Position Summary:   

The Crew Leader I position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water. 

Standard schedule generally consists of Monday – Friday, 8 hour work days, plus occasional overtime. Crew Leaders may also be required to come into the office to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff.

The Crew Leader II position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on diverse teams and those from a variety of populations and communities. 

Projects take place in the greater Charlottesville area, working with local land managers, as well as a 3-day experience in Shenandoah National Park. During their time in the field, crew leaders work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. These hands-on projects include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species treatments, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.

Crew Leaders will begin their season with training and work alongside ACC’s adult crews until the youth season begins on June 23, 2025. From June 23, 2024-August 1, 2025 the crew will complete project work in the Charlottesville area. No camping overnight is required during the Charlottesville work, but an optional campsite will be provided for crew leaders. The final week of the program (August 4-8, 2025) will include an immersive experience in Shenandoah National Park, during which camping will be required.

A typical day will begin with the crew leaders arriving at the worksite no later than 8:15am (participants will arrive at 9am and may be dropped off by a friend/family member or drive themselves). The crew will hike in and complete a 4-hour workday with one 15-minute break. The crew will be back at the parking area to be picked up or depart by 1pm. An optional lunch may be provided at 1pm. After crew members depart, the crew leaders will continue project work as a strike team until 4pm. All participants will have Saturdays and Sundays off.