Summer Green Team Youth Leader

Groundwork Ohio River Valley (Groundwork) is an environmental and social justice nonprofit focusing on youth, environmental education, water science, transformation of vacant properties, planting trees and edible gardens, building trails, revitalizing neighborhoods, providing a Green Jobs site and workforce development, and participatory planning processes for the public. Groundwork is part of the National Park Service & the U.S. EPA in 20 cities nation-wide. Groundwork is seeking highly motivated candidates for ‘Youth Leader’ positions with the Green Team workforce development program. The Green Team program employs youth 14-18 years old to complete community-based environmental initiatives while training the youth in soft skills, environmental science, outdoor recreation, and environmental careers. The primary role of the Youth Leader is to lead and coordinate day-to-day operations of the Green Team.

Requirements

• Highly motivated, positive attitude, and strong work ethic
• Ability to set and execute work goals in an unstructured environment and adjust to changing project priorities
• Flexible and positive attitude with the ability to work in a variety of settings
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions. or in an office setting periodically
• Ability to perform manual labor outdoors, including lifting up to 50 lbs, digging, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team.
• Passion for contributing to solutions for community and environmental challenges

Desired Abilities/Skills

• Natural Resource Management/Restoration experience: trail building, invasive species management, tree planting, naturalist skills, construction skills.
• Drivers License
• Community development/engagement experience
• Youth leadership and programming experience
• Shared life experience with youth employees

Schedule

• May 19 – July 25th, 2025
• Monday – Thursday 8:30a – 2:30p
• Fridays- 8:30a – 4p
• 32 – 40 hrs/week
• Occasional work on weekends or special events

Benefits

• $15-17/hr
• Paid fieldwork training in local conservation / climate change interventions, youth leadership development training, certification in first aid/CPR.
• Networking with local and national entities focused on Environmental and Social Justice
• Paid fieldwork training in local conservation / climate change interventions, youth leadership development training, certification in first aid/CPR.
• Networking with local and national entities focused on Environmental and Social Justice 
• Gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation.
• Develop skills in teamwork, leadership, and environmental planning.
• Learn to use GIS tools to map and analyze environmental data.
• Contribute to community improvement projects with a lasting impact.
• Fun, engaging, and educational work environment focused on youth development, social justice, and conservation.
• Opportunity to attend paid trips seasonally

Responsibilities: 

• Develop jobs readiness and leadership skills for Green Team teen employees while performing group-based environmental projects in local neighborhoods and parks.
• Facilitate a collaborative, fun, and educational workplace for Green Team teens employees of diverse backgrounds through various activities, discussions and projects.
• Ensure the team is provided with and trained to use all necessary tools and equipment for daily projects.
• Establish, demonstrate, and reinforce jobsite safety protocols, healthy interpersonal communication, and appropriate workplace behavior for all employees at all times.
• Transport Green Team teen employees, supplies and materials to field trips and project sites
• Ensuring the safety of Green Team employees through their proper use of Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
• Support Green Team teen employee understanding of local ecology and environment issues.
• Support Green Team teen employee understanding of how their individual choices and daily work in the program contribute to a healthier community and ecosystem.
• Collaborate with the other Youth Leaders, Groundwork staff,  and community partners to schedule, implement, and supervise projects.
• Onsite supervision of jobsite projects; monitor and report project progress to Green Team leadership staff.
• Collect and submit all required employee documents for Green Team teen employees.
• Record and ensure timely submission of Green Team teen employee daily attendance and timesheets.
• Attend weekly Youth Leader Team meetings with Green Team leadership Friday afternoons.

Local residents strongly encouraged to apply. People of Color and those with other marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Groundwork is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity. Groundwork does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.