Crew Lead, Greencorps Chicago Youth Program (GCYP)

Position Description

The GCYP Crew Lead is a frontline youth development professional responsible for leading daily program activities and hands-on green industry projects with youth ages 16–19. Crew Leads create safe, inclusive learning environments, mentor youth in workforce readiness skills, and model professionalism, teamwork, and accountability. Hands-on project work focuses on neighborhood revitalization through community greening, so youth develop new skills, gain exposure to green careers, and build meaningful connections with their peers, communities, and the natural world.

Key Responsibilities

1. Youth Development & Implementation (≈70%)

• Facilitate engaging, hands-on learning in green industry skills (such as planting, invasive species removal, carpentry)
• Build positive, trusting relationships with youth using Positive Youth Development and trauma-informed practices
• Coach youth in workplace skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership
• Maintain physically and emotionally safe learning environments in classroom and outdoor settings
• Support youth goal setting, reflection, and successful completion of projects

2. Project & Administrative Support (≈20%)

• Plan and lead daily work crews and field projects, including materials preparation and task sequencing
• Track attendance, participation, and youth progress using established systems
• Follow program schedules, safety protocols, and organizational policies
• Submit required reports and documentation in a timely manner

3. Partnership & Community Engagement (≈10%)

• Represent GCYP professionally and support positive working relationships with community partners
• Proactively communicate site needs, concerns, and successes to the Manager