Youth Conservation Corps: Crew Lead

POSITION PURPOSE:  The Crew Lead will oversee a diverse crew of participants between the ages of 14 and 25 in the safe, efficient completion of conservation, restoration, and outreach projects in the outdoors. Often working under minimal supervision, the Crew Lead must exercise discretion and judgment on matters relating to the safety, well-being, and performance of the field crew. The youth crew will work on planting gardens, invasive plant mitigation, wetland restoration, acequia maintenance, and the working of agricultural lands. In addition to field work, the crew will participate in educational opportunities that range from learning about water rights and acequias in  Northern New Mexico, water conservation and ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, ArcGIS mapping,  and identifying plant, animal, and bird species.

Field work overseen by the Crew Lead will involve invasive plant and tree removal and assisting with wetlands and river restoration and monitoring projects along the Rio Fernando. Work will also include such tasks as acequia maintenance, tree pruning and planting, and agricultural crop care. Additional work may revolve around photo or video documentation, ecological monitoring and data gathering with input into ArcGIS. The Crew Lead will also facilitate regular group check-ins and teambuilding activities.

POSITION TYPE: Seasonal, Full-time, non-exempt

SCHEDULE: 32 hours per week, Monday – Thursday

WAGE: $20.50 per hour

REPORTS TO: YCC Project Lead and Taos Land Trust Education Director

DATES: May 5 – October 31, 2025

LOCATION: Taos, NM – Most work to take place at Taos Land Trust properties: Rio Fernando Park at 410 La Posta Road and Rio Hondo Fishing Park

MAJOR RESPONSIBIITIES:  

Crew Operations

• Carry out weekly and daily work plans as allocated by YCC Project Lead.
• Directly supervise a crew of approx. 6 members in the completion of restoration work projects.
• Motivate YCC crew members to complete work plans in a timely manner.
• Provide leadership and assist with coaching for crew members to develop necessary project-related skills.
• Facilitate weekly teambuilding activities for crew members.

Risk Management

• Manage crew’s physical/emotional well-being and promote a culture of safety in all aspects of crew life.
• Safely transport crew members when necessary.
• Respond to safety concerns and incidents with appropriate and timely actions, keeping Education Director and TLT staff informed.

Crew Management/Crew Member Development

• Maintain a healthy group dynamic by promoting inclusivity, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Serve as a professional role model, upholding TLT policies and holding crew members accountable for actions.
• Oversee a structured, participatory environment.

Administrative Duties

• Support YCC Project Lead in maintaining detailed, accurate reports of crew attendance/hours, initiate incident reports, report on work completed, and with other required paperwork. Inform Coordinator and TLT staff of important crew developments during formal/informal meetings and briefings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 18 – 25 years of age, not to turn 26 until after your work assignment is completed.
• Be a New Mexico resident at least 6 months before hire.
• Be unemployed at the time of hire.
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Be a US citizen or legal resident of the US or its territories.
• Experience working with youth ages 14 – 25, preferably in a leadership, mentoring, or instructional capacity.
• Ability to analyze projects with TLT staff, determine the capability of crew to accomplish work assignments and best work methods, appropriate tools, safety methods, and materials.
• Experience building a positive group dynamic and confidence in working with diverse and challenging populations.
• Careful attention to detail and ability to create accurate reporting.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  

In performing the essential functions of this position, the Crew Lead will be required to:

• Lift or move up to 50 pounds occasionally and 10 to 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Navigate and traverse uneven terrain.
• Receive detailed information through oral communication and convey important spoken instructions accurately and effectively.
• Work out of doors, subject to outside environmental conditions.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.