Youth Restoration Crew Leader

The Organization

Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. Its mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education, and the arts. The Education Department provides hands-on learning experiences for children, youth, teachers, and intergenerational groups of visitors in the arts and sciences to educate and inspire life-long learners.

Position Description

Wave Hill is seeking candidates to lead crews of high school students participating in our Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) and Forest Project summer internship programs. Crew Leaders are responsible for supervising groups of high school interns during fieldwork and working with Wave Hill Staff to oversee woodland restoration projects. Crew Leaders report to the Youth Programs Coordinator to ensure goals are met and interns are working to their highest potential. Two weeks of paid orientation and training are provided.

Specific Duties

• Lead a crew of 6-8 high school interns in rigorous field work, data collection, team building and educational activities.
• Work with Youth Programs Coordinator and other Wave Hill staff to develop a restoration plan and facilitate its implementation.
• Receive training to implement positive youth development strategies in order to maintain an open, friendly and productive dynamic within the crew of interns.
• Assist Wave Hill Staff with administrative duties, as well as planning for activities, special projects, and related coursework field studies.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with teenagers, leading groups of young people or managing group projects. Experience in positive youth development strategies a plus.
• Minimum of two years of undergraduate college coursework completed
• College level coursework in one or more of the following areas: ecology, environmental science, or education.
• Basic knowledge of forest restoration with eagerness and self-motivation to learn more as needed throughout the summer.
• Ability to work outdoors with little supervision and to perform labor-intensive tasks on mixed-material pathways and varying elevations.
• Must be enthusiastic, organized, possess strong interpersonal skills, and be flexible in handling different situations.
• Experience as a youth intern at Wave Hill and/or a similar environmental institution is a plus.

Workspace

Supervision will take place primarily in Wave Hill’s Woodlands and Ecology Building (only accessible by stairs). There are three stone sets of stairs to enter the building and two indoor sets of stairs into the classroom space, totaling 28 stairs. When outdoors, the Crew Leader should expect to traverse all of Wave Hill’s Woodlands, both on and off path.

Schedule and Salary

This is a seasonal position including:

• Paid training from June 24 to 27 and June 30 to July 3, 2025 from 10am to 3pm
• Summer programs schedule is 35 hours with an hour lunch break Monday to Friday from July 7 through August 15, 2025
• The hourly pay rate is $18.00 per hour

Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Wave Hill

Wave Hill is committed to creating an environment which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion of all applicants and employees. The Education Department strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Wave Hill. We invite you to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To Apply

If you are interested, please email your cover letter and resume to Youth Programs Manager at youthprograms@wavehill.org. Applications received by March 1, 2025 will be given preference.