Conservation Program Coordinator (Taos)

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.

Position Title: Conservation Program Coordinator, Upper Rio Grande Region

Position Timeline: Targeted start date is November 2026

Work Location: Taos, NM, with travel throughout the state

1321 Salazar Rd, Taos, New Mexico 87571

Classification: Full-time, Salaried Exempt

Schedule: The position follows a seasonal schedule that varies based on program operations and needs.

• Spring: Primarily spike schedule (Tuesday - Tuesday, eight 10 hour days) with additional office days as needed

• Summer and Fall: Primarily Monday–Friday, with early starts and late ends during rig-up and de-rig days. Additional hours outside a typical work schedule are often required for project completion, incident response, and other operational needs.

• Winter: Monday–Friday

Compensation: Starting range is $47,840 to $54,080 ($23-$26/hr); All benefits as provided for in RMYC staff manual, after a 60-day waiting period, including Health/Dental insurance (100% of premiums for staff covered by RMYC), over 19 days of PTO, 14 paid holidays, 3% match to SIMPLE IRA, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, annual wellness benefit and access to pro-deals.

Supervision Exercised: Exercises supervision over Crew Supervisors and Field Technicians. Provides substantial indirect supervision of Assistant Crew Leads & Crew Members

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from the Upper Rio Grande Program Manager; indirect supervision by Conservation Program Director and Executive Director

Position Summary: The Conservation Program Coordinator serves as a central point of coordination for program execution, connecting RMYC program staff, Crew Supervisors, Corpsmembers, and project partners to ensure that crews are prepared, supported, and operating safely and effectively throughout every aspect of the program year. The Coordinator serves as a primary point of contact and resource for Crew Supervisors and Members, providing guidance, problem-solving, training, and coordination across the full range of program needs.

The Conservation Program Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that planning and technical needs are fully addressed, drawing on broad conservation knowledge and problem-solving skills. The Coordinator provides field-based technical leadership, trains crews in conservation practices, monitors project quality and progress, adapts plans to address changing conditions and challenges, and serves as a key resource for risk management and incident response.

The Coordinator plays a meaningful role in shaping the culture, standards, and direction of the conservation program. The role requires a strong and steady leadership presence, someone who is engaged and approachable, remains calm and effective when challenges arise, and provides clear direction. The Coordinator must be technically credible and thoughtful in their decision-making, with the adaptability and interpersonal skills to lead in the field, and foster a supportive and accountable team culture.

Major Responsibilities

Program & Project Operations

• Coordinate the successful delivery of conservation projects based out of RMYC’s Upper Rio Grande office from project setup through completion, ensuring projects are effectively planned, resourced, staffed, implemented, and completed to RMYC and partner expectations.

• Serve as a central point of coordination among RMYC program staff, Crew Supervisors, Corpsmembers, and project partners throughout project preparation, implementation, and closeout.

• Translate project plans into effective field implementation in close coordination with the Project Manager.

• Monitor project progress and crew needs continuously, responding to emerging challenges and providing hands-on operational support throughout the season.

Orientation & Training

• Design and deliver seasonal orientation intensive that prepares staff and Corpsmembers to safely and effectively carry out their roles and conservation projects.

• Develop and adapt training curriculum based on program requirements and crew-specific needs, incorporating technical conservation skills, crew leadership and management, safety and risk management, youth development, and program practices.

• Coordinate and facilitate training delivery, including instructors, locations, schedules, curriculum, logistics, and hands-on instruction.

• Provide ongoing field training and technical support throughout project delivery, adapting instruction as crews encounter unfamiliar practices, equipment, or site conditions.

Safety, Risk Management & Incident Response

• Integrate safety and risk management into program planning, decision-making, training, and field operations.

• Serve as the primary program resource for assessing and managing risk associated with field operations

• Respond to incidents and emerging safety concerns, coordinating appropriate support and intervention as needed.

Field Operations

• Provide hands-on field leadership and operational support to ensure crews have the resources, coverage, and logistical support needed to succeed.

• Provide temporary or extended field coverage when staffing needs require, including assuming Crew Supervisor responsibilities at project locations across New Mexico for periods ranging from individual days to multiple weeks.

• Support project logistics and field coordination across project locations in New Mexico.

Crew Personnel Coordination

• Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and personnel processes for Crew Supervisors, Assistant Crew Leaders, and Corpsmembers.

• Manage ongoing personnel and administrative processes throughout the season, ensuring required documentation, records, changes, and other personnel requirements are completed accurately, consistently, and on time.

