Rock Creek Conservancy (RCC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore Rock Creek and its parklands as a natural oasis for all people to appreciate and protect. RCC is seeking (five) classroom teachers to lead crews of high school students in a 4-week summer Conservation Corps program.

Position Description:

Rock Creek Conservation Corps (RC3) is a summer youth program that brings high school students into nature in order to restore Rock Creek and its parklands. The program provides a transformative experience to youth from underserved communities; gives students the opportunity to better understand and steward their local natural environment; and helps develop the tools needed to make conservation a career.

As a crew leader you will be responsible for 8 to 10 high school students (ages 15-19).  You will be transporting, motivating and providing a physically and emotionally safe environment for youth to complete work successfully as a team. As a crew leader you will be building community, encouraging outdoor environmental learning and harnessing teachable moments that create a culture of stewardship.  Summer work projects include, but are not limited to, invasive exotic plant removal, trail maintenance, water quality monitoring, and conservation landscaping.  These projects occur in both Rock Creek Park and park land within the Rock Creek watershed including Montgomery County and Washington, D.C.

This program is part of a larger partnership with schools in D.C. to provide educational opportunities and community action projects that reinforce a culture of environmental stewardship in the Rock Creek watershed. There may be opportunities to engage in stewardship activities throughout the school year with your crew members or other students.

Position Timeline:

  • Saturday planning session: Early March
  • Weed Warrior training: March 24
  • Pre-employment meeting with crew: June
  • Crew leader orientation: June 27-29
  • Program delivery: July 2-27
  • Green Jobs Panel: late July
  • Debrief/evaluation: Early August

Crew Leader Responsibilities:

  • Leading crew members in day-to-day activities including conservation work projects, building community, creating space for environmental learning and outdoor recreation.
  • Establishing positive group dynamics and building personal relationships with each corps member.
  • Fostering strong work habits, environmental ethics and youth leadership.
  • Communicating on a daily basis (via text, email or phone) with the RC3 Program Manager and attending weekly in-person meetings with the RC3 Manager and all other crew leaders.
  • Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date record of student attendance and performance.
  • Properly monitoring and recording work outputs. Data collection is key to the program’s success.
  • Encouraging the proper use of social media for programmatic promotion and documentation.
  • At the conclusion of program: providing a qualitative assessment of program effectiveness including a detailed final evaluation.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

  • Two years’ experience working with youth as a classroom teacher.
  • Experience working in an outdoor environmental education setting or demonstrated interest in sustainability or environmental education.
  • Willingness to work in all conditions; i.e. summer heat, rain, among insects, etc.
  • Flexible, adaptable and superior ability to manage group dynamics.
  • Commitment to social justice and sincere desire to empower non-traditional leaders in conservation, environmental and civic stewardship.
  • Must attend all required pre- and post- program activities, orientation and weekly meetings including the Weed Warrior training and the Green Jobs Panel.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a 12-passenger van.
  • Must be able to pass background check.

This is a part-time, temporary position without benefits.  Qualified applicants will be compensated at a rate of $30 per hour for no more than 200 hours. Please email cover letter and resume to (jobs@rockcreekconservancy.org) no later than February 18th.  No phone calls.

Rock Creek Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.  Minority and female candidates are encouraged to apply.