Lead the Recovery
Bluff Restoration Project Leader
A Youth Ecological Restoration Leadership Opportunity
High above the Minnesota River Valley, a fragile bluff ecosystem is fighting to recover.
Years of invasive species growth, erosion, and human impacts have degraded portions of this unique landscape. Today, a new generation of conservation leaders is working to restore native habitat, stabilize the bluff, and help the ecosystem thrive once again.
The Green Crew is seeking 2-3 exceptional youth leaders to serve as Bluff Restoration Project Leaders and help guide one of our most ambitious ecological restoration efforts.
This is not a typical volunteer position.
As a Bluff Restoration Project Leader, you'll help lead restoration activities, coordinate volunteers, monitor ecological recovery, and contribute to a long-term effort to transform a damaged landscape into a healthy native ecosystem.
You'll work alongside conservation mentors and fellow youth leaders while gaining hands-on experience in restoration ecology, habitat management, volunteer leadership, and conservation planning.
Your Mission
As a Bluff Restoration Project Leader, you will:
- Lead volunteer restoration workdays
- Remove invasive species that threaten native ecosystems
- Help restore native woodland and bluff habitats
- Plant and establish native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers
- Assist with erosion control and site stabilization efforts
- Monitor restoration progress and ecosystem recovery
- Help plan future restoration activities and priorities
- Serve as a leader within a growing youth-led conservation initiative
Why You'll Love It
- Learn how ecological restoration actually works
- Develop real leadership experience by coordinating volunteers in the field
- Gain hands-on skills used by restoration professionals and conservation organizations
- See visible, measurable results from your efforts
- Work in a unique bluff ecosystem overlooking the Minnesota River Valley
- Build experience that stands out on college applications, scholarship applications, and resumes
- Become part of a community of youth leaders working to improve the environment
You'll Be a Great Fit If...
- You enjoy spending time outdoors
- You want more responsibility than a typical volunteer role offers
- You're interested in conservation, ecology, forestry, or environmental science
- You enjoy leading teams and helping projects succeed
- You like solving problems and seeing tangible results
- You want to leave a lasting impact on the landscape around you
Commitment
Project Leaders serve for approximately 12 months and are expected to participate in one to two Sundays per month throughout the year.
Additional opportunities for training, planning, leadership development, and special projects may also be available.
Support & Mentorship
Project Leaders receive ongoing support from experienced conservation mentors and the Green Crew leadership team. Youth leaders are trusted with real responsibility while receiving coaching, guidance, and opportunities to grow throughout the year.
No previous restoration experience is required. Curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn are far more important.
About the Green Crew
The Green Crew is an award-winning, youth-led conservation and environmental leadership program based in Bloomington, Minnesota. Youth leaders design and lead projects that restore habitats, improve water quality, conduct scientific research, engage communities, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
What Success Looks Like
By the end of your term, you'll be able to say:
"I helped lead the recovery of a bluff ecosystem overlooking the Minnesota River Valley. I organized volunteers, restored habitat, monitored ecological recovery, and helped transform a damaged landscape into a healthier place for future generations."
