Ecological Restoration Crew Lead

Glacier Peak Institute (GPI) is a unique community-based outdoor leadership organization that offers immersive outdoor STEM and excursion programs that allow youth to tap their potential. Rural communities like Darrington are teeming with potential, while also facing compounding challenges—from natural disasters to historical underinvestment and lack of resources for youth education, recreation, and community health. 

This role is on-site at our Darrington, Washington office. 

GPI is currently seeking an Ecological Restoration Crew Lead. The Ecological Restoration Crew Lead is responsible for overseeing and leading a local youth crew (18 years old and up) in the implementation of ecological restoration and forestry projects, while also fostering a strong learning environment. This position plays a vital role in Glacier Peak Institute's (GPI) mission to invest in the tools and experiences rural youth need to harness their full potential and directly contribute to the ecological and economic regeneration of their community. We are looking for a candidate who is knowledgeable in ecological restoration principles and techniques while providing coordination and support to other crew leads and key partners who will be leading the crew on other types of projects.

What you will do:

  • Lead and motivate a crew of 5-10 restoration work crew members in the field, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment.

  • Oversee all aspects of ecological restoration projects.

  • Develop and adapt curriculum/learning materials specifically for worksite learning related to restoration and forestry duties. Help develop skills and learning objectives based on available projects.

  • Train new employees and provide ongoing supervision/leadership to cultivate a productive, efficient, and enthusiastic team.

  • Ensure crew members understand and diligently follow all safety and risk management protocols.

  • Operate and perform field maintenance of hand tools and power tools.

  • Conduct on-site quality control and enforce restoration project standards.

  • Read and interpret detailed and varied scopes of work, clearly communicating the information to crew members.

  • Track multiple projects/tasks with a strong sense of ownership, follow-through, and communication.

  • Generate efficient work plans for teams of 5-10 people, using informed decision making regarding appropriate techniques.

  • Maintain clear and timely communication with project managers regarding logistical priorities, crew dynamics, and team needs.

  • Respond to and resolve project challenges and problems effectively.

  • Weekly reporting of project progress and problems to the supervisor.

  • Direct interaction with staff members for the purpose of education and supporting a positive team dynamic.

  • Work with program partners, supervisor, and other work crew leads to identify and confirm projects and project plans.

  • Track all program metrics and required documentation, and complete all required program reporting.

  • Help coordinate forestry and facilities projects with other crew leads and key partners, supporting quality control and crew supervision.

Basic Qualifications:

  • College or university program certificate in a relevant field; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Prior experience leading/supervising teams of 5 or more

  • Knowledgeable and/or experienced in ecological restoration principles and technique

  • Driver’s License and clean driving record

  • Pass a background check. 

Preferred experience

  • Demonstrated enthusiasm for restoration and/or forestry work.

  • Strong PNW native and invasive plant identification skills and an understanding of individual species attributes and habitat.

  • CPR and First Aid certified (or WFR/WFA)

Compensation for this role is $28/per hour 

Please send your resume and cover letter to HR@glacierpeakinstitute.org

At the Glacier Peak Institute we consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, which may lead individual compensation to vary depending on job related qualifications, skills, and experience.  All full time employees are eligible for benefits which include:  Medical, vision, dental, retirement 401(k) match, and a flexible schedule with an unlimited PTO plan

Glacier Peak Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at Glacier Peak Institute are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender status), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment. The Organization will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary and where required by law so long as the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship on the business. The Organization will also accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs of its employees to the extent the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship on the business. If you would like to request an accommodation, or have any questions about your rights and responsibilities, contact your Director of Special Initiatives. This policy is not intended to afford employees with any greater protections than those which exist under federal, state or local law. Glacier Peak Institute strongly urges the reporting of all instances of discrimination and harassment, and prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, harassment, or participates in an investigation of such a report. Glacier Peak Institute will take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination, against any employee who violates this policy.