What is the LEAF Program?
The LEAF Program provides paid, residential summer internships to urban high school youth from environmentally themed high schools. Small teams of students, chaperoned by Mentors, assist with land management, public outreach and scientific research and enjoy activities including camping and kayaking. Students learn about careers in conservation, complete 35-hour paid work weeks, and visit local colleges. Many of these urban teens have never spent extended time in nature or explored colleges outside of the city. For most, the program also marks their first paid job experience.
What is the "Mentor" job?
Our Mentors are there to guide, chaperone and support the interns as they develop critical life and workplace skills while living away from friends and family. The mentor’s two primary responsibilities are: to serve as the liaison between Nature Conservancy staff and their team of high school students participating in the program and to help the students make the most out of their experiences! For the duration of the program mentors are required to live with the students at Conservancy provided housing and are responsible for building a cohesive team, facilitating communication, ensuring student work performance, and working with staff on any disciplinary issues that may arise. Mentors and students assist chapter stewards in various site management projects (i.e. trail maintenance, habitat management, exotic species control, ecological monitoring, etc.) at chapter preserves and ecologically significant sites. In addition teams may be required to work in the chapter office and with other Nature Conservancy staff. Mentors serve as the go between with students and The Nature Conservancy, explaining various tasks, motivating students and facilitating communication amongst the team. Mentors are expected to serve as role models, taking an active part in work and activities that students and Nature Conservancy staff perform. Mentors work with the team to plan and execute various academic and recreational activities for the weekends including a minimum of three college visits. Mentors are also required to facilitate group budgeting, final projects, journals, essays, and mid-term and final evaluations.
What are the job dates?
The Program runs from July 11th - August 6th, 2011. Mentors are also required to attend a residential training from July 5th-July 9th, 2011.
Where is the job located?
Our teams depart from New York or Atlanta, and work at our nature preserves in MD, VA, WV, VT, NY, RI, ME, NH, NJ, GA, MA, SD, ND, CO, IL, TN, AZ, or WA. We do not assign sites until after our Mentors are hired. Transportation to and from your team location to your site location is provided.
What are the Qualifications?
Applicants MUST have significant (2 years or more) experience working with high school students (preferably urban) to be considered for this position. We are looking for applicants familiar with basic principles of positive youth development and who are friendly, encouraging, and hard working. Necessary skills include team building, working in groups, and facilitating communication. Applicants must also be comfortable and familiar with supervising staff, performing physical, outdoor work, and have a valid driver's license and clean driving record. And interest in environmental issues or the outdoors is a plus. Please visit the job listing on our website for more specific information.
What is the Compensation?
Compensation for the month (plus 5 day training) is $3000. All mentors become CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified during their training. All food, lodging, recreation, gas & incidentals are covered by the program. Each group recieves a rental vehicle for the duration of the program, and transportation from NYC/Atlanta to your site (and back) is covered as well.
How to Apply?
Visit www.nature.org/careers [1] and search for Job ID # 13061. A targeted cover letter and resume is required in your application. All applicants must be able to interview in person at either our New York City or Atlanta, GA offices. If you have any questions about/difficulties with the application process, or questions about the position, please contact dherrera@tnc.org
For more information about the LEAF program, please visit www.nature.org/leaf [2]