CCNM - Crew Leader - Ongoing

This position will remain open permanently. Applicants will be selected on a “ongoing” basis depending upon current crew and project needs. If a position matching your skill set and availability opens up, you will be contacted for follow up. This applicant pool will be screened for all Crew Leader positions available at Conservation Corps New Mexico.

Start Date: Ongoing vacancy positions have a start date dependent on current open positions and availability of applicant.

Wages: $750/week

Location: Las Cruces, NM

Benefits: Paid training; Food budget while on camping hitch; Employee Assistance Program; health benefits for eligible positions

Summary

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM):

Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM crews are typically based in Las Cruces, NM and all project work will take place on public lands in New Mexico and surrounding states.

Crew Models

*Available crew models vary for each start date*

*Crew Leader positions do not have an upper age limit. Below age ranges are specific to crew member positions.*

General Field Crews:

CCNM's Field Crew program engages motivated young adults, ages 18-30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout southern New Mexico and surrounding states. Crews work with a variety of land management agencies, spending up to 8 days in the field camping. Projects can be frontcountry or backcountry.

Local Crews:

This crew is for young adults, ages 18-30, from Las Cruces and the surrounding area interested in completing local conservation projects. Local crews for young adults provide members with job skills, leadership opportunities, project work and personal and professional development. Crew members primarily spend each night at their own home and work on projects during the day, however camping will be required on occasion.

Crew Leader Development Program Crews:

This crew is focused on connecting young adults, ages 18-30, aspiring to develop leadership skills with conservation service work projects on public lands.  The goal of the leadership development program is to provide participants with a variety of training focused on technical skills as well as leadership development to prepare members for leadership roles within the conservation corps setting.  Upon completion of the leadership development program, members are encouraged to apply to be assistant crew leaders, crew leaders or youth conservation corps mentors.  

Veterans Fire Corps Crews:

This program engages military veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves, ages 21-35 years old, in conservation service projects focused on wildland fire mitigation and recovery, including chainsaw work. Crews work with a variety of land management agencies, spending up to 8 days in the field camping. Crew Leaders do not have to be military veterans, but must be able to pass a USFS Pack Test at the “arduous” level (3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes).

Project Work for All Crews:

CCNM works with a variety of land management agencies in New Mexico and surrounding states, such as US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management; or Municipal, State and Non-profit organizations that work on our nation's public and tribal lands.

Project work may vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns, and can change at any moment, regardless of what is scheduled. Projects that crews typically work on may include, but are not limited to:

• Trail construction and maintenance
• Invasive plant management and removal, including pesticide application
• Habitation restoration
• Fence installation/repair
• Land Management Inventory and Mapping
• Fire fuels reduction
• National Disaster Relief
• Community Service
• Recreation and facilities maintenance and construction
• Trash removal

Crew Leader Responsibilities

Crew Leaders (CL) are responsible for facilitating a safe and positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong work ethic throughout work and camp life. The CL works in tandem with an Assistant Crew Leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and provide constructive feedback throughout the term of service. The CL is expected complete project and member paperwork in a timely manner and professionally represent CCNM.

Qualifications

• 21+ with some leadership experience
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a changing environment including willingness to work a varying schedule.
• Excellent communication and teaching/mentoring skills; strong conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Ability to perform administrative duties, such as managing crew budget and paperwork.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with a small group.
• Strong organizational skills including receipt tracking and storage.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status.
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior leadership experience.
• Prior AmeriCorps Service.
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness travel, and campsite management.
• Professional technical certifications.
• Certification in Wilderness First Responder and CPR.

Training

Generally, the term begins with a leadership training which focuses on developing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills training and developing an understanding of CCNM procedures. Following leadership training, most seasons will begin with an orientation with Crew Leaders and Crew Members that includes Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living & Nutrition, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting.  Informal hands-on training will continue throughout the term with on- the- ground skills training.

Depending on the project needs, crews may receive specialized training. During the season members will have the opportunity to participate in a Wilderness First Aid certification course.

Schedule:

Crews generally work an 8-day, 10-hours/day ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, members will have 6 days off in the town of the home base office.  Drive time to and from the work site from the home base office is typically included in the hitch schedule.  Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary. 

Workdays will start with a safety meeting including exercising and stretching.  Days typically include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.

Gear

Participants must supply his/her/their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. A suggested gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service.  CCNM will provide tools, personal protective gear, budget for crew meals and transportation to projects.  Additionally, CCNM has pro-deals and some gear available to borrow.

Housing

Housing on days off is not provided.

Expectations  

Substance Free

CCNM is a drug-free organization; alcohol, marijuana (medical and recreational), and illegal substances are prohibited.

Physical, Emotional, and Mental Safety:

Proper safety procedures must be observed in all tasks, including at the worksite, campsite, and during travel. Participants must:

• Effectively communicate danger to others and ensure a safe environment.
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• Identify and communicate significant and apparent hazards.  
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences. 
• Contribute to a safe learning environment: no harassment of others for any reason. 
• Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including evening chores, check-ins, and service days in local communities.
• Effectively communicate concerns as they arise to supervisors and organization staff. 
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them.
• Appropriately represent the program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times.

Environmental Ethics: 

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques at all times
• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living, travel, and work skills.
• Practice self-care by staying adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed, so as to remain healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries. 
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and challenging weather conditions.

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements:

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to provide some accommodations, excepting that which alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your particular position. 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.