Leadership Development Program
LDP Americorps Member Positions

Created in 1996 to offer leadership training for those interested in pursuing employment with Northwest Youth Corps and other similar outdoor pursuit programs, LDP integrates team-based work projects, education, hands-on youth leadership experience, and on-site technical training into a curriculum that emphasizes leadership growth, and the development of conservation work skills. Members master project management and technical skills through working on conservation and recreation projects while practicing the interpersonal skills required to successfully lead teenage groups in the outdoors.

Master the compassion, patience, organization and intensity needed to be an outdoor leader as you practice the soft and hard skills needed to help teenage crews successfully complete a variety of frontcountry and backcountry conservation projects. This is the only NYC program in which team members are trained to operate chain saws and/or use power tools. Some outdoor experience is required. College courses in recreation, education, or resource management preferred.

This is a team-based experience where you learn by doing! You will graduate with sore muscles, new skills and a wealth of new employment opportunities in the outdoors. In fact, NYC has placed 80% of program graduates in seasonal leadership positions.

Are you still wondering exactly what you might be getting into? If you are, please read some of the narratives offered by LDP graduates to gain a different perspective of the program. Here are two reflections provided to help better prepare your for your LDP experience: Emily's Narrative: LDP3 2006 and El Capitan LDP 3 2005      

2012 Leadership Development Program  

Click here for this year's LDP schedule.

LDP1-Fall - (6 weeks):

• This is a condensed version of the Standard LDP.
• This program will include 6 weeks of training work in Arizona or other southern area, but will not include the 7 weeks of crew based work in Idaho. (see the Standard LDP3 and LDP4 info below) 
• Participants will earn $1,250 in addition to a $1,175 AmeriCorps education award.
• All crew meals, tent lodging and transportation (except to/from NYC) included. 
• This program begins and ends at NYC headquarters in Eugene, OR.
• LDP Fall Members must be at least 19 years of age.

LDP2 Spring - (6 weeks)

• This is a condensed version of the Standard LDP.
• This program will include 5 weeks of training work in Arizona, but will not include the 7 weeks of crew based work in Idaho. (see the Standard LDP3 and LDP4 info below)
• Participants will earn $1,250 in addition to a $1,175 AmeriCorps education award.
• All crew meals, tent lodging and transportation (except to/from NYC) included. 
• This program begins and ends at NYC headquarters in Eugene, OR.
• LDP1 Members must be at least 19 years of age.

LDP3 Summer - (14 weeks):

During the first half, the LDP team will operate independently on remote conservation projects in Arizona. During the second half, LDP will offer hands-on youth leadership opportunities in Idaho as the group rotates throughout NYC youth crews providing leadership and support.

• All crew meals, transportation (except to/from NYC), and tent lodging included. 
• Personal tents will be needed for the Idaho portion. 
• Participants earn a $3,500 stipend for successfully completing the program, in addition to a $2,114 AmeriCorps education award to be used for college or vocational study.
• This program begins and ends at NYC headquarters in Eugene, OR.
• LDP3 Members must be at least 20 years of age.

LDP4 Summer - (14 weeks):

• During the first half, the LDP team will operate independently and will include training work in Idaho. During the second half, the LDP will offer hands on youth leadership opportunities in Idaho as the group rotates throughout NYC youth crews providing leadership and support.
• All crew meals, transportation (except to/from NYC), and tent lodging included. 
• Personal tents will be needed for the Idaho portion. 
• Participants earn a $3,500 stipend for successfully completing the program, in addition to a $2,114 AmeriCorps education award to be used for college or vocational study.
• This program begins and ends at NYC headquarters in Eugene, OR.
• LDP3 Members must be at least 20 years of age.

Requirements:

Education: Minimum of a high school degree. Additional background in outdoor recreation, environmental education, or resource management desirable.

Experience: Applications will be reviewed considering all past work experience, outdoor recreation background, or volunteer experience relevant to this position. Prior outdoor recreation experience, and familiarity using hand tools is desirable.

Age: (Note difference between LDP1/LDP2 and LDP3/LDP4)
LDP1 and LDP2 (6-wk program) - Members must be at least 19 years of age.
LDP3 and LDP4 (14-wk program) - Members must be 20 years of age or older.
LDP Oregon (5-wk program) - Members must be 20 years of age or older.

Certification: (Note difference between LDP1/LDP2 and LDP3/LDP4)
LDP1 and LDP2 (6-wk program) - CPR/First Aid certification recommended (WFA  or WFR preferred)
LDP3 and LDP4 (14-wk program) - WFA training provided. Participants need to arrive with current CPR training and certifications.

Physical Condition: All applicants must be in good physical condition and capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor intensive projects. Work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and extensive backcountry travel. Applicants must be able to backpack 12 miles and lift up to 50 lbs.

 Applicants must be comfortable being out of cell-phone reception for weeks at a time.

 

Hours:

All LDP's are residential programs requiring long days, high energy, and love of challenge. The crew works up to 40 hours a week on a variety of projects and spends the weekends participating in and leading recreational and educational outings (when working with the youth).

Compensation: (Note difference between LDP1/LDP2 and LDP3/LDP4)

LDP1 and LDP2 - Participants will earn $1,250 for successfully completing the program, plus a $1,175 AmeriCorps education award.

LDP3 and LDP4 - This is an Americorps position. Participants earn a $3,500 stipend for successfully completing the program, in addition to a $2,114 AmeriCorps education award to be used for college or vocational study. All crew meals, transportation (except to/from NYC), and tent lodging included.

LDP1 and LDP2 will not need personal tents.

LDP3 and LDP4 will need personal tents.

To apply:

1. Complete the online application which includes the ability to submit the required resume, cover letter, and references as word processor attachments.

2. In order for your application to be complete, we must receive your online application and the required attachments (cover letter, resume, references, and 2 letters of recommendation). Any and all of these required application materials can also be faxed or sent to NYC, but electronic submissions are preferred.

If you have any questions or other inquiries, please contact us at work@nwyouthcorps.org or 541-349-7515

Please also see our Field Staff Positions for additional opportunities.