Crew Lead, Greencorps Chicago Youth Program (GCYP) 

Reports to: Youth Program Manager 
Schedule: Seasonal, Full-time, June – August, approximately 35 hours per week, M-F 8:30a-3:30p 
Compensation: Dependent on experience, starting at $23 per hour   
 
Program & Position Description 
The Greencorps Chicago Youth Program (GCYP) is a summer youth program, administered by the Chicago Department of Transportation and managed by WRD Environmental and G.E.T Solutions. Since 2013, GCYP has supported and advanced Greencorps Chicago’s mission through a dynamic and scalable experiential learning program designed to empower urban youth with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to build positive relationships with their peers, community and natural world. 
 
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 

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience facilitating teen programming in outdoor and/or classroom settings 
• Commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care
• Comfortable working outdoors and leading hands-on projects
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability and willingness to ride a bicycle in the City of Chicago
• Ability and willingness to obtain required HAZWOPER 24 and first aid certifications 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet organizational driving requirements

How to apply 

• Email your resume to gcypoffice@gmail.com with the subject line “Resume_Last Name_First Name” and complete this brief online application at bit.ly/CLGCYP26. 
• Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled; however, priority will be given to applications received before April 30. Incomplete applications will not be considered and only qualified candidates will be contacted.   
• Employment is through Signature Staff Resources, LLC and managed by WRD Environmental.