Title: AmeriCorps Service Learning Crew Leader (CLDP)-Middle School Crews

Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator

Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps

Location: Durango, CO

Dates: May 4th** – August 7th, 2026, *There may be potential for extension through the fall season

Benefits:

· Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,824

· Living Allowance of $485 per week.

· Additional Benefit of $200 per week.

· $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week additional benefit stipend)

· Healthcare Coverage if Eligible

· Childcare Coverage if Eligible

· Loan forbearance if Eligible

· Interest Payments if Eligible

Additional Benefits: Paid time off between summer sessions and 2 additional days of PTO; 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 Training & 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.
*Wilderness Medicine: CLDP members are provided with Wilderness First AID/CPR/AED training. Other acceptable WFA Courses and Re-certification Courses can be reimbursed but must be taken prior to the start of the season.
Multiple positions opened. Application closes December 31th, 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.

This is an entry level position focused on development, we welcome applications from candidates who may not have all the skills listed below. This position provides extensive training during the spring season, meant to prepare CLDP’s for leading summer crews. This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. CLDP’s will be mentors, educators and facilitators for high school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models for their members.

Overview of Service-Learning Crew: The Service-Learning Crew enhances the sense of belonging and connectedness of youth to their communities through meaningful outdoor-based service projects, education, and group recreation activities. Projects vary each day, with crews completing 3-4 hours of conservation service projects each day (planting, weeding, trail work, restoration etc.). The education component of SLC consists of job readiness, leadership skills, life skills training, and environmental education. Participants are 11-13 years old and volunteer their time for this free summer program. Crews consist of 2 leaders and 8 participants, and you will lead 4 different groups – 2 in Montezuma County and 2 in La Plata County. Each crew runs two weeks at a time, Monday - Thursday, 8am-4:30pm. Fridays are spent de-rigging, checking in with staff and planning educational lessons for the following week.

This is an entry level position focused on development, we welcome applications from candidates who may not have all the skills listed below. This position provides a week of intensive youth-leader training, a week of prep, and 2 project weeks to prepare for being in the field. Leaders transition to leading their crews the first week of June and lead for 8 weeks with a 1-week prep week in the middle of the season. This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. Youth leaders will be mentors, educators and facilitators for middle school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models for their members