Youth Conservation Crew Leader
Conservation Legacy
Title: Youth Conservation Crew Leader (Leading High School Crews ages 15-18)
Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps
Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator
Location: Durango, CO | Four Corners Office
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program
Dates: April 6th** – August 7th, 2026, *There may be potential for extension through the fall season
** Late start date May 4th.
Wages: $925-1125 weekly DOE/DOQ in season; $750 weekly during 7-week training period.
* SCC will hire 1 Senior Youth Crew Leader that will receive in season rate during training season
Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, PTO days built into schedule and 2 additional days of PTO, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.
Training: U.S. Forest Service recognized OHLEC Chainsaw training, Technical Trails Training, Mental Health Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training. Potential for Crosscut & Backcountry Training.
Housing: SCC-Durango will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Other options include; host-housing, and partnership with a local Hostel. Options will be reviewed in the interview process.
Multiple positions available. Application closes December 30th 2025.
Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs.
Position Summary: This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. This position requires a high degree of flexibility and a passion for working with youth outdoors. Leaders will be mentors, educators and facilitators for high school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models. Crew Leaders are ultimately responsible for successes and shortcomings of the crew, as well as safety and well-being. SCC’s Youth Crew Leaders will spend 8 weeks in a crew leader training period, which will include a SCC orientation week, chainsaw training, technical trails training, a youth crew leader training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In June, crew leaders will be paired with and mentor a CLDP and co-lead two 4-week sessions with high school students ages 15-18. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation projects. The typical schedule is either: Nine days on followed by five days off (During training season & Backcountry Youth Crew), or five days on followed by two days off (During Youth Crew Season).
We will be running the following crews during the 2026 season, please be ready to speak to your preferences and how you will support them during your interview. You will lead 2 different crews over the summer and are expected to camp and work Monday through Friday for all crew models. Exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. SCC serves youth throughout the Four Corners region, recruiting youth from Durango, Cortez, Shiprock, Towaoc, and surrounding communities.
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Backcountry Youth Crew
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Middle School Crew
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Day Crew
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Camping Crews