2027 Conservation Crew Member (Taos)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS

2027 Crew Member Position Description 

Upper Rio Grande Office (Taos)

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) is a nonprofit youth development organization serving New Mexico. We inspire young adults to make a positive difference in themselves and their communities. Through training and service, Corpsmembers discover their potential for healthy, productive lives.

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Conservation Crews will work to safely complete conservation projects in their communities. Project work may include chainsaw work,  trail work, fencing, invasive species removal, historic preservation, or other community improvement work. All Corpsmembers will receive both personal and professional development training such as First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid,  financial management, and public speaking skills. 

POSITION TYPE:   Seasonal, full time, exempt AmeriCorps member

SCHEDULE: Day work, Spike schedule, or Hybrid schedule.
Day work schedule is Tuesday-Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm with weekends off. 
Spike schedule is Tuesday-Tuesday, 7:00am-5:30pm, camping at the project site. Spike is 8 days on shift followed by 6 days off. Hybrid schedule includes both spike work and day work. 

STIPEND:   $700.00 ($17.50/hr equivalent) stipend per week before taxes, paid every two weeks. 

REPORTS TO: Staff Crew Supervisor with support and additional oversight by Upper Rio Grande Conservation Program Coordinator.

Start/End DATE OPTIONS:  March 18th to July 30th (675 hour term) or November 12, 2027 (1,200 hour term)

Dates subject to change due to weather, funding, or other conditions

EDUCATION AWARD: $5,176.50 upon successful completion of 1,200 hour AmeriCorps Service Term OR $2,884.05

                                       upon successful completion of 675 hour AmeriCorps Service Term

LOCATION:   Taos, New Mexico with project locations throughout the state.

                                Rocky Mountain Youth Corps - 1321 Salazar Rd, Taos, New Mexico 87571 

Participants must have reliable transportation to and from the RMYC office, according to their

work schedule for the duration of the season. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform service work with pride and determination on all projects as part of a team.

• Actively participate in daily check-ins and educational training sessions.

• Maintain a safe work environment to ensure both physical and mental well-being.

• Comply with work standards set forth by project partners and Crew Supervisors.

• Maintain a positive and professional attitude.                                                                                             

• Be willing to reflect on your experience and share feedback in a group setting.

• Respect the natural environment and community resources.

• Complete and approve timecards for yourself. 

• Develop obtainable goals for your transition into further education or employment.

• Comply with all RMYC and AmeriCorps rules and policies and not participate in any prohibited activities as described in the Member Service Agreement.

• Participate in disaster relief work lasting up to 45 days (if deployed).

• Assist with camp chores such as meal prep and site clean-up.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 17- 30 years of age as of March 18th, 2027  (must be 18 years old to operate a chainsaw)

• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent or agree to obtain one prior to using the Segal Education Award

  • If you are not capable of obtaining a High School diploma or equivalent or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis you may be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091)

• US Citizen or a Permanent Legal Resident 

• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check:

  • Must consent to the criminal history check

  • Be truthful in all statements regarding criminal history

  • Cannot be registered or required to be registered on any state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry

  • Cannot be convicted of murder

• Able to complete entire length of service term (see “dates” above)

• Strong work ethic and willingness to work within a team of diverse individuals 

• Able to work in supervised environment 

• Available for overnight projects (if applicable)

• Required to participate in up to three service events that benefit the community

BENEFITS:

• Healthcare coverage is available to all AmeriCorps members at no cost to the member.  This is considered primary coverage and is not available as supplemental coverage.

• A certain number of Non-Scheduled Days (paid days off) are available depending on the length of the term of service (These days off ARE NOT counted toward the service hours required for the Educational Award)

• RMYC observes all National holidays and are considered paid days off, however RMYC reserves the right to have AmeriCorps members work or service hours on certain holidays if necessary to meet program requirements  (These days off ARE NOT counted toward the service hours required for the Educational Award)

• For AmeriCorps members serving a 1700 hour term of service, Childcare coverage is provided.

• Student loan forbearance and interest payments are available for those who qualify

• Access to the “Public Land Corps Hiring Authority” for members serving at least 640 hours.

EVALUATION:

• Members serving less than a full-time term of service (<1700 hours) will receive only an end-of-term evaluation

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift or move up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.

• Frequently traverse uneven terrain; balance, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and/or grasp.

• Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.

• Receive detailed information through oral or signed communication; convey important instructions accurately and effectively.

• Work outdoors, subject to outside environmental conditions.

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

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps is available to all and we will not discriminate or refuse services to any staff or member because of perceived or actual race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, military service or pregnancy.

RMYC is a drug free workplace.  All RMYC positions depend upon funding availability.