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: Mental Health Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach 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 

• AmeriCorps members must be able to pass a criminal background check  
• Professionalism: Members must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, communicate effectively with partners, crew leaders, members, peers and SCC staff, and appropriately represent Southwest Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps. (This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while on "hitch") 
• Adaptability: Projects have a degree of uncertainty and will include variable living conditions and last-minute changes. Members must be adaptive, patient, and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout 
• Leadership: Experience, or a strong desire to lead and mentor a diverse group of young adults (ages 15-18). Ability to manage and participate in day-to-day details of crew life. Ability to listen, willingness to receive feedback, and desire to grow continually 
• Community Building: Strong desire to help others grow as individuals while building cohesiveness in a group setting. CLDP Members must be willing to work hard, listen and respect others' viewpoints, embrace diversity, be committed to equity, and inclusive of differing backgrounds. 
• Environmental Stewardship: Members must have a genuine enjoyment and desire for caring for the land while living and working outdoors in a variety of conditions 
• Fitness: SCC projects are physically demanding! 8 to 10-hour long workdays consist of hiking, backpacking, heavy lifting, and repetitive motions using tools. Projects often take place at elevation – above 8,500’ – and in variable weather conditions.  
• Conservation: Experience or a desire to learn the technical skills needed to effectively maintain public lands  
• Corps Member Development: Experience or strong desire to learn and participate as an outdoor educator and mentor 
• Driving: CLDP Members are responsible for driving 8-12-passenger vehicles while pulling a trailer. In order to drive, members must be 21, OR have had a drivers license for 3 years, and have a clean driving record (insurable) and a current driver's license 
• Education: At a minimum, CLDP members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.  
• Citizenship: Member's must provide primary documentation of status as a U.S. citizen or National, OR primary documentation of status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States 

Time Requirements: 

• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Other Considerations: 

• Having a vehicle or access to a vehicle is important for this position to transport yourself between your living situation & our work base; The Old Fort Lewis in Hesperus, CO. 
• Ability to live, work and camp in rural Colorado. Weather can be extreme and variable throughout the spring and summer season