Established in 2015, the partnership between CSU Extension and AmeriCorps aims to provide people power to the communities of Colorado. The CSUE AmeriCorps Program is an AmeriCorps State program funded by AmeriCorps through Serve Colorado – The Governor’s Commission on Community Service. Our program facilitates members serving across the state of Colorado. To learn more about CSU Extension, visit our website. To learn more about AmeriCorps, click here.

To learn more about the CSU Extension AmeriCorps Program, visit https://engagement.colostate.edu/ramcorps/.

Rock Ledge Ranch (RLR) is a living history landscape near Garden of the Gods in western Colorado Springs. The Ranch actively demonstrates the importance of the land, and agriculture in general, in Colorado’s history – immersing visitors in diverse cultural experiences. The Ranch is owned by the City of Colorado Springs, but managed by the nonprofit Living History Association (LHA).

The position will work with the LHA at Rock Ledge Ranch to help conduct day-to-day activities. This position will support Rock Ledge Ranch to plan future activities and identify resources needed to meet organizational objectives. However, most of the work for this position will be physical activities done to assist with plant and livestock management. Examples are performing trail maintenance, pruning trees and shrubs, removing invasive plants, feeding livestock, watering recently planted trees, shrubs and fruiting perennials, etc. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in small acreage management and/or homesteading.

Term of Service / Time Commitment:
This is a quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 450 hours during the term (approximately 32 hours/week). The position begins September 8, 2025 and ends December 12, 2025. The member will develop a schedule with leadership that ensures enough opportunity to meet the minimum number of service hours.

Training and Support Provided:
Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% (or 90 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by Derek Lowstuter, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions:
This position is based at Rock Ledge Ranch (3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904). Position will involve frequent days of service outdoors and community building. This position will serve outside with plants, livestock, and site volunteers.

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

For full consideration, all materials must be received directly at https://jobs.colostate.edu/ no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Please submit the following to apply:

For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office at HR_TA@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the AmeriCorps program, the position, qualifications, or job duties please contact Melinda Macpherson at melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The primary goal of this service opportunity is to provide hands-on support with farm upkeep and physical land management practices, while engaging with Ranch staff, volunteers, and visitors. Responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including those outlined below:

By assisting with the planning, preparation, and execution of interpretive and educational programs, the member will gain contextual experiences at the Ranch and deepen their understanding of Ranch activities. The member’s observations and efforts will be used to help identify goals for improving and expanding interpretative offerings – particularly those pertaining to agriculture.