Developing Crew Leader

Position: Badlands Conservation Corps (BCC) Developing Crew Leader 

Reports to: BCC Crew Leader

Service Dates: April 15-September 26, 2026

Hours: 450 Hours

Location

150 hours of pre and post project season preparation in Bismarck, ND
300 hours Field project season locations in the Badlands of North Dakota

AmeriCorps

This AmeriCorps position is made possible by a partnership with Strengthen ND.

Benefits

Position Hours: 450
Living Allowance: $5,500
Education Award: $1,956.35 (Upon successful completion)
Total Award: $7,456.35

Housing: Provided during the project season in the form of US Forest Service housing, single-occupancy tents at campsites accommodation. Bismarck housing is not provided.

Contact

Shannon Straight
Executive Director
Badlands Conservation Alliance
(701) 450-1631
bca@badlandsconservationalliance.org

Apply Now

Position Overview

Badlands Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) offers an opportunity to make a positive impact through hands-on conservation projects while developing the skills needed to lead a conservation corps crew. Participants in this program serve as mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults while gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to assume full Crew Leader responsibilities.

Leadership Development Phase

During the early season, Developing Crew Leaders participate in orientation, training, and personal development, and assist with project season planning.  Developing Leaders complete an onboarding and training process and receive technical and safety training that may include chainsaw training and leadership instruction. Throughout this phase, Developing Leaders build field skills, leadership capacity, and confidence while working under close mentorship and support.

Crew Leader Phase

Successful Developing Crew Leaders will transition and serve as Crew Leader throughout the project season, assuming full leadership responsibility for a traditional BCC field crew consisting of one leader and 4 members. Crews will live cooperatively, forming a close-knit community focused on service and teamwork. Crew Leaders ensure safety, foster team dynamics, and support Crew Members’ growth. They co-lead project work, train Crew Members in conservation techniques, and model effective communication and problem-solving. They also operate vehicles, and oversee logistics. This position offers valuable leadership and conservation experience while making a lasting impact on public lands through AmeriCorps service.

Service Description: BCC crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting change in natural areas in the North Dakota Badlands that may include:

  • Habitat restoration through the treatment and removal of invasive species

  • Trail building and design in state parks, national parks, conserved land, and other publicly accessible natural areas

  • Boardwalk construction and installation along National Scenic Trails and in publicly accessible natural areas

Crews spend the full duration of their season living, serving, and traveling together. Off times during the season are an opportunity to explore nearby towns and natural areas, take care of chores like laundry and grocery shopping, and relax at camp or in provided housing. BCC does not allow the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or tobacco throughout the entire crew season, during the service day or during non-project time. BCC crews live sustainably and follow Leave No Trace principles. Participants are responsible for developing a menu, grocery shopping, and cooking together, while taking into account all possible dietary restrictions.  Participants will be responsible for daily assigned household chores and project preparation tasks.

Leader Training: Developing Crew Leaders receive technical and safety training at the beginning of the season. We work closely with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, MHA Tribal Park, and conservation partners that have various requirements.  For this reason, some technical trainings listed below may or may not be needed depending on project season. This includes all certifications listed below, with additional mentorship and leadership development support during the first phase of the summer.

  • CPR/First Aid

  • Chainsaw Use and Maintenance Certification

  • Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training

  • Certified Pesticide Applicator Certification in Wisconsin

  • Leave No Trace (LNT) Training

  • Trail Building Training

  • AmeriCorps Orientation

  • AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training

  • Fleet Vehicle Use and Driving Training

  • Trailer Towing Training and Practice

  • Tent and Campsite Set Up Training

  • Budgeting, Food Shopping, Cooking, and Hygiene Overview

Early Season Responsibilities (Developing Phase):

Serve on a field crew made up of 1 Senior Crew Leader, 1 Developing Leader and 4 Field crew members.

Participate in progressive leadership development under Senior Leader mentorship

Support project implementation, safety, logistics, and camp life

Assist with documentation, data reporting, communication, media development and crew operations

Learn day-to-day crew management tasks (conflict resolution, task delegation, budgeting, schedule management, daily project preparation, cooking, logistics)

Late Season Responsibilities (Crew Leader Phase):

Serve as one of the 2 Crew Leaders with 4 Crew Members

Promote the safety and well-being of the crew during the service day – Provide technical, logistical, and leadership support

Promote safety and well-being during non-project time – in all aspects of camp life, including Leave No Trace principles, group kitchen setup and use, hygiene practices, and waste management

Document and promote the BCC Program by photographing crews in the field and sharing images and updates with BCC Communication staff

Communicate regularly with project partners to confirm project goals, expectations, and successful completion of deliverables

Foster clear, respectful, and consistent communication with Crew Members, BCC staff, project partners, and the public

Operate fleet vehicle and trailer as assigned

Oversee day-to-day crew tasks, including cooking, camp/housing cleanliness, crew schedule and time management, errands, chores, and vehicle and trailer cleanliness

General Crew Program Responsibilities:

Complete service projects and camp in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures

Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack

Support a functional and positive crew community

Practice Leave No Trace principles and sustainable living techniques

Serve up to 10 hours per day on the project for 4 to 10 consecutive days in outdoor locations. 

*May operate and maintain chainsaws, brush saws, carpentry and power tools, herbicide applicators, backpack sprayers, mowers, and hand tools to accomplish conservation projects as assigned

Abide by all BCC & AmeriCorps policies and procedures

Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times

Requirements:

Be a US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States

At minimum, must be a high school graduate or have a GED

Satisfy a criminal history background check

Availability for entire duration of term of service

Possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old, or have a minimum of three years of driving experience and an insurable driving record. Follow all BCC policies and procedures and contribute to the BCC by creating a healthy and supportive environment.

Able to perform field duties while exposed to adverse conditions such as inclement weather and biting insects Represent the program in a professional manner at all times and wear BCC gear during service projects.

Willingness and ability to use herbicide, chainsaws, and any other tools required to complete assigned tasks

Participants must provide personal items such as boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers and rain gear; BCC has a small inventory of outdoor gear that may be borrowed for a season (supplies are limited and are not guaranteed to be available upon arrival) 

Provide ongoing feedback regarding program, crew, and service.

Work in diverse team settings, showing respect to all members of the program, our partners, the public and the land.

Exhibit a strong work ethic and positive, supportive attitude. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Desire to lead and mentor a diverse group of young adults (ages 18-30) while building cohesiveness in a team setting

A background in or a strong willingness to learn about different conservation practices and land management techniques

Experience as a conservation corps crew member, summer camp counselor, trip leader, mentor, resident assistant, or other relevant roles.

Badlands Conservation Alliance is committed to creating a welcoming environment and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Contact:
Shannon Straight
Executive Director
Badlands Conservation Alliance
(701) 450-1631
bca@badlandsconservationalliance.org

Apply Now