AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Lead

Position Title: Assistant Crew Lead– AmeriCorps 

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico 

Site Location: Program Office- Conservation Corps New Mexico: 560 N 17th St, Las Cruces, NM 88005 

Terms of Service:  

Start Date: 3/17/2025 
End Date: 8/9/2025 
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 

Program Summary 

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM): 

Conservation Corps New Mexico, an AmeriCorps Program, 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.  

This is an AmeriCorps position aiming to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. 
You’ll learn new skills, but it will take sweat: this program is designed to be rigorous. You will complete conservation service projects and learn many skills through experience. Service as an AmeriCorps member is an introduction to a new and exciting lifestyle – over the course of the season you will live, learn, train, and work to protect and preserve America’s public lands. 

Description of Duties: 

*Available crew models vary for each start date* 

Crew Models 

CCNM’s Field Crew program engages motivated young adults, ages 18-30 (35 for veterans), to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout southern New Mexico and surrounding states. 

General Field Crews: 

CCNM’s Field Crew program engages motivated young adults, ages 18-30 (35 for veterans) 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 front country or backcountry, with limited to no access to showers and running-water toilets. Backcountry projects involve carrying out all personal supplies (tent, sleeping bag, clothing) as well as group camp supplies (food, water, gear) to the campsite and worksite.     

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

Assistant Crew Leader Responsibilities 

Assistant Crew Leaders (ACL) 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 ACL works in tandem with the Crew Leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and provide constructive criticism throughout the term of service. The ACL will expand their role, learn leadership strategies, and assume full leadership duties if the Crew Leader is unavailable. CCNM field crews operate on a set schedule throughout their season, typically 8 days on/6 days off. Adherence to this schedule is essential to the success of the program; exceptions can be made for emergencies.    

Qualifications: 

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Be between the ages of 17 and 25; there is some flexibility to accept members up to age 30 (35 for veterans); participants under 18 must have signed consent of a parent or guardian
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior leadership experience.
• Prior AmeriCorps Service.
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness travel, camp management and outdoor leadership preferred.
• Professional technical certifications
• Certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

Orientation and Training: 

• Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Crew members who attend the full orientation will receive training on Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living and Nutrition, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting. Informal hands-on training will continue throughout the term with on- the- ground skills training.
• Generally, the term begins with 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 term of service crew members will have the opportunity to participate in a Wilderness First Aid certification course.

Time Requirements: 

Typically, crew members will meet at the CCNM office in Las Cruces, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site and remain in the field for 8 days at a time, followed by 6 days off. While in the field, crew members work 10 hours a day. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.  
Prior to their start date, selected crew members must begin their background check process and complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and enrolling with AmeriCorps. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.  

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 some gear available to borrow such as tents, sleeping bags, and some backpacking gear.   

Housing 

Housing on days off is not provided. Crew members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field.   

Expectations   

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.
• Crew members with CCNM will serve on a crew with 5 crew members and 1 assistant crew lead and 1 crew leader who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time.  
• 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 directly to supervisors and organization staff.
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them.
• Always represent the program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Crew members are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; crew members are expected to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.

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.

Benefits:  

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14
• Living Stipend of $475 per week
• Additional Housing Allowance of $200 per week
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Food Budget while on Project
• Wilderness First aid-optional, but encouraged
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist.
• Uniform shirts, helmets, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment are provided.
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths.

Evaluation and Reporting: 

• As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
• Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
• Crew members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their crew leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Crew members will also be asked to evaluate their crew leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term.

Physical Requirements: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.   

Recruitment Contact Information:  

Victoria Rios-Recruitment and Enrollment Specialist 

Contact information:  

Email: vrios@conservationlegacy.org  

Phone Number: (575)281-4181 

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.