Leadership Development Program

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) runs for 19 weeks, beginning with working on conservation projects as a crew, and ending with a guided leadership practicum. During the first six weeks, LDP members will work as a crew with other emerging leaders in conservation. Guided by an experienced crew leader, they will complete conservation projects while developing both technical and leadership skills. After demonstrating their skill proficiency, LDP members then spend the remaining 13 weeks of the program completing a leadership practicum.

LDP members who transition to the leadership practicum lead, manage, and supervise crews of Young Adults over a 10-week session. LDP Members will be responsible for leading and completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public land and in communities alongside their crew and project partners.

NYC’s Leadership Development Programs are innovative AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience to those interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps, land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor careers. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development, conservation work skills, and leadership.

LDP Members are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. LDP Members should expect organizational support during their endeavors that may include weekly check-ins by field supervisors. This seasonal position allows LDP Members to deliver an impactful educational experience to young people just entering the field and provides an entry-point within the fields of natural resource management, conservation, and outdoor education.

Through these challenging and rewarding experiences, our programs consistently help members become resilient, disciplined, empathetic and strong. A high value is placed upon interpersonal dynamics and the development of robust workplace skillsets.

This is an AmeriCorps position. AmeriCorps members complete paid terms of national community service to address our nation’s most pressing issues. As an AmeriCorps member, you will receive a living allowance prorated throughout your term of service, along with earning an AmeriCorps Education Award.