Conservation Crew Leader

Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation (SWBCDC) is a nonprofit serving the Hyde Park and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston. We work to create and preserve affordable housing, strengthen the commercial base of our neighborhoods, and advance climate resilience. Through our Green Team program, we employ Boston youth to restore urban woodlands while building job readiness and life skills. Position: Crew Leader (20-24) Employment Dates: June 22 – August 21, 2026 Hours: 31 hours per week Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30AM-2:30PM, Thursday 8:30AM – 3:30PM Pay: $20/hour Location : Hyde Park, Massachusetts Why work for the Green Team? We’re excited to hire Crew Leaders who care about working with Boston teens, being outdoors, and making a positive impact in Hyde Park. As mentors for teens ages 14–18, Crew Leaders work alongside youth during outdoor restoration work, foster job readiness and leadership skills, and help ensure teens have a safe, meaningful first work experience while caring for local urban wilds to build the next generation of environmental stewards. Crew Leaders also receive professional development, including:
Hands-on experience mentoring and supervising youth
Training in positive youth development
Leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skill building
Hands-on experience with conservation and woodland restoration techniques About the Green Team Program The Green Team is a youth job readiness and environmental stewardship program that employs Boston teens and young adult Crew Leaders to restore urban wilds (conservation woodlands) in Hyde Park, in partnership with the Boston Parks Department Urban Wilds Program. Youth attend weekly career readiness workshops and field trips to build life skills such as financial literacy, resume writing/interviewing, and leadership . The program may include occasional field trips to state parks and scenic natural areas to explore conservation in action, depending on scheduling and resources. This summer, the Green Team will include 12 Teen Crew Members and 4 Crew Leaders. As a Crew Leader, you will be supported by the Green Team Program Coordinator, who provides ongoing support and guidance throughout the program and you will work closely with a small, dedicated staff team. What You Will Work On Crew Leaders and Teen Crew Members participate in a variety of hands-on landscaping and conservation projects, with instruction provided by Urban Wilds Staff which may include:
Building and restoring trails
Identifying and removing invasive plants
Planting and maintaining native trees and shrubs
Creating bioswales to help prevent flooding
Building erosion control infrastructure on trails. Throughout the program, you will work with teens on projects that build towards the Summer Showcase, an interactive event where they educate community members about urban woodlands and conservation. We Provide Training & Professional Development to Leaders! We provide training, clear expectations, and ongoing support throughout the summer so that you can feel confident guiding youth and helping to lead restoration projects. Prior to when teens begin working, you will participate in two weeks of required, in-person training from June 22 to July 2 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM). Training will focus on:
Outdoor safety protocols
Positive youth development
Leadership and team building
Conflict resolution
Civic engagement During training, you may also help plan indoor “rainy day workshops” that will be used with youth on days of inclement weather (rain or excessive heat). Crew Leader Responsibilities: Crew Leaders are supervised by the Program Coordinator. Once teens begin working, you will
Create a supportive, inclusive work environment while mentoring and supervising youth
Provide clear direction, positive feedback, and enforce program expectations, including the Green Team Code of Conduct and safety rules
Execute daily program schedules, including work projects, workshops, and inclement-weather activities
Track attendance; distribute water; ensure youth bring lunch; and clean and maintain tools and equipment
Teach youth about environmental conservation and its connection to the impacts of climate change in environmental justice communities
Support and supervise youth during field trips, including coordinating travel logistics as needed
Conduct weekly one-on-one youth check-ins and support youth development goals
Communicate with parents/guardians as needed
Meet weekly with the Program Coordinator and SWBCDC Assistant Director to provide program updates, receive feedback and discuss challenges.
Participate in program evaluations and end-of-summer wrap-up activities Crew Leader Qualifications:
City of Boston resident between the ages of 20 and 24.
At least 1 year of experience working with and supervising youth
Able to motivate and inspire youth, build positive relationships and resolve conflict or conduct issues as needed
Able to work effectively as part of a team
Able to lift 25 pounds and work outdoors for extended periods of time
Strong interest in woodland restoration, conservation and environmental protection.
Strong communication and organizational skills
Experience working in diverse communities
Pass a CORI/SORI Background Check 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 If you’re excited about mentoring teens, working outdoors, and supporting community woodlands, apply on our website at https://www.swbcdc.org/programareas/green-team. For more information or questions, contact us at greenteam@swbcdc.org.