Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and basic tasks.

Under guided supervision from the Construction Program Manager, the Construction Trainer will perform the following functions:

1. Enforce OSHA regulations related to residential construction;
2. Safely transport program participants using company owned vehicles;
3. Provide project site instruction to students in construction techniques, site safety, and the home building/remodeling process;
4. Assist w/ the teaching of NCCER Core Curriculum, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR and job skills development for all participants and ensure prompt submission of required paperwork to the Construction Training Coordinator;
5. Follow and help implement program Policies, Procedures, and Contracts with participants;
6. Support program and organization goals by participating in AYW, YouthBuild and AmeriCorps events and staff training;
7. Act as a professional liaison with external programs, departments, and employment partners;
8. Be a positive role model/mentor and refer participants to case managers and MHNP interns for counseling as needed;
9. Support program and organization goals by participating in AYW, YouthBuild, and AmeriCorps events and staff training;
10. Turn in project logs, timesheets and process receipts weekly;
11. Other duties assigned by supervisor.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION: Associates Degree and OSHA 500/NCCER Instructor Certification;

EXPERIENCE: Five years’ (10,000 site hours) experience in hands-on residential wall and roof framing, and working as a general contractor. Two years of experience teaching, training and working with a young and diverse population experiencing barriers to education and employment with criminal records and a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, cultural and spiritual practices; and working with contracts, reporting measurements, compliance, member coordination and, or working as a YouthBuild/AmeriCorps model;

Minimum Required

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION: High School Diploma or GED; OSHA 500/NCCER Instructor Certification (or willing to acquire within the first year of hire);

EXPERIENCE: Three years (6,000 site hours) experience in hands-on residential wall and roof framing. Experience as a general contractor. Two years of experience teaching, training and working with a young and diverse population experiencing barriers to education and employment with criminal records and a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, cultural and spiritual practices; and working with contracts, reporting measurements, compliance, member coordination and, or working as a YouthBuild/AmeriCorps model;

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field of study related to the specified work experience;

OR

High School diploma or GED and completion of a 2-year vocational program related to the specified work experience;

OR

High school diploma or GED and 4 years of work experience in the specified building trade and must be able and willing to attend 1 framing and 1 roofing class on own time, within 1 year of employment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE: Building and Construction materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures. Tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Management and leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Safety and security procedures, and strategies to promote effective security operations for the protection of staff, program participants; data, and property; Education and Training, principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instructing individuals and groups;

SKILLS: Active Listening as described, attention to what others are saying, understanding the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Teaching and instructing others how to do something; Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures necessary for the situation when learning or teaching new things. Judgment and Decision making; Speaking and Writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience and talking to others to convey information effectively;  especially with our diverse student and parent population; Critical Thinking, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems;

ABILITIES: Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks; being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations with integrity, honesty, and knowledge of professional ethics. Pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude; Maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in challenging situations; Accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

HEARING: Hear average or standard conversations and receive ordinary information;

TALKING: Speaking clearly so others can understand you and the information you are communicating; will be required to convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately; talking in front of groups and, or providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and external partners via telephone, writing form, e-mail or in-person provide guidance and direction to others, set and monitor performance standards;

VISION: See details at a distance and, or at close range, within a few feet of the observer; will be required to read papers, books and to operate audio-visual, office equipment and tools;

REPETITIVE MOTIONS: Walking; talking; frequent and regular movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers;

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects, sedentary work;

EXTENT FLEXIBILITY: Bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and legs;

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects such as hammers, picks, chainsaws;

DYNAMIC/STATIC/TRUNK STRENGTH: The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time; this involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue. Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects; Use of abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing; May also restrain potentially violent individuals;

VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT INTERACTION: Navigating and, or driving a personal vehicle or 12-passenger company vans; using a computer and computer applications to enter data or process information; Photocopiers and scanners.

VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT INTERACTION: Navigating and, or driving personal vehicle or 12-passenger company vans; using computer and computer applications to enter data or process information; Photocopiers and scanners;

WORKING CONDITIONS

INDOORS: 10% of the time, environmentally controlled conditions, working in an office or shared office setting, working with others in a group or team; contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise), No hazardous conditions. May be required to work in hot, wet, cold, or other significantly unpleasant conditions;

OUTDOORS: 90% of the time, teaching and training youth basic construction knowledge, personal protective gear must be worn, exposed to some hazardous, dangerous and noisy conditions, exposed to all types of weather; may be required to work in hot, wet, cold, or other significantly unpleasant conditions;

ATTENDANCE: Monday – Friday, 7:45 am to 5 pm, 1-hour unpaid lunch break; Varies according to weekly scheduled activities but generally 40 hours per week unless overtime is pre-approved; Occasionally weekends to meet deadlines or special projects; participates in National Service Days activities, staff retreat, and other special events;

TRAVEL: Daily travel to and transporting participants to project sites in and around Texas; occasional travel to chaperone day/overnight field trips; training, workshops, annual staff retreat, and offsite meetings or conferences as requested or needed.

