AmeriCorps Youth Crew Leader in Development; CLDP

• Job Category Conservation, Youth
• Employee Type Ameri Corps
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others Yes

• Email (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Position Title: Youth Crew Leader in Development (CLDP) – Ameri Corps
Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps
Site

Location:

Salida, CO and Alamosa, CO

• Start Date: 04/27/2026
• End Date: 08/05/2026
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 450 Hours

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit, Ameri Corps affiliated 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.

The SCC Los Valles (SCCLV) office serves the Upper Arkansas River Valley and the San Luis Valley: the two valleys, or los valles. SCCLV's office is in Salida, CO, with satellite operations in Alamosa, CO. The Los Valles Youth Program engages high school youth, ages 15-18, to complete impactful conservation projects in the communities they reside in. We currently serve Park, Chaffee, Saguache, Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties.

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 youth 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.

The Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is an Ameri Corps Program that consists of two phases. The first phase focuses on orientation, training, and development, the second phase focuses on implementation and continued leadership development. This Ameri Corps position will spend time in a crew leader training period, which will include a SCC orientation week, technical trails training, chainsaw training, youth crew leader training, and prep time.

In June, leaders will transition to co-leading two 4-week sessions, overseeing a crew of 6 to 7 high school aged, non-Ameri Corps members. Each CLDP will be paired with a Crew Leader who will provide mentorship and support to them through a goal setting process and CLDP development plan. Crews are run county by county and complete a variety of local conservation and service projects.

The typical schedule is five days on followed by two days off. Depending on proximity to the project site, crews either return to town each day, or camp at the project site (we refer to this as a “hitch”) for its duration. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half-hour break for lunch.

At the end of the hitch, Crew Leaders and CLDP's return to SCC's base of operations in Salida or Alamosa, dependent on the county they are assigned to leading.

CLDPs are responsible for assisting Crew Leaders in ensuring the physical safety and emotional well-being of their crew. The intention of the CLDP/Crew Leader pairing is to aid in the leadership development of the CLDP Ameri Corps Member. Over the course of the season, the CLDP will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities in future seasons.

Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan for the CLDP. Based on their own skills and experience, CLDP's may take an active role with project management, help create and implement member development and educational opportunities, and assist members with completing required hitch paperwork.

• Experience or strong desire to learn and participate as an outdoor educator and mentor.
• Facilitate weekly educational lessons for the crew.
• Promote…