2026 MobilizeGreen Youth Conservation Program Crew Leader

Join us. Do work that matters! 

In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, MobilizeGreen seeks a Youth Conservation crew leader for our 2026 summer youth program. Each crew leader is responsible for co-leading a team of high-school youth to live and work together on conservation-related projects, environmental education, and leadership development activities in Northern Minnesota (Superior National Forest) / Southern California (San Bernardino 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 a team of 5-6 to facilitate student and group safety, camping excursions, personal development, environmental education, and work project management. Crew leaders also represent MobilizeGreen 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. However, we encourage you to apply as applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Term: 8 total weeks, Late May - Early August, 2026

8 days crew leader training: TBD

Leading cohort 1 TBD

1 week off

Leading cohort 2: TBD

3-day reporting/admin work: TBD 

Benefits:

$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 

Duties and Responsibilities:

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 MobilizeGreen’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,s and final report. 

Communicate with full-time MobilizeGreen and housing staff as required to report incidents, potential hazards, and program evaluations.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements During Term of Service:

Uphold and act in accordance with MobilizeGreen’s Field Operations Standards. This includes a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. 

Communicate effectively with MobilizeGreen 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 MobilizeGreen Staff.

Qualifications:

Current First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to get this before the start of the program (included in MobilizeGreen 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 working in an informal or formal educational environment or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to organize and effectively teach lessons, motivate teenage and/or young adult students, provide and accept constructive feedback, and communicate effectively.

Outdoor Education/Skills- Experience and familiarity with outdoor skills, including: up to 8 miles of hiking, extensive camping experience, safety awareness, Leave No Trace, etc.

Conservation Project Skills- Experience in service project management, service learning, conservation or trail projects, and proper hand tool usage. May also include experience with carpentry, landscaping, gardening, etc.

A valid driver’s license with no major violations w/in the past 3 years

Must pass a criminal background check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Must be 21 or older. 

Must be a U.S. Citizen or legally able to work in the U.S.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This is physically demanding work. The work conditions are challenging and require the ability to handle strenuous work conditions such as steep terrain and lifting weights up to 40 pounds, as well as environmental conditions including rain, bugs, and extreme heat. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Crew leaders will be expected to stand, walk, and carry gear for up to 8 hours per day while keeping morale up among members. Additionally, as this is a live-in program, crew leaders will be required to work a rotating schedule for work projects, administrative tasks, and 24/7-on on-call for the safety and well-being of members.

For more information on MobilizeGreen, go to: www.mobilizegreen.org