Leadership Development Program

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) provides leadership training to aspiring outdoor leaders interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps and outdoor programs.

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) was created in 1996 to provide leadership opportunities to people interested in pursuing employment with Northwest Youth Corps or other similar outdoor pursuit programs in a leadership capacity. The program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into a curriculum that stresses leadership growth, and the development of conservation work skills.

Participants will develop hard skills working on conservation and recreation projects while developing the soft skills required to successfully lead conservation work crews. 

Join the Leadership Development Program

LDP integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into a curriculum that prioritizes leadership growth, and the development of conservation work skills.

Position Overview

During the first six to seven weeks of the Leadership Development Program, members will work as a crew with other emerging leaders in conservation. Guided by an experienced crew leader, they will complete project work while developing both their technical and their leadership skills. Provided Leadership Development Program members demonstrate sufficient skills, they will spend the second eleven weeks of their program completing a leadership practicum.

NYC/ICC’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 who transition to their leadership practicum lead, manage, and supervise crews of youth ages 16-18 over two 4 or 5-week sessions. LDP Members will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands alongside their crew and project partners.

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 youth 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.

Learn more about additional AmeriCorps benefits here.

Oregon LDP

Dates:
Crew work session: 04/09-08/30 (off 05/30-06/06)
Living Allowance: $10,800*
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50*

*Based on 2024 rates, subject to change.

Washington LDP

Dates:
Crew work session: 06/04-08/15/2025
Living Allowance: $10,800*
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50*

*Based on 2024 rates, subject to change.

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