Green Team Crew Leader
Position: Crew Leader (20-24)
Employment Dates: June 23 – August 29, 2025
Hours: 31 hours per week
Schedule: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:30AM-2:30PM, Thur 8:30AM – 3:30PM
Pay: $20/hr.
Program Description
During the summer of 2025, Southwest Boston CDC’s Green Team program will operate two teams. Youth from both teams will work 25 hours per week (9:00Am-2:00PM) from July 7-August 15.
Our Garden Team will employ 5 youth ages 14-15 and 2 Crew Leaders to support/supervise them. The crew will work on urban garden/farming sites in Hyde Park and Dorchester. Additionally, the garden crew will plan and maintain their own gardening plot. Youth will learn how to grow food in urban green spaces, maintain garden plots, and possibly participate in the selling and distribution of food to local residents.
Our Woodlands Team will employ 8 youth ages 16-18. They will work with 2 Crew Leaders and with the Boston Parks Department to restore conservation woodlands in Hyde Park and educate residents about proper use of the woods. They will learn landscaping skills, including how to build and restore trails, identify and properly remove invasive plants, plant native trees, create swales to help prevent flooding. They will learn about woodland safety and about the role that woodlands play in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change in our city.
Both teams will learn job readiness and life skills such as proper workplace conduct and conflict resolution, teen workers’ rights, personal banking; resume preparation, interviewing, and post high school education and job options. Job readiness workshops and field trips will occur on Thursdays from 10:00AM – 3:00PM unless noted by the Program Coordinator.
Crew Leader Job Description
Crew Leaders will work from June 23 to August 29 from 8:30AM-2:30PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Fridays. Crew Leaders will work 8:30AM to 3:30PM on Thursdays to provide time for a weekly meeting and to accommodate the youth field trips at 10:00AM. They will receive two weeks of training and orientation before youth begin. Training topics will include nutrition and hydration, health and safety protocols and procedures while working, team building and leadership, proper workplace conduct and conflict resolution, resume writing and interviewing, and civic engagement skills. During the training period (June 23 to July 3), they will also work with the Green Team Program Coordinator to plan similar trainings for the teens as well as to plan for the end of program summer showcase where teens will educate residents on the importance of woodlands for climate mitigation. The Green Team Program Coordinator provides overall program management and supervises the Crew Leaders.
Once youth begin working, Crew Leaders will:
Work well in a fast-changing environment and adapt quickly.
Track daily attendance of youth, execute daily program schedule including work projects and educational activities.
Provide positive direction and supervision while working alongside youth.
Create a supportive work environment while giving enthusiastic and clear direction.
Explain and enforce code of conduct and safety rules and address any administrative or discipline issues as they arise.
Provide youth with ice and water throughout the day and make sure youth are bringing lunch.
Purchase supplies as needed.
Communicate effectively with organizations providing training and field trips, and coordinate travel logistics in advance of trips.
Plan and lead indoor environmental education activities on ‘rainy days’.
Communicate with parents as necessary.
Meet weekly with Green Team Program Coordinator and SWBCDC Assistant Director to provide program updates, receive feedback and discuss challenges.
Conduct youth and program evaluations.
At the end of each day, clean all tools and equipment.
Conduct wrap-up activities as needed at the end of the program.
Leader Qualifications:
Must be a City of Boston resident between the ages of 20 and 24.
One or more years of experience working with and supervising youth
Able to motivate and inspire youth, resolve conflicts and enforce disciplinary procedures
Able to lift 25 pounds and work outside for extended periods of time
Strong interest in woodland restoration and/or urban farming
Strong communication and organization skills
Experience working in diverse communities
A car is not required but highly recommended
Helpful:
First aid and/or CPR certification
Able to speak Spanish or Haitian Creole
Experience in landscaping or gardening