Conservation Assistant Crew Leader (Taos)

The Conservation Assistant Crew Leader position at Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in Taos, NM, is a seasonal, full-time role focused on leadership and project management for youth development and conservation efforts. ACLs inspire Corpsmembers, facilitate training, and promote safety while working on various projects across New Mexico. The role requires reliable transportation to the office and project sites, with a stipend of $640 per week and an education award upon completion.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS

2025 SEASON

Assistant Crew Leader 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:

Assistant Crew Leaders (ACLs) play a pivotal role in building successful crews and meaningful programming. They are leaders, facilitators, and communicators, tasked with inspiring fellow Corpsmembers to achieve personal and professional growth. As both a member of the crew and a part of the leadership team the ACL occupies a unique and demanding position. For the right individual, this position is a pathway towards full leadership positions and further opportunities in conservation.

POSITION TYPE:

Seasonal, full time, non-exempt AmeriCorps member

SCHEDULE:

Schedule consists of Day work or Spike work.

Day work schedule is Tuesday – Friday from 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.

STIPEND:

$640 (before taxes) per week.

EDUCATION AWARD:

$5,176.50 upon completion of 1200-hour AmeriCorps Service Term

REPORTS TO:

Crew Leader, with supervision by the Upper Rio Grande Conservation Program Coordinator

DATES:

February 3, 2025 – November 14, 2025. 11 weeks of paid orientation training followed by project work

LOCATION:

RMYC Taos Office 1203 King Drive, Taos, NM 87517 with project locations throughout the state. Participants must have reliable transportation to and from this location, according to their work schedule for the duration of the season.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Crew Leadership
• In partnership with Crew Supervisor, assist in the creation of a highly collaborative leadership structure with shared responsibilities and input.
• Help facilitate scheduled educational trainings throughout the season, while also assisting in impromptu “teachable moments” in the field.
• Model appropriate professional behavior, environmental stewardship, and work ethic for Corpsmembers; be an example that inspires the crew.
• Maintain a strong commitment to creating a culture of safety within the crew.
• Assist with crew function during disaster relief work lasting up to 45 days (if deployed).

Project Management
• Serve with Crew Supervisor, Program Coordinator, project sponsors, and organizational partners to accomplish projects in an efficient and timely manner.
• Assist with leadership of the crew (or a portion of the crew) for project efficiency or as the need arises, under the direction and supervision of program staff. Examples include guidance with proper tool use, assisting with the organization of service tasks such as organizing a crew on a trail or thinning project, or helping to facilitate safety discussions with the crew. Assisting with leadership does not include direct supervisory tasks like discipline or timecard approval, which are handled solely by staff crew supervisors or other program staff.
• Track daily tool issue, ensuring that tools are well-maintained, organized, and accounted for throughout project work.
• Assist in daily preparation of supplies and equipment: first aid kits, vehicle inspection, personal protective equipment.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist in the facilitation of crew meetings on a regular basis.
• Assist in reporting requirements and project impact paperwork.
• Create a leadership development plan to further personal growth and leadership competencies.
• Comply with all RMYC and AmeriCorps rules and policies and not participate in any prohibited activities as described in the member agreement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
• 18-30 years of age as of February 3, 2025
• US Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident
• Able to complete entire length of service term (February 3 – November 14, 2025)

Experience
• Experience with, or an interest in, environmental or conservation related projects.
• Community volunteer experience or a history of service-based learning.

Skills
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks under adverse weather conditions
• Good public speaking skills to address crews and conduct training sessions.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to be punctual and reliable.

Behavioral Competencies
• Open to constructive feedback.
• Flexibility and adaptability. Strong capacity as a team player.
• Maturity level that allows for supervision and motivation of peers.
• Ability to take initiative and follow through with project goals.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION:
• Previous experience with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps or other youth development/conservation organization.
• Leadership experience with peers, preferably in a mentoring or instructional capacity.
• Knowledge of tool use and safety.
• Proficient driving trucks, and/or 4×4 SUV with trailer attachment
• Wilderness medicine certification (WFA, WFR).
• Familiarity with techniques and concepts of safety and risk management.
• Consistent positive mental attitude.

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

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Periodic overnight travel and non-traditional work hours, inclusive of weekend and evening hours.

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.