Crew Leader Positions

Accepting applications for Summer 2009 and beyond

Smokey House Center is an exemplary youth employment training program based upon work in resource management.  We work with high school age youth (from diverse backgrounds and with varying abilities) in the areas of agriculture, carpentry/woodworking, forestry, animal husbandry and marketing.  Crew leaders play the key role in this program’s proven success for young people.  The demands and responsibilities of the job are rigorous, varied and rewarding.  We need exceptional individuals with the following qualifications: 

Hands - On Competence -

The applicant must have experience and competence in one or more of the following areas: agriculture, carpentry/woodworking, forestry, landscaping, animal husbandry, or marketing, either through college work and/or practical experience. 

Ability To Teach by Demonstration -

A crew leader teaches through work.  The applicant must be able to break tasks down to component parts and teach both the actual skills and sound work habits through example. 

Genuine Interest in Young People -

The youth who work at Smokey House are special kids with special needs.  The applicant must be genuinely concerned about young people in order to be effective. 

Mature, Responsible and Patient -

During the course of the program, the kids in a Smokey House crew form a bond with the crew leader.  This enables the crew leader to teach and the kids to learn.  The applicant must provide a safe working environment conducive to learning, so all participants have the best chance for growth and success. 

Ability to Communicate -

The applicant must be able to listen and explain by means of the spoken and written word and communicate by example. 

Ability to Evaluate Performance -

A crew leader is responsible for documenting each participant’s progress regularly.  Applicants must be able to keep neat and accurate records in a timely manner. 

Training -

There will be a three-day crew leader training session and a one-week settling in period before crew assignment. 

Position Description:  The Crew Leader is an on-the-job supervisor, teacher and mentor for a small group of teen workers who have applied to Smokey House for part time work.  Together with their crews, Crew Leaders accomplish the work of the farm and forests while reinforcing the student’s basic academic and employment skills.  Crew Leaders maintain a healthy community, based on respect and the shared satisfaction of a job well done.  Crew Leaders work hard, have fun and always model for our workers the values and ethics of quality work, respectful relationships and land stewardship.

Crew leaders write detailed reports, plan projects which incorporate lessons in academic, interpersonal and job readiness skills.  They maintain their crew meeting rooms, work sites, tools and equipment.  On the crew, the leaders set standards and expectations, prepare daily and weekly work lists, assign tasks and give their workers the tools, skills and confidence to do a job they can be proud of.

Crew Leaders are supported in the physical work by our farm managers and by the program coordinator in the challenges of leadership and instruction. 

Qualifications:  Crew Leaders need strengths in both “hard” and “soft” skills.  Hard skills are the talents needed to accomplish the physical work in raising vegetables and livestock or harvesting forest products.  Soft skills are the abilities needed to be an effective teacher and leader, such as initiative, communications, problem solving and empathy.  A strong work ethic and a genuine desire to help young people are essential.  A driver’s license in good standing is required.

Compensation: Competitive salary plus housing w/utilities. Full-time year-round employees also receive benefits and paid vacation.

For an application click here.

Please send cover letter, completed application, resume, and phone numbers for three references to:

Attn: Tim Parent

Applications may also be e-mailed to:  tparent@smokeyhouse.org