Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
Conservation Program Manager | Full Time
Category: Non-profit
Location: 1949 East Main Street, Richmond, VT, USA
Job Summary:
The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) is seeking a full-time Program Manager to lead the development and operations of our Professional Pathways crews (Pro Crews). Pro Crews tackle more technical projects and are focused on a specific area of conservation. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about engaging young adults in professional growth, skill building, and career exploration. The Program Manager leads recruitment, hiring, training, program planning and support for these crews, while working collaboratively with VYCC staff to create high quality experiences for young people and maintain high standards on the job site. They are excited about inspiring a culture of learning, and a dedicated mentor motivated to guide young people in mapping out their next steps. The position includes both supervisory and administrative responsibilities, includes substantial field time supporting crews on projects, and is an integral part of a highly motivated Conservation Team.
Program Overview:
VYCC’s Conservation Program engages young people in hands-on projects that benefit Vermont’s environment and communities. Corps Members work outdoors to improve access to recreation, and make forests, wildlife habitats, and watersheds healthier. They work with stone, wood, and earth to build trails, maintain park buildings, plant trees, and cut timber. Through training and practice, Members become familiar with hand tools and power tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, circular saws, and chainsaws, while gaining skills, experience, and credentials. VYCC offers a variety of crews that meet each Member’s level of experience and desired challenge. Camping Crews work and live outdoors together for extended periods of time while Day Crews are rooted in a certain community and work together but do not camp. Pro Crews are focused on specific trades or pursuit of a certain career. Young Adult AmeriCorps Crews encounter a range of experience as they explore the breadth of conservation. Youth Crews gain basic introduction to the VYCC experience while building community.
Essential Functions:
Program Planning & Design
- Design programming that focuses on providing Pro Leaders and Members with a high quality experience
- Evaluate, document, and report on program achievements
- Assist in planning the conservation program budget
- Evaluate risk management strategies as they relate to new program or project areas and industry-specific equipment
- Develop new revenues that support future program development
Crew Support
- Supervise, train, support, and evaluate Crews Leaders, Crew Members, and Conservation Field Supervisors
- Support crews on project orientation and implementation, while holding Crew Leaders and Members to a high work standard
- Facilitate group dynamics and morale issues on crews, while cultivating a strong VYCC culture and powerful learning experience
- Conduct field site visits around Vermont (and occasionally in neighboring states)
- Provide on-call support for crews in the field, including evenings and weekends on a rotating basis
- Assist with the management of logistics including: vehicle repairs, tools, and equipment
Crew Hiring
- Lead hiring process for Crew Leaders and Members
- Collaborate on hiring and training Conservation Field Supervisors
- Plan and participate in recruitment and outreach events
- Update and develop interview and onboarding materials
Educational outcomes and Connections
- Design and facilitate orientations and trainings for Crew Leaders and Members
- Provide crews with professional development opportunities both within and outside of VYCC
- Develop partnerships that connect participants with learning, service, and skill building opportunities
- Coordinate with industry employers to ensure training outcomes meet external needs
- Define and evaluate learning outcomes for Corps Members
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Experience working with young people and a passion for youth development and education
- Experience in conservation work, education programs, and camping
- Experience in a range of professional settings
- Strong background in technical project skills in a related field
- Experience teaching, leading, or mentoring others
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusivity, and equity
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues and partner organizations
- Excellent facilitation skills in a large and small group setting and the ability to represent the organization in a professional manner
- Experience supervising, supporting, and providing feedback to crews, groups, or teams
- Outstanding time management, organizational skills, communication skills, and attention to detail
- Ability to travel throughout Vermont and occasionally out of state, while operating VYCC vehicles
- First aid experience, with Wilderness First Aid Certification available through VYCC
Our Mission: Take action and build community by working and learning together with the land.
About Vermont Youth Conservation Corps:
The VYCC is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: young people, working together, guided by highly trained leaders, completing priority projects in conservation and agriculture.
Excellence and Equal Opportunity at VYCC:
VYCC is committed to being an organization that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees, volunteers, and community members.
Our Workplace:
This position is based out of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Headquarters Office at the historic West Monitor Barn, in Richmond, VT. Our office is a collegial, bustling, and fun open office atmosphere, which offers staff opportunities to interact and collaborate. Staff members can balance working remotely and on-campus in collaboration with their team schedule, tasks and all-staff gatherings. Successful staff are able maintain focus and productivity, balance personal initiative and independence, and plug into our team in ways that help us do our best work as an organization. Staff enjoy the perks of the Farm at VYCC and forest campus year-round, as well as the happenings of nearby downtown Richmond.
Compensation & Benefits:
Starting salary for this position is $45,000, commensurate with experience. Exempt from overtime.
Medical and dental insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) with matching contribution; disability and group life insurance
Simple IRA with matching contribution (once eligibility criteria are met)
Annual paid time off (PTO), paid sick time
One-week paid closure in November for all staff (in addition to PTO)
Ongoing professional development
Annual gift card to the VYCC farmstand (organic produce and eggs)
How to Apply:
Please complete our VYCC General Application (http://bit.ly/VYCCapp), to which you’ll upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Patrick Pfeifer at patrick.pfeifer@vycc.org. No calls, please. Position is open until filled.
Updated 12.16.22
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. All of the listed functions are important and are in no particular order. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Deadline:
To Apply:
How to Apply:
Please complete our VYCC General Application (http://bit.ly/VYCCapp), to which you’ll upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Patrick Pfeifer at patrick.pfeifer@vycc.org. No calls, please. Position is open until filled.
