Job Title: Canyon Country Youth Corps (CCYC) Crew Leader
Reports To: CCYC Field Coordinator
Salary: AmeriCorps Living Stipend of $750 per week (paid bi-weekly) plus housing available and an AmeriCorps Education Award
Classification: AmeriCorps, Full-time, Non-exempt
Location: Monticello, Utah
About the Organization
Bears Ears Partnership (BEP) cultivates durable and effective partnerships to protect the cultural and ecological resources of the Bears Ears region.
Our Vision: With Tribes, land management agencies, nonprofits and regional communities, we lead on-the-ground conservation, education and research programs to care for this region.
Our Values: Collaboration, Respect, Stewardship, Integrity and Trust
Program Summary
Lead a crew. Build real skills. Make a lasting impact. Spend your season working in some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest while developing the skills and experience to become a leader in conservation. Canyon Country Youth Corps (CCYC), a program of Bears Ears Partnership, is looking for motivated, adventurous individuals to lead crews of young adults on meaningful conservation projects throughout Southern Utah. From building trails and restoring habitats to maintaining public lands, you'll work alongside a dedicated team while helping the next generation of conservation leaders grow. This isn't just a seasonal position. It's an opportunity to build a career, develop leadership skills, and make a tangible difference on public lands.
What You'll Do
As a CCYC Crew Leader, you'll lead a team of 4–6 young adults through hands-on conservation projects in frontcountry and backcountry environments.
Your responsibilities include:
- Lead and mentor: Build a positive crew culture, develop your team's skills, and help members grow personally and professionally.
- Get your hands dirty: Lead trail construction and maintenance, chainsaw operations, fencing, habitat restoration, and vegetation management projects.
- Keep your crew safe: Model sound judgment, maintain equipment, and promote safe practices in remote environments.
- Work with conservation partners: Collaborate with federal and state land management agencies to complete high-quality projects.
- Develop future leaders: Teach technical skills, facilitate discussions, give constructive feedback, and create opportunities for personal growth.
- Manage field operations: Coordinate daily work, maintain equipment and vehicles, track project accomplishments, and complete required reporting.
What You'll GAIN
CCYC invests in its leaders. You'll receive hands-on training, practical experience, and the opportunity to build skills valued throughout the conservation and outdoor industries.
Professional Training & Development
- Crew leadership, mentorship, and conflict resolution
- Wilderness First Aid certification
- Chainsaw operation (A-Sawyer certification) and safety training
- Trail construction and maintenance
- Habitat restoration and land stewardship
- Backcountry logistics, camp management, and risk management
- Experience working with public land management agencies
You'll begin with our Crew Leader Development Program (March–May), designed to prepare you for the responsibilities of leading crews through the summer and fall. You will also get a two week break at the end of the spring season before the start of summer season and another two week break at the end of summer season before the start of fall season.
Compensation & Benefits
- $750 weekly living stipend, paid twice monthly
- Bunkhouse housing provided during the service season
- AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion:
- 1,200-hour term: $5,176.50
- 900-hour term: $3,697.50
- Eligible student loan forbearance and interest payment benefits
- Meaningful experience leading conservation crews
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
You don't need to arrive as an expert in conservation or leadership. We're looking for people who are dependable, motivated, eager to learn, and ready to take responsibility for themselves and their crew.
You'll be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable camping in remote locations
- Communicate well and enjoy working with people from different backgrounds
- Can motivate others, navigate challenges, and lead by example
- Have good judgment and take safety seriously
- Are organized, adaptable, and willing to work hard
Previous conservation corps experience, outdoor leadership, trail work, chainsaw work, or youth development experience is a plus — but not required. Applicants must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, possess a valid driver's license with an insurable driving record, and successfully complete required background checks. Field service involves hiking over rough terrain, carrying equipment, performing physically demanding tasks, and working in changing weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants.
THE DETAILS
Location: Monticello, Utah, with project sites throughout Southern Utah
Season: March–November 2027
Available Terms: 900 or 1,200 AmeriCorps service hours
Schedule: Projects are organized into multi-day work periods called hitches, typically following one of these schedules:
- 8 days on / 6 days off
- 4 days on / 3 days off / 4 days on / 3 days off
Crews camp near project sites during hitches. Expect early mornings, physical work, spectacular landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to grow.
ABOUT CANYON COUNTRY YOUTH CORPS
Based in Monticello, Utah, Canyon Country Youth Corps is a program of Bears Ears Partnership. CCYC connects young adults with meaningful service opportunities that protect and restore public lands across the Colorado Plateau. Our crews work alongside public land managers to improve trails, restore ecosystems, and care for the landscapes that make this region extraordinary. We believe conservation work is about more than improving the land. It's about building capable people, strong communities, and the next generation of environmental stewards.
READY TO LEAD?
Apply online by filling out this form or send resume and cover letter to
Don't check every box? Apply anyway. We value motivation, character, and a willingness to learn as much as previous experience. Bears Ears Partnership and Canyon Country Youth Corps provide equal opportunity in their programs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps eligibility and service requirements apply.
