2026 Conservation Crew Assistant Crew Leader (Taos Office)

Job Description

Job Description

ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS

2026 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, 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 : $690 ($17.25 / hr equivalent) per week before taxes

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 2, 2026 - November 13, 2026. 11 weeks of orientation training followed by project work

LOCATION : RMYC Taos Office : 1203 King Drive, Taos, NM 87571 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 training 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 issues, 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, 2026

US Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident

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

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.

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.

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 4x4 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 (

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.

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.