Team Leader

State of Oklahoma

24d • $40,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Thunderbird Challenge Program is seeking a dedicated and motivated Team Leader to serve as a mentor, role model, and supervisor for young cadets ages 15½ to 18. Team Leaders play a direct role in helping youth develop discipline, leadership skills, and personal responsibility while preparing them for success in education, employment, and community life. This role is well suited for individuals with backgrounds in youth development, education, coaching, mentoring, military service, corrections, or law enforcement. The ideal candidate leads by example, builds positive relationships, and provides consistent guidance to help cadets achieve their academic and personal goals.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to connect with young people.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and constructive in challenging situations.
• Capable of fostering teamwork and discipline among diverse groups.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to modeling positive behavior.
• Exhibits sensitivity to the challenges faced by youth and a dedication to helping them succeed.
• Able to assess situations, make decisions under pressure, and address cadet needs effectively.
• Ability to work effectively within a structured environment while maintaining a supportive and motivational approach with youth.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement must be obtained within one year of employment.
• Contingent on a favorable background check.
• Contingent on passing pre-employment drug & alcohol screening.
• Contingent on a favorable pre-employment physical.
• CNACI (child care check) security clearance—must be a US citizen.
• Employee will be considered essential personnel (required to work during inclement weather).
• Serve a 12-month trial period in accordance with state policy.
• Contingent upon continuous federal funding (this is a federally funded position).
• Available to work if called in due to an emergency.
• Shift work and working weekends (facility open 24 hours, 7 days a week).
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Required to complete and pass the CDL written test and receive CDL driving permit within 90 days of hire.
• Required to obtain a CDL driver’s license within 12 months of hire.
• Required to complete and pass the CDL written test and receive CDL driving permit within 90 days of hire

Nice To Haves

• Military background preferred but not required; experience working with youth in structured environments such as education, coaching, mentoring, corrections, or law enforcement is highly transferable to this role.
• Non-military applicants must be open to learning and adopting military-style structure and procedures through on-the-job training, including customs and courtesies, marching, drill and ceremony, physical fitness, and leadership principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily supervision, guidance, and positive mentorship to assigned cadets in a structured, residential, and quasi-military environment, serving as a consistent role model and source of support while reinforcing program expectations and positive decision-making.
• Lead and oversee leadership development, character education, and team-building activities that promote discipline, accountability, and teamwork.
• Enforce program rules, policies, and standards; address behavioral and disciplinary issues in a fair, calm, and constructive manner.
• Support cadets in achieving academic, career, and personal development goals and guide cadets to appropriate resources.
• Supervise cadets during all scheduled activities, including physical training, academic instruction, community service, and field trips.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of cadets by following established safety protocols, policies, and procedures; promptly report incidents or concerns to supervisory staff.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to behavior, incidents, and cadet progress; participate in staff meetings and required trainings.

Benefits

• This is a full-time state position that provides a percentage of matching contributions to employees’ retirement plans, 11 holidays, and a minimum of 15 days of annual and sick leave per year.
• The state also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees