Instructor Chicago Greencorps Youth Program

The Greencorps Chicago Youth Program (GCYP) is a summer youth employment program, administered by the Chicago Department of Transportation and managed by WRD Environmental. GCYP staff teams work out of various Chicago Public Schools and community-based locations. Significant portions of the program are taught outdoors at a variety of project sites throughout the City of Chicago, such as community gardens, Chicago Park Districts, and Forest Preserves. Site teams consist of a Youth Program Instructor and two Assistant Instructors. The Youth Program Instructor will spend the majority of their time teaching lessons and leading projects related to sustainability, environmental science and horticulture. The GCYP staff team will work alongside CPS staff and external partners to ensure the youth have a safe and transformative summer learning experience. A successful candidate will possess a combination of teaching, leadership, and communication skills, along with a genuine passion for youth development and environmental education.

Responsibilities of the Youth Program Instructor include:

• Lead activities and lessons that engage youth in bike building, maintenance, and riding, gardening, urban agriculture, ecological restoration, urban forestry, and nutrition
• Mentor and coach Assistant Instructors in planning and executing Greencorps curriculum
• Collaborate with Assistant Instructors to establish and nurture positive and safe indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Plan and safely lead group bicycle rides and field trips
• Lead youth in the completion of hands-on field projects
• Develop and manage site projects (plan project schedule, order materials, etc.)
• Adhere to schedule and submit reports for tracking youth progress
• Exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills and professional behavior to support a positive workplace environment
• Work as a team to collaboratively, efficiently, and effectively to deliver a high quality program, achieve program goals, and complete all tasks

Qualifications for this position include:

• Experience facilitating programming in a classroom and/or outdoor setting
• Experience working with youth ages 16-19, highly preferred
• Capable and willing to ride a bicycle in the city of Chicago
• 2+ years of education, training, or experience in horticulture, environmental sciences, community engagement, or related fields
• Comfortable working outside planting, mulching, and watering
• Ability to fix and maintain bicycles or willingness to be trained
• Social perceptiveness and empathy and experienced with Trauma-Informed Care approaches
• Culturally competent and able to relate to and communicate with diverse populations and groups
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Computer skills (Google Drive, email communication, etc.)
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• 1st Aid & CPR Certification, or willingness to certify before deadline
• Must complete and pass CPS fingerprinting and a criminal background check at hiring

Position details:

• Seasonal position from June 10 - August 2, 2024
• Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:00pm, 32.5 hours per week with the opportunity of additional hours
• Compensation is dependent on experience, starting at $25 per hour
• Employment is through Signature Staff Resources, LLC and managed by WRD Environmental
• Two (2) weeks of paid training and six (6) weeks of youth programming

To apply, complete these two steps: email your resume to gcypoffice@gmail.com with the subject line "Resume_Last Name_First Name" and complete this online application at bit.ly/GCYPinstruct. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled, however priority will be given to applications received before April 30. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.