From the US Forest Service:

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young adults in meaningful work experiences on federal public lands. Crew members are engaged in fun, exciting work projects designed to develop an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility such as trail maintenance; preserving and repairing historic buildings; removing invasive species; helping with wildlife and land research; and leading environmental education. 

• Affords members the opportunity to work and learn alongside federal employees in a wide range of natural and environmental projects
• Assists youth to develop a life-long ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility through team-based work projects and individual placements
• Works to instill young adult awareness and appreciation of the public lands legacy and of the nation’s natural, cultural and  historic resources.

Cottonwood Gulch's YCC is a residential program: the crew is expected to remain together during the entire duration of the session. We participate in conservation work in remote frontcountry and backcountry environments on public lands across New Mexico. The crew will live and work together 24/7, as well as cook and share meals in a community setting. On their “off-time” the crew will engage in activities like rock climbing, exploring slot canyons, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and learning about the arts and cultures of the Southwest. These activities reflect the similarly immersive experiences to our summer trekkers and is part of what makes our YCC unique.

This leadership role supports the success of the crew (ages 18-21) in meeting their goals and collaborating with US Forest Service partners at work sites by facilitating conservation work projects and teaching tool safety skills.  The crew lead will conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) at the beginning of each work day, maintain and monitor usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and support crew members in learning to use trail tools safely. Ultimately, the crew lead will model leadership until the crew transitions to designated leadership rotations, wherein the crew lead will support and supervise daily leaders.

Responsibilities

• Co-facilitate a crew of 8-12 young adults ages 18-21 in developing personal and professional skills over a 6-week residential camping program, often in remote environments, with the YCC Coordinator, occasionally without supervision
• Support conservation project work at US Forest Service partner sites, using tools such as loppers, McLeods, shovels, handsaws, crosscut saws, sledges, rock bars, etc to clear trails
• Model excellent safety standards, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills to the crew
• Bring a passion for outdoor adventure, conservation, and environmental restoration work
• Work with staff team (YCC Coordinator & Road Cook)  to manage risk in the field
• Collaborate with CGE field educators, US Forest Service partners, and other CGE summer trekkers to create a fun, educational, and safe environment for crew members

Details & Compensation

• This is a temporary, seasonal, and full-time position from June 1 to August 8, 2026
• $1,850 to $2,600/month depending upon years of experience, seasons contracted, and applicable credentials; housing, food, and on-site laundry provided for the duration of contract $250 travel stipend available if traveling more than 500 miles
• Summer staff receive one day off per 6 days of work; based on crew hitch schedule, these days will be irregular and dependent on when the crew stays at CGE’s Basecamp
• Professional development provided: Wilderness First Aid, crosscut sawyer certification

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• At least 21 years old by June 1 and able to drive multi-passenger vehicles & work trucks
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., its territories, or possessions
• Have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number
• Able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations
• Actively committed and willing to complete the assigned work projects
• Available from June 1 to August 8, 2026