BENEFITS

American YouthWorks offers competitive benefits and leave package including but not limited to:

• 11 personal days;
• 8 sick days;
• 19 break days, taken throughout the spring, summer, and winter;
• 15 holidays, plus 2 floating holidays;
• Employer contributions toward our medical and dental plan;
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability;
• Pre-tax programs for child and health care;
• Supplemental income and additional voluntary life options
• 403(b) retirement with employer contribution;
• Employment service awards every 5-years;

AYW is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and fostering an environment of respect and inclusiveness amongst all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. EOE

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and basic tasks.

Under limited supervision from the Program Director, the Conservation Program Manager will perform the following functions:

1. Manage day-to-day conservation program operations with a focus on safety risk management, building a diverse and inclusive community of staff and participants,  creating a supportive learning environment for participants, and constantly strengthening systems and procedures;
   • Work collaboratively with the Conservation Corps Program Director, CEO, and other personnel as needed to assess the needs and opportunities of the Houston program area and create strategies, measurable goals, and timelines to meet those needs;
   • Ensure risk management strategies are consistently utilized by staff and program participants;
   • Maintain connection with the members’ experience in the program and continually examine operational systems from the perspective of how the systems serve the members’ needs.
2. Maintain regular weekly communication via, email, teleconference, video, or in-person with Program Director to discuss:
   • Recent accomplishments, major concerns, ways HQ can provide support, and exciting things coming up;
   • Collaborate and respond promptly to requests from the Program Director, Senior Director of Operations, CEO, and other personnel as needed to work closely on the goals and needs of the program and its sustainability.
3. Ensure all program activities are in compliance with grants and supporting grant management:
   • Coordinate with the Program Operations & Compliance Director to complete grant-reporting requirements through project tracking and program documentation, and provide leadership for outstanding grant compliance and monitoring techniques.
4. Leverage new partnerships and opportunities:
   • Collaborate with the CEO and the Disaster Program Manager to network and build relationships with state and local entities to identify potential conservation, coastal restoration, and disaster response projects;
   • Collaborate with Senior Director of Operations, and program personnel to develop project contracts/agreements, entering all relevant information into the project management database;
   • Develop and maintain project partner relationships with an aim toward sustainability;
   • Identify and participate in strategic multi-stakeholder initiatives that will enhance American YouthWorks’ visibility in our service areas;
   • Utilize existing tracking and reporting tools and strategies for partner cultivation;
   • Assist CEO and Program Director in identifying funding sources to maintain adequate revenue streams for sustainable programming.
5. Manage administrative functions:
   • Help develop and implement program budget, with guidance from the Director of Finance, and Program Director;
   • Participate in monthly budget-focused calls with the Program Director;
   • Submit data and required paperwork according to established timelines;
   • Ensure all American YouthWorks’ and programmatic rules, regulations, policy and procedures are followed.
6. Provide excellent leadership and support to Houston Program staff:
   • Collaborate with the Human Resources Manager to;
     • Cultivate a respectful and inclusive working community;
     • Implement a variety of performance management strategies including quarterly performance reviews;
     • Provide on-going coaching and feedback to staff;
     • Provide strategic onboarding for new staff;
   • Support and assist Field Coordinators in leading and training AmeriCorps crew leaders and members;
   • Co-facilitate weekly staff meetings.
7. Coordinate with Conservation Corps staff to plan and implement crew leader and member orientation;
8. Coordinate with Houston field staff to provide ongoing training for AmeriCorps crew leaders and members in the following areas:
   • Growth and development;
     • Leadership skills;
     • Tool use, inventory and maintenance;
     • PPE, gear and uniforms;
     • Vehicles, inspections, routine logs and repairs;
     • Project and time management skills;
     • Mid and end-of-term evaluation processes;
   • Safety standards for the program overall, on-site projects, as well as tool use and vehicle operation.
   • Technical conservation  skills:
     • Sustainable trail building, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, wildfire mitigation, and disaster response;
     • Park infrastructure, building and maintenance;
   • Coordinate with Conservation Corps staff and partners to provide disaster response training.
9. Provide oversight and support of crews serving on conservation projects:
   • Perform site visits to monitor activities in the field;
   • Transport members to project sites or other locations as needed, i.e., Urgent Care.
10. Provide oversight of conservation, coastal restoration, and disaster response projects:
    • Communicating with project partners to ensure project development is on schedule via teleconference or in person, which may include travel;
    • Coordinating projects with colleagues and with project partners including developing contracts/agreements (for direct supervisor review), scheduling, and logistics planning;
    • Ensuring  projects are successful and completed within the specified timeline;
    • Responsibly purchase supplies needed for project work and program development.
11. Attend relevant conservation and disaster response conferences and training;
12. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

