Cal Crew Leader

About the Organization

Five Keys was founded in 2003 by the San Francisco Sheriffs Department as the first accredited charter high school in the nation to provide diploma programs for adults in county jails. Today, we are a social justice non-profit agency that has expanded into 9 counties, operating in 24 jail locations and over 80 community learning centers. In addition to our schools, we run multiple homeless shelters, employment programs, programs for the unshelerved, reentry programs, and housing for women suffering from immense injustice.

Our mission is to provide traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: Education, Employment, Recovery, Family, and Community, using social and restorative justice principles.

At Five Keys, culture matters. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that values collaboration over hierarchy, empowers work teams, and approaches everyone with compassion, patience, and a trauma-informed lens. We serve vulnerable populations daily and strive to foster a climate of multicultural understanding.

Core Competencies

• Effective communication and collaboration
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Dynamic learning mindset
• High level of cultural and social awareness
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Observance of appropriate boundaries
• High degree of emotional intelligence

About the Role

The Cal Crew Leader will manage a crew of up to 8 participants, handling personnel issues, scheduling, and all data requirements including time sheets. You will drive the crew van, maintain daily contact with the Program Manager, and support the Five Keys mission by fostering a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness. This role encourages creative and critical thinking through an equity lens and contributes to our appreciation of diversity.

Responsibilities

• Drive a passenger van and tow a 10-foot equipment trailer
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Deliver clear instructions to team members and provide daily pre-job technical and safety instructions
• Schedule crews to fulfill tasks by contractors
• Be available by cell phone during normal work hours for technical instructions and emergencies
• Conduct and document quarterly safety meetings and crew tailgate safety briefings
• Ensure proper use of equipment and safety protocols, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Manage daily time for crew employees, including tracking work hours and breaks
• Provide coaching and appropriate discipline as per Five Keys policy
• Ensure crew members are dressed appropriately for workplace conditions
• Maintain the security and inventory of the work van and supplies
• Provide progress reports of assigned work, including photographs
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record (accepted under Five Keys company policy)
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, light rain)
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand on hillsides/slopes, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to carry landscaping tools and equipment (at least 20 lbs)
• Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sitting
• Travel to multiple sites required
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently, follow directions, and meet deadlines
• Task and goal-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain strong and appropriate boundaries
• Adaptability to changes and emergency situations

Qualifications

While previous experience is not required, a strong candidate will have experience working outdoors in one or more of the following areas: landscaping, brush clearance, grounds maintenance, or environmental cleanup efforts.

This position is contingent upon passing a Motor Vehicle Report and possessing current auto insurance.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to relate well with co-workers, staff, community, and partners
• Responsibility for care and maintenance of program equipment
• Ability to perform program-related tasks as needed
• Cultural and social awareness

Physical Requirements

• Must wear provided PPE and adhere to all safety guidelines
• Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sitting
• Frequent talking and hearing conversations
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms
• Occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work on hillsides and slopes while using landscaping tools

Work Environment

• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the area to community sites
• Work environment varies from site to site
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities

Benefits

• Very low monthly costs for medical insurance (deductible and all in-network, out-of-pocket expenses paid by Five Keys)
• Dental, vision, and life insurance premiums paid by Five Keys
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account (403b)
• Generous time off
• Annual reimbursement up to $100 for gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs
• Annual reimbursement up to $50 for athletic event participation and annual massage (after 6 months of employment)
• Free access to wellness-related apps, Employee Assistance Program, and Talkspace online therapy for you and your dependents