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School Program Crew Leader Positions

Crew Leading in the School Partnership Program:  The VYCC School Partnership Program is a work-based learning crew experience for Vermont high school students.  As a Crew Leader in this program, you will lead co-lead a crew of 8-10 high school students in a year-long program that inspires students to take responsibility for their own education.

Leadership Development
You will begin your year-long position with an intensive introduction to the VYCC and its programs.  In early August, you will spend a week with other leaders of the program's educational team in an intense orientation and training session.  During this week, you will work with other leaders to develop project-based curriculum, reflect on your leadership style and explore the educational philosophy and practice of work-based learning at the VYCC.  As you prepare for the start to the school year, you will connect with school partners, design an orientation for your students, and develop and workshop projects for your first quarter.  

You and your co-leader will serve as role models and will be the day-to-day "face" of this program for school partners, students, parents, and community partners, whether your crew is based at the VYCC Headquarters or at a partnering school.  Throughout the year, you will also be responsible for designing authentic assessments and public opportunities for your students to present, share, and reflect on their learning.  You will be challenged and supported to develop in yourself and in your students these skills in facilitation, public speaking, and problem-solving.

Working closely with the Program Manager, you will set professional goals and develop your skills as a crew leader and as a professional.  You will meet with your supervisor weekly to discuss and improve your practice as a leader. Although most of your work planning projects and curriculum will occurs with your co-leader, we strive to create a collegiate atmosphere and provide opportunities to learn from one another.

The School Crew Experience
Every day, for 3-4 hours, you will serve as crew leader, work supervisor, teacher, and mentor to your students.  Through the projects you design, you will teach basic workplace skills of personal responsibility, being prepared, reaching goals, taking initiative and testing leadership skills.  The project-based learning curriculum that you create - independently and in a team environment - will be rooted in the land, traditions, and communities of Vermont.

You will spend the first month with your crew teaching them to meet basic work expectations, establishing a daily routine, and building a rapport with your crew as their work supervisor. During the fall you will have a significant 2-3-week sponsored trail or watershed project to complete.  As the winter progresses, you will be increasingly responsible for designing and coordinating projects in the community that meet a real need and challenge your crew to hone their skills (for example, GPS/GIS mapping, wildlife inventories, and historical research).  As a part of each project, you will support students in planning and preparing for quarterly presentations for family, school partners, and staff that showcase their growth and accomplishments.  Finally, after at least one additional sponsored trail or watershed project in the spring, you will help your crew transition to their next academic step – to a technical program or to the traditional 11th grade year.  The projects that make up our curriculum will typically be 1-4 weeks long, and will be intentionally designed to meet community needs and build the skills that your students need to succeed in school and in life.

In this small crew environment you will challenge each student as a whole person – learning happens through the work we do and through relationships that develop under the leadership of competent, caring leaders.  Through work-based learning we aspire to develop habits of mind and habits of work in our students, giving them the skills and support to take the reigns over their lives and future education.

Summer work following the school year will include project development, curriculum documentation, and up to two weeks of residential crew leading in the field.

This position is not for the faint of heart and will require a deep commitment not only to your students' learning, but also to your own development as a leader and co-leader, educator, and professional.  We hope you join us!

Contracts are one year long, and new contracts are reviewed annually based upon performance.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide dynamic leadership and supervision to a diverse group of students during the school year
  • Develop project- and work- based curriculum prior to school year startup and throughout the year
  • Develop lesson and work plans, learning objectives, and evaluation tools for each project
  • Teach students work skills, life skills and relevant academics through projects
  • Serve as teacher, mentor, work supervisor, and role model for students
  • Train and supervise the crew in proper tool use and maintenance
  • Develop quarterly Open Houses for students to share their story and showcase their accomplishments
  • Work closely with school partners to develop, maintain, and evaluate program
  • Work collaboratively with school partners, parents, and students to meet student needs
  • Work collaboratively as part of 6-10 person team to develop and maintain the program
  • Present program to students, teachers, parents, and legislators as needed
  • Complete program evaluation and reporting as necessary

Minimum Qualifications and Desired Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire youth  (crew leading, outdoor leadership, work supervision)
  • Diverse hands-on experience on the land gained through work, life, and school (natural resources, agriculture, science, trail work)
  • Strong desire to work with youth in a crew setting
  • problem-solving ability, self-cofidence, and a strong work ethic
  • Sound judgement, creativity, humor, and maturity
  • Dedication to lifelong learning and personal growth
  • Solid belief in the VYCC mission to teach personal responsibility
  • Effective organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Basic computer experience (Word, and Excel preferred)
  • Basic office administrative skills
  • Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and a reliable vehicle
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university
  • Must be at least 22 years old

Compensation

  • $26,000 annualized salary
  • 25 days of leave
  • Health coverage
  • Support for cost of securing a teaching license, up to $3000
  • Professional development through in-house training, collegial exchange and outside conference
  • Hands-on training in time management, recruitment and hiring, staff training, supervision, and evaluation, database management, payroll functions, and various computer software
  • Excellent opportunity to grow and learn non-profit program and personnel management skills
  • Supportive, challenging atmosphere with dedicated and professional co-workers

To Apply

For more information, please contact Harry Frank at the VYCC at 802-434-3969 ext. 146. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to hfrank@vycc.org with a subject line of “Attn: Ag Program Hiring Committee” or via mail to:

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
Attn: School Program Hiring Committee
1949 East Main Street
Richmond, VT 05477