Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) is a nonprofit youth development organization serving New Mexico. We inspire young adults to make a positive difference in themselves and their communities. Through training and service, Corpsmembers discover their potential for healthy, productive lives.

Individual Placement positions work within RMYC partner agencies, and are intended to provide meaningful job experience for young professionals looking to build their careers in specific fields.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Hydrology & Data Analysis Individual Placement position will assist the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) with hydrology studies, including data analysis, field work, and administrative duties. Professional development and work-training is a major focus of this position. The ideal candidate is someone looking for a starting point to build a career in hydrology and water resource management. This position is managed through RMYC and includes professional development, regular check-ins, and life skills training that RMYC offers regularly. Other training opportunities may be provided through the host program or outside training tailored to the needs of the individual. Cross-training with other programs is also encouraged. As an AmeriCorps member, this position will not serve in any supervising or staff roles.

POSITION TYPE: Seasonal, full time, AmeriCorps member

SCHEDULE: 30 hours a week. 6 hour days, 5 days per week. 450 Hour term: February 23 — June 26, 2026

REPORTS TO: NMISC staff daily and to RMYC Upper Rio Grande Program Coordinator on a weekly basis.

LOCATION: New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission Office (407 Galisteo Street, Suite #101, Santa Fe, NM 87501)

COMPENSATION: Biweekly Stipend of $1,185. Equivalent of $19.75 per hour.

EDUCATION AWARD: AmeriCorps Segal Education Award scholarship upon successful completion of term of service. 450 Hour Term Education Award: $1,956.35

OTHER SUPPORT: Parents or caregivers are eligible and encouraged to apply. Full time, 1700 hour term applicants may qualify to receive childcare benefits through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program. More information is available by request or through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program website.

BENEFITS:

• Healthcare coverage is available to all AmeriCorps members at no cost to the member.  This is considered primary coverage and is not available as supplemental coverage.
• Non-Scheduled Days (paid days off) are available, with the exact number depending on the length of the term of service (These days off ARE NOT counted toward the service hours required for the Educational Award). Time off in excess of assigned non-scheduled days will require make up work or a stipend reduction.
• RMYC observes all National holidays and are considered approved paid days off, however RMYC reserves the right to have AmeriCorps members work or earn service hours on certain holidays if necessary to meet program requirements (holiday time off hours ARE NOT counted toward the service hours required for the Educational Award).
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments are available for qualifying loans.

ELIGIBILITY:

A chosen candidate must meet the following requirements:

• 18-30 years old as of the position start date. 
• All AmeriCorps members must be citizens, national, or lawful permanent residents of the United States. State-level background checks will be conducted for non-residents of NM.
• Chosen candidates must complete a pre-employment National Service Criminal History Check and fingerprint scan with the following requirements:
• You must be truthful in all statements regarding criminal history.
• You cannot be registered or required to be registered on any state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry.
• You cannot be convicted of murder.
• Insurable driving record and a valid driver’s license. New Mexico Driver’s License preferred.
• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent or agree to obtaining one prior to using the Segal Education Award
• If you are not capable of obtaining a High School diploma or equivalent or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis you may be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091)
• Able to complete the entire length of the service term, including make up hours if necessary.
• Essential physical functions include the ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, climb, balance, reach with hands & arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on a frequent basis, and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Data Analysis:

• Utilize Pressure Transducer Data to review hydrologic connection analysis and the impact of releases on backwater water temperature and connection.
• Review and analyze hydrology and fisheries data for the San Juan River in New Mexico as directed by the NMISC.

Fieldwork:

• Assist with fieldwork conducted by NMISC and Water Lease Partners.
• Design a small field data collection and analysis project related to the water lease project with the potential to implement the project, time and budget permitting.

Administrative tasks for the NMISC Colorado River Bureau, including filing, organization, invoicing, and reporting.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Collaborate with other NMISC Bureaus or programs on administrative, data analysis, and fieldwork projects on an as needed basis and in coordination with the NMISC Colorado Bureau.
• Participate in other tasks related to administrative duties and fieldwork with the NMISC in accordance with the needs of the program. 
• Pursue and participate in relevant training to increase professional capacity and expand knowledge as available and practical within RMYC and NMISC budget allowances.
• Comply with all RMYC and AmeriCorps rules and policies with special care taken not to participate in any prohibited activities as described in the member contract.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing environment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be comfortable working outside and performing fieldwork for long periods of time in all weather conditions.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong organizational skills, have experience working as part of a team, be able to work well with others in a professional setting, be self-motivated, and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period.
• Applicants must have great attention to detail and problem solving skills.
• Strong work ethic, and the ability to take initiative and work independently with periodic check-ins.
• Participation in one service event that benefits the community is required, with options to attend additional service events.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Experience with fieldwork in aquatic/riparian areas with aquatic species, habitat assessments, hydrology, or water quality sampling.
• Experience with water data analysis and report writing.
• Proficient in the use of ArcGIS and Microsoft Office software.
• Strong project analytical and communication skills (written and oral).
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (conservation management, hydrology, environmental science, biology, etc.)
• Proficiency in scientific writing

EVALUATION:

Members serving less than a full-time term of service (<1700 hours) will receive a mandatory end-of-term evaluation, with an optional mid-term evaluation.

CONTACT:

If you have any questions about the position, please contact:

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps:

• Carl Smith, Individual Placement Coordinator: carl@youthcorps.org

Quinn Mendelson, Conservation Program Director: quinn@youthcorps.org