Junior Ranger Assistant Crew Lead

City of Boulder

4d•$18 - $25

About The Position

Junior Ranger Assistant Crew Leads (ACLs) work with Crew Leads to teach and help mentor teams of youth ages 14-17 on OSMP lands each summer. They build functional teams, complete trail maintenance and land restoration projects, and support youth stewardship and job skill development. ACLs will participate in a full 3 weeks of Crew Lead training in May, then further develop their skills by supporting co-leader teams on work projects. ACLs may support one Junior Ranger crew for several weeks, or move between different crews to support emergent work project and crew member needs. This is a dynamic job that requires a lot of physical and emotional energy, but the rewards are incredible.

Requirements

Ability and desire to work with high schoolers (ages 14-17) and young adults.
Ability to hike, carry tools, and move heavy objects (such as large rocks) on uneven terrain for extended periods of time in all weather.
Ability to perform risk and hazard analysis and implement proper safety controls; ability to judge weather conditions.
Adheres to department and program policies in regard to safety.
Ability to report and take personal responsibility for all accidents, damage to city property, and/or policy infractions.
Ability to work with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a fair, supportive, and cooperative manner.
Ability to write and speak effectively and courteously to communicate ideas with youth, parents, community members.
Ability and prior experience working collaboratively as part of a team and making joint decisions where all voices are heard.
Knowledge of and compliance with all policies, including safety best practices.
Skill in Flexibility, Humility, and Adaptability: Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things. Responsive to feedback; coachable. Able to function effectively when directions or priorities change quickly.
Skill in Teamwork - demonstrating interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together. Understanding the interests and concerns of others and able and willing to share and receive information. Working effectively as a member and leader of formal and informal teams.
Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
At least one (1) year of prior interest, education, or experience in trail maintenance, environmental education, hiking/outdoor adventuring, or natural resource management.
At least one (1) month working with a youth corps, non-profit, environmental agency or similar entity.

Nice To Haves

Ability and desire to use past trails and team knowledge of Junior Ranger program to model and teach new team members (graduates of the Junior Ranger Program).
Ability to carefully plan activities, tasks, and projects; follow established procedures; and maintain accurate records.
Ability to communicate bilingually and be biliterate English/Spanish
Ability to problem solve and make sound decisions by recognizing needs, assessing possible methods to meet needs, and acting on solutions.
Knowledge of positive youth development principles and leadership styles.
Skill in Instructing and Mentoring - Teaching someone how to do something. Demonstrating commitment to mentoring others, answering questions, and providing a safe space to learn.
Experience coaching or teaching middle or high school aged youth.
Standard First Aid and Adult CPR certification required. (Free Wilderness First Aid (WFA) class offered during Team Leader training).
Prior experience or training in Mental Health first aid, support and referral to a professional.
Valid Driver’s License and an ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

Responsibilities

Supports two co-leaders of a 10-member youth conservation team, completing natural resource projects such as trail maintenance and construction, forestry, vegetation management, and ecological restoration.
Supports general management of the team including safety (physical and mental/emotional), assisting the supervisor, project management, providing feedback to the supervisor for discipline and evaluation.
Assists OSMP staff project sponsors to carry out site-specific work plans.
Organizes work within the work group to maximize safety, project completion, team development, and individual contribution.
Assists in keeping accurate records on each team member, which includes documentation of hours worked, incident reports, progress reports and evaluations.
Assists in supervising youth and developing team environment.
Integrates learning opportunities into project timeline to help youth members develop stewardship awareness.
Plans and facilitates environmental education lessons and team building activities.
Provides task instruction as needed.
Assists Junior Ranger program staff with team leader training, sharing knowledge and expertise.
Knows and complies with all policies, including safety best practices.
Participates in professional trainings and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.
Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, acts accordingly to prevent accidents and injuries.
Uses all proper safety equipment.
Reports and takes personal responsibility for all accidents, damage to city property, and/or policy infractions.
Assists in coordinating team tasks and daily operations with co-leaders.
Provides opportunities for co-leaders to practice weaker skills and collaboratively develop each other’s leadership skills.
Actively builds knowledge base and seeks professional development in order to support team with environmental education and team building activities.
Openly shares successes and challenges to support team learning and individual growth.