2024 Four Corners Youth Crew Member

No resume, cover letter, or references necessary when applying for this position

Position SCC Four Corners- High School Conservation Crew Member (Day Crew, Camping Crew, Indigenous Crew and Backcountry Crew member positions available) 

Who: High School students ages 14-18 in the Four Corners Region (La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta San Juan, Dolores, and Northen New Mexico Counties) who are interested in working outdoors serving their communities and want to gain more skills!  

When: Choose between Session 1 (Early June) and Session 2 (Early July - Early August), each session lasts 4 weeks 

Location: Hesperus CO, or Cortez CO

Pay: $14.42 per hour, 32-36 hours per week  

Benefits: Food provided when in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, structured educational lessons from trained staff, mental health consultant on staff  

The Southwest Conservation Corps engages motivated high school students from the Colorado and Four Corners area ages 14-18, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout Southwest Colorado. Projects vary, but may include local environmental service projects, garden projects, fence construction, habitat improvement, invasive species removal or trail maintenance. Crews are led by two experienced crew leaders who have experience working with youth and technical skills.

Our programs focus on place based learning, life skills development, conservation service work, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. Crew members must be willing to work under the leadership of their crew leaders, be on-time each day, perform hard physical labor throughout the summer season in a variety of weather conditions, wear a uniform and personal protective equipment everyday, and participate in group activities and end of the day debriefs. Getting dirty, hot, and sweaty are norms for the program. Along with technical skills, crew members will participate in education days to make the work meaningful and promote environmental stewardship. They will also learn effective communication, leadership skills, how to work in a team, work ethic, and the importance of civic engagement.  

Youth Season Schedule 

Camping crews work Monday through Friday for 4 weeks, day crews work Monday through Thursday for 4 weeks. Project work is completed Mon-Thurs. Crew members are paid $14.42 per/hr for 32-36 hr/week. Friday is an education day for camping crews.

Youth living in Montezuma County and Dolores County will meet for work in Cortez CO. Youth living in La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan, and Northern New Mexico Counties will meet for work at the Old Fort at Hesperus, in Hesperus CO (location may vary for Day Crew members).

Day Crew- Will meet at a pre-determined location in your region, SCC will help accommodate participants that need transportation. Typical workdays run from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Monday-Thursday, with the crew member being dropped off at the pre-determined location at 4:30 PM each workday. Day crews return home every evening and do not camp.

Camping Crew- Camping crews will meet Monday at 8 AM (except the first week of session, when you will meet on Sunday), and you and your crew will load up in a van and travel to your work site for the week. Camping crews spend Monday-Friday working from 8:00-4:30 PM and are expected to participate after the workday in camp chores, evening education lessons, and daily meals for the crew. Crews will spend part of Friday on an educational lesson and the rest of the day cleaning up their gear from the work week. Pick up will be Friday afternoon at a pre-determined drop-off location & time. All food and cooking gear is provided during the work week. Camping gear can be provided if needed.

Indigenous Crew- The Indigenous Youth Crew is focused on creating an inclusive Native High School youth crew serving the Four Corners, with Native leadership. The Indigenous Youth Crew will meet Monday at 8 AM (except the first week of session, when you will meet on Sunday), and you and your crew will load up in a van and travel to your work site for the week. The indigenous youth crews will spend Monday-Friday working from 8:00-4:30 PM and are expected to participate after the workday in camp chores, evening education lessons, and daily meals for the crew. Crews will spend part of Friday on an educational lesson and the rest of the day cleaning up their gear from the work week. Pick up will be Friday afternoon at a pre-determined drop-off location & time. All food and cooking gear is provided during the work week. Camping gear can be provided if needed.

Backcountry Crew- The Youth Backcountry Crew is for SCC returners or youth with similar backpacking, trail maintenance or other relevant experience. The crew will work two Monday-Friday camping style work weeks, then culminate with 9-day backpacking and trail work session. More information to come!

Any questions can be sent to:

Jacob Mandell, Youth Program Coordinator: jmandell@conservationlegacy.org

General Qualifications

The SCC focuses on place based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility and career development.

Commitment – Members must make a strong commitment to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and national service.  Members must commit to participating in all crew activities, including service days in local communities.

Safety -You will be expected to take a serious attitude toward safety all day and every day.

Professionalism – Members must be willing to appropriately represent the SCC program.

Teamwork – Members must be willing to work hard, participate as part of a team.

Technology – The use of technology, including cell phones are not allowed during all work, chore, group and meal times as well as during de-rigs and rig-up.  Corpsmembers must agree that they will not use these types of technology while participating in these activities and realize that technology use is strictly regulated by SCC policy and by SCC staff and crew leaders.

Substance Free – In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited while participating in SCC activities and while on SCC property.

Fitness – Members are expected to complete projects that involve heavy lifting, hiking, and living outdoors for an extended period of time.

Applicants will be selected based on their interest, availability and interview.

** Please note that preference will be given to local applicants as this program is designed to engage local youth in their local communities. **

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 assist you with some modification unless it 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.

As grant funding requires we are only able to select individuals from the Four Corners region or Colorado. Some of our Programs will require Montezuma County Residency! Please inquire during an interview.