Corpsmember Support & Development

• Provide ongoing support and guidance to Corpsmembers, serving as a trusted point of contact for wellness, development, sometimes in challenging or sensitive situations.

• Respond to Corpsmember needs throughout the season, helping participants navigate personal, interpersonal, and program-related challenges.

• Provide timely support and intervention when urgent or emerging needs arise, including situations requiring immediate travel or response outside of regular working hours.

Other Responsibilities

• Support Project Manager in partner outreach and project generation and planning

• Update Project Impact database with measurable results of crew work; complete regular crew/project reporting in compliance with all grant/agreement requirements.

• Assist the Program Manager in developing and implementing new program initiatives and long-term planning.

• Assist crew supervisors in tracking and coding all projects, expenses, and in-kind contributions. Track service hours for AmeriCorps members and work with individuals to ensure they complete the required number of service hours.

• Review and approve timecards for accuracy, and ensure timely submission.

• Provide training in data collection and monitoring related to forest health, trail maintenance, habitat improvement, and other project or program requirements, including the use of Survey123, Avenza, georeferenced PDFs, QGIS, and ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online.

• Serve as a rotating member of On Call team for after-hours and weekend field support and incident response related to both Upper Rio Grande and Middle Rio Grande crews.

• Work closely with the Logistics Coordinator and Program Manager to ensure the timely procurement and delivery of tools, equipment, and supplies needed to successfully complete field projects.

• Provide training, logistical support, and on-the-ground coordination for crews during disaster response deployments.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Exceptional leadership, emotional maturity, and sound judgment, with the ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations, build trust with diverse Corpsmembers and staff, set clear expectations, and provide consistent support, mentorship, and accountability.

• Exceptional communication, teaching, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and lead groups, clearly convey technical concepts, and adapt instruction to different levels of experience and learning styles.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex and unexpected situations, develop practical solutions, and respond effectively to challenges in the field and across program operations.

• Strong knowledge and familiarity with current conservation initiatives, especially in New Mexico and the American Southwest.

• Demonstrated understanding of the public land managing agencies operating in New Mexico, such as the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, New Mexico State Land Office, and New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

• Strong understanding of recreation and natural resource management principles and practices, including ecological restoration, forest monitoring, prescribed fire, and invasive species management and removal, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively in the field.

• Strong technical field skills, including chainsaw operation, trail construction and maintenance, fencing, hand tool use and maintenance, basic carpentry, and heavy equipment operation.

• Demonstrated proficiency in off-road driving.

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of field experience in natural resource management, outdoor education, or related fields.

• Minimum one year of experience with a Youth/Conservation Corps or other program serving youth and young adults.

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Preferred: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution).

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or higher medical certification, or ability to obtain WFR within 3 months.

• Minimum 21 years of age, with valid driver’s license and insurable motor vehicle record.

• Pre-employment background check will be required, including an FBI fingerprint background check.

• B-level (FalB) or equivalent sawyer certification from a United States Forest Service-approved training program, or ability to obtain such certification within 3 months.

• (Preferred) Leave No Trace Master Educator or Trainer certification.

• (Preferred) First Aid/CPR Instructor certification.

Working Conditions:

In performing the essential functions of this position, the Conservation Program Coordinator will be required to:

• Operate standard office equipment, telephones, and computers.

• Lift or move up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.

• Traverse uneven terrain and perform physical activities including balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and grasping.

• Work outdoors in variable environmental conditions and around occasional loud equipment such as chainsaws.

• Occasionally hike long distances carrying gear and equipment weighing 50-60 pounds.

• Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and determine accuracy, and thoroughness of work assigned.

• Receive detailed information through oral communication; convey spoken instructions accurately and effectively.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Requirements:

The Conservation Program Coordinator must be available to travel as needed to remote project locations throughout New Mexico and be prepared to camp overnight for multiple nights, both near vehicles and in backcountry settings. In the case of disaster response deployments, the Conservation Program Coordinator may be required to remain on site (including out-of-state locations) for extended periods of time, up to 30 days.

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps is available to all and we will not discriminate or refuse services to any staff or member because of perceived or actual race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, military service or pregnancy.

RMYC is a drug free workplace. All RMYC positions depend upon funding availability.

To apply, visit www.youthcorps.org. For additional questions, please contact Chandler Callahan, Upper Rio Grande Conservation Program Manager (chandler@youthcorps.org)