INTERNAL OPERATIONS

1. Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the organization;
2. Contribute to the development of AYW’s strategic goals and objectives, and ensure that American YouthWorks is adhering to the strategic plan;
3. Spearhead the development, coordination, communication, and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes, as they relate to the department;
4. Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality;
5. Responsible for the measurement and effectiveness of all grant reporting metrics, internally and externally;
6. Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, standards, and procedures as they relate to the department;
7. Stays abreast of current trends and shares insights with AYW leadership in the context of program direction, and risk management;
8. Ensures Organization complies with all grantor, funder, federal, state, and local requirements;
9. Coordinates with the Program Director and Human Recourses on issues and, or matters related to legal problems or lawsuits;
10. Manage risk for the entire organization as it relates to the depratment.

HUMAN RESOURCES

1. Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments;
2. Ensure managers of the department are establishing and monitoring staff performance and development goals, assigning accountabilities, setting objectives, establishing priorities, conducting annual performance appraisals, and administering salary adjustments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION: CPR / First Aid / WFR Certification; Herbicide Applicator; Wildland Fire Training; ICS Training; S212 or equivalent training. Two years of previous related experience working with academically and socially at-risk opportunity youth and young adults with criminal records and a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, cultural and spiritual practices in a jobs training, youth development, employment training and, or Youth Build/AmeriCorps model;

Minimum Required

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field of study;

EXPERIENCE: 5 years of related experience in conservation or restoration settings; Prior experience in administrative reporting and communications; Prior experience leading a team;

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 60 hours toward a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 hours (equals 2 years) in the specified or related field of study and 3 years of the specified work experience;

OR

High school diploma or GED, and 5 years of the specified work experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of basic Houston-area restoration practices; Trail building and habitat restoration experience; Mechanical and basic tool knowledge, including use of a chainsaw; CPR/First Aid; Herbicide use; Team-based coordination and logistics;

SKILLS: Technical writing for contracting and grants; Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software platforms preferred; Problem-solving and logistics skills; Conflict management; Operation of passenger van, truck with trailer, and other heavy equipment; Chainsaw operation; GPS/GIS; Carpentry, small engine maintenance; Project management and Project partner relations; Operate in diverse community settings; Able to provide mentorship for opportunity youth and emerging professionals;

ABILITIES: Attentive to detail and accuracy; Well-organized; self-motivated; Cooperative, patient and willing to assist others; Open and honest personality; Flexibility under pressure; Good decision-maker; Able to build consensus.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

HEARING: Hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information;

TALKING: Speaking clearly so others can understand you and the information you are communicating; will be required to convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately; talking in front of groups and, or providing information to supervisors, co-workers, direct reports, and external partners via telephone, writing form, e-mail, or in person. Provide guidance and direction to direct reports with others, set and monitor performance standards;

VISION: See details at a distance and, or at close range, within a few feet of the observer; will be required to read papers, books and to operate audio-visual, office equipment and tools;

REPETITIVE MOTIONS: Walking; talking; frequent and regular movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers;

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects;

EXTENT FLEXIBILITY: Bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs;

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects such as hammers, picks, chainsaws;

DYNAMIC/STATIC/TRUNK STRENGTH: The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue. Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects; Use of abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing; May also restrain potentially violent individuals;

VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT INTERACTION: Navigating and, or driving personal vehicle or 15-passenger company vans, and trailers; using a computer and computer applications to enter data or process information; Photocopiers and scanners.

WORKING CONDITIONS

INDOORS: Environmentally controlled conditions, working in an office or shared office setting, working with others in a group or team; contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise), No hazardous conditions. May be required to work in hot, wet, cold, or other significantly unpleasant conditions;

OUTDOORS: Mostly outdoors, independent, isolated settings, may be required to work in hot, wet, cold, or other significantly unpleasant conditions, including disaster areas;

ATTENDANCE: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Regular off-site disaster and conservation hitches; one-hour unpaid lunch break; occasionally weekends to meet deadlines/special projects;

TRAVEL: Travel to AmeriCorps service sites and transport corps members as needed, networking, program development, partner cultivation, and project planning purposes. Occasional training, workshops, annual staff retreat, and offsite meetings or conferences as requested or needed.

BENEFITS

American YouthWorks offers a competitive benefit and leave package including but not limited to:

• 11 personal days;
• 8 sick days;
• 19 break days, taken throughout the spring, summer, and winter;
• 15 holidays, plus 1 floating holiday;
• Employer contributions toward our medical and dental plan;
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability;
• Pre-tax programs for child and health care;
• Supplemental income and additional voluntary life options
• 403(b) retirement with employer contribution;
• Employment service awards every five years;

AYW is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and fostering an environment of respect and inclusiveness amongst all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. EOE