their field season
• Work with crew leaders to effectively complete projects 
• Coordinate project logistics with NorthWoods Corps Staff
• Assist with site visits and gathering project information 
• Assist with project work logs, timesheets, and crew leader evaluations
• Serve as an exemplary leader and role model for crew members and crew leaders
• Work as part of a team to implement a variety of recreation trail projects: including sustainable recreation & accessibility improvement projects on state, federal, Wilderness and private lands.
• Specific project types may include: level 1 trail maintenance; new trail construction; construction of trail structures such as staircases, stone walls, bridges, drainages, etc.; habitat restoration; and trail decommissioning 
• Engage with training opportunities provided and apply knowledge and skills to the completion of set project tasks
• Specific trainings may include: Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2, Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Leave No Trace, Rigging basics, tree planting and restoration techniques, trail building & maintenance, hand tool use and maintenance, Ax and Cross cut training, sustainable trails best practices, and Wilderness knowledge and skills. 
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with each crew, NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
• Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors
• Work independently and as part of a team to produce high-quality and on-schedule project outcomes
• Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety, and project implementation
• Attend meetings, workshops, and special events as necessary to represent NorthWoods and support programmatic goals
• Be committed to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Adapt to changing conditions and plans based on real-time information

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.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in trail building and leadership preferred 
• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with team members, staff, and project partners
• Ability to stay focused and on track during repetitive tasks such as arranging stones or building structures and performing trail maintenance. 
• 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
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor such as carrying more than 50 pounds and/or heavy tools and materials over rough, uneven terrain under varied weather conditions.
• Strong sense of curiosity and interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
• Experience in best practices for field safety, situational awareness, and a general understanding of Leave No Trace principles
• Candidates must be 18 or older by the first day of employment 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people
• Ability to adjust to changing plans

Preferred Skills/Knowledge: 

• Backcountry camping experience
• WFA/CPR certification (Training opportunities will be provided if not already acquired)
• Power tool experience (drill/driver, circular saw, rock drills, sawzall, brush saw, etc)
• Hand tool experience (shovel, rake, tamper, sledgehammer, axe, hand saw, etc)
• Chainsaw or Cross Cut training and/or experience (Game of Logging, US Forest Service or equivalent). For those without training, opportunities for training, refresher courses, and certifications may be offered.
• Rigging/Grip Hoist experience (Training opportunities and refreshers will be offered) 
• Driver’s license
• Trailer towing experience (training can be provided)
• Prior, positive NorthWoods experience

Possible Training Opportunities: Wilderness First Aid & CPR; Sustainable Trail Building and Maintenance skills; proper tool use and tool maintenance, leadership development; OSHA job safety; Leave No Trace; Ax use, Game of Logging chainsaw trainings 1 & 2; ground and/or aerial Rigging; Wilderness Knowledge, Ethics and Skills

Employment Period: Spring to Fall Period: May 12th – August 1st 2025. (Opportunities for an extended employment period may be available)

Workweek: The work schedule is 40 hours per week (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and two 15 minute paid breaks each day).  Schedules will vary depending on projects and locations. 

Compensation: Hourly wage of $18-$20.50/hr, based on experience. Paid bi-weekly. This position is eligible for a gear stipend of $100, half paid in the first week and half paid in the final week of employment. When required to stay overnight, employees will receive a $25 per night stipend.  Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, the wood shop, and access to a gear lending library. 

Housing: On and off-campus housing is available at an affordable rate. Occasional camping will be required (back-country and front-country) with crews. Campsite and logistics will be handled by the Conservation Corps Directors. A $25/night stipend per individual will be provided to cover food costs when overnight camping is required for work. Cook and camp gear will be provided.

Reports to:  Dusty May and Blase Saucedo, Conservation Corps Co-Directors

How to Apply: How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to corps@northwoodscenter.org  

Hiring Timeline:  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early. If selected, applicants will be notified of an invitation to interview. Deadline for applications is April 30th 2025.  

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to: Dusty May/Conservation Corps Director at dusty@northwoodscenter.org or Blase Saucedo/ Conservation Corps Director at blase@northwoodscenter.org or (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.

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 at www.northwoodscenter.org.