Staff Openings

Program Description

The San Francisco Conservation Corps (SFCC) is a non-profit job readiness and education program serving young adults ages 18 to 26 who work to address community needs through service projects and conservation-related work, including landscaping, community restoration, play structure installation and renovation at public schools and community centers, and recycling and waste management.

Log Cabin Ranch (LCR) is the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department post-adjudication facility for delinquent male juveniles, ages 16 to 18.  LCR provides a 24-hour residential program for juvenile offenders adjudicated for treatment and rehabilitation.  LCR youth participants also focus on attaining their High School Diploma or GED through the San Francisco Unified School District.

At LCR, in partnership with the SFCC, the purpose of the Project Based Learning Program is to provide a combination of classroom instruction and practical hands-on skills training to LCR youth in basic carpentry and landscaping, to increase academic literacy and promote job readiness.

Job Summary

The Vocational Instructor (Landscaping) is responsible for managing, supervising, and training crews of youth participants (ages 16-18) four days a week, providing vocational instruction on problem-based learning projects at the LCR campus, and ensuring that all projects are completed to specifications, employing instructional methods as directed by the Program Manager or Lead Vocational Instructor and by the instructor him/herself.  The Instructor is responsible for developing and delivering daily lesson plans, implementing project orientations, and overseeing project implementation and completion.  This position assesses strengths, challenges, and training opportunities for each student using assessment methods as prescribed by LCR and SFCC.

The Vocational Instructor (Landscaping) is responsible for mastering, adhering to, and implementing the policies and procedures of Log Cabin Ranch and the SFCC Employee Manual, policies and procedures, and Respectful Workplace policy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Instruction (constant – more than 66% of time): Give demonstrations and instruction on project related techniques and terminology for the purpose of teaching landscaping and basic landscaping techniques; implement a daily project plan for the purpose of keeping youth focused and on-task; teach work-related attitudes and behaviors for the purpose of assisting youth to obtain and retain employment.
• Project Implementation (constant – more than 66% of time): Implement and supervise all necessary tasks to set up, maintain, and complete problem-based learning projects; develop, implement, and monitor detailed project plans; teach safety and proper use of equipment and hand tools and ensure safety protocols are adhered to; properly maintain equipment to ensure uninterrupted project work and learning, troubleshoot and proactively prevent equipment problems.
• LCR Youth Supervision (constant – more than 66% of time): Supervise groups of youth; instruct youth on and oversee all aspects of problem-based learning projects and tasks; ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to; evaluate student progress in theoretical and practical skills to determine student learning and application. 
• Professional Development and Training (frequent –34-66% of time): Remain current with local industry standards to maintain a high level of professional development where the expertise will be transferred into student learning and result in a better-trained student; act as a role model and demonstrate appropriate work ethics, behavior, and skills; act as a liaison between LCR and SFCC staff in association with the Lead Vocational Instructor
• Administration (frequent – 34-66% of time): Maintain appropriate records to monitor student progress and skill development; order supplies, tools and equipment to provide relevant instructional materials; develop, implement, and maintain all necessary administrative tasks efficiently and on time.

Typical Working Conditions

Typical working conditions include, but are not limited to, frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; constant twisting, turning, reaching, climbing, crawling, kneeling, squatting, and walking; and frequent walking on uneven or slippery surfaces. Typical working conditions also constantly involve working outdoors in all types of terrain and in all types of weather conditions.

Equipment Used

This position requires frequent operation of agency vehicles to drive to various sites and venues throughout the SF Bay Area, which requires insurability on the SFCC’s driving insurance policy and the ability to operate agency vehicles and navigate by automobile throughout the SF Bay Area. This position also requires frequent use of various hand tools, power tools, electrical equipment, safety attire and equipment (provided by the SFCC).

Minimum Education and Experience Required
In addition to the Licenses/Certificates/Testing requirements listed near the top of this job announcement:

• CA Vocational Education Teaching Credential (Landscaping or related field) OR equivalent professional experience in Landscaping. Landscaping Contractors license a plus
• 1-2 years experience in classroom instruction OR supervisory experience in professional field
• 1 year experience working with and/or teaching at-risk, incarcerated or formerly incarcerated youth or young adults.
• Experience engaging and motivating youth (ages 16-18) who may have many personal barriers and come from a wide variety of social, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience in horticulture, landscaping, forestry, conservation, environmental science, park renovation, basic carpentry, or other related field.

Minimum Skills Required

• Leadership, conflict management, and resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of landscaping requirements and terminology
• Ability to use tools, equipment and materials used in the landscaping industry
• Excellent problem solving skills; ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with fellow professionals.
• Ability to work effectively with minimum supervision and manage competing priorities.
• Highly computer literate; demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

How to Apply

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to: Associate Director of Human Resources, SFCC, 241 Fifth Street, S.F., CA 94103 or fax to (415) 928-7330 or e-mail to personnel@sfcc.org Position is open until filled. No phone calls please.

The SFCC does not discriminate against any individuals on the basis of sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, creed, citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, medical condition, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation.