Seeds of Success Crew Lead

Job Title

Seeds of Success Crew Lead

Watershed Programs Manager and Watershed Program Coordinator

Rig up in Durango, Colorado; crew will serve in Southwest Colorado and Northern New Mexico including Mesa Verde National Park, Bandelier National Monument, and Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program.
Start date July 20, 2026. End date November 6, 2026.

$1050 per week, depending on prior experience and certifications.

• Daily food allowance while in the field camping.
• Health benefits package effective on the first of the calendar month after the first 60 days.
• Paid days off, personal leave, and sick leave.
• Two SCC field shirts and sweatshirt.
• Supplemental career development opportunities and funds available throughout and upon successful completion of the season.
• Hiring Benefits:
  Public Land Corps Hiring Authority – a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency. Eligible to be used for two years upon completion of term.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The crew leader will supervise two crew members and an assistant crew leader for a Department of Interior (DOI) Seeds of Success (SOS) team operated by the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC). The crew will be based out of the SCC Durango office. The crew will collect seeds from native species on DOI land following SOS protocols. The crew collects seeds from remote areas, camps overnight, may hike several miles a day, and returns to the office for equipment and data management.

Crew leaders must be prepared for long driving days and scouting from a truck, maintain focus during repetitive and meticulous work, and prioritize safety, especially near energy development and during hunting season.

Crew members are responsible for their own housing, transportation, and food between camping trips.

The term begins with leadership training focused on outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skill training, and understanding SCC policies. Following leadership training, crew leaders attend SOS protocol training with the Bureau of Land Management. Informal hands‑on training continues throughout the term, and crews may receive additional specialized training as needed.

Season starts with two weeks of training, 5 days on, 2 days off. Once in the field, the schedule varies from 4 days on, 3 days off to 8 days on, 6 days off. Applicants should expect the project schedule to vary and to have non‑traditional work hours, including weekends and evening hours. Workdays start with safety warm‑ups, include two 15‑minute breaks and one 30‑minute lunch, and on‑hitch the crew camps together and works as a group.

Participants must supply their own personal outdoor gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc.). A suggested gear list will be provided prior to the term. SCC also has pro‑deals and some gear available to borrow.

• Implement skills training on the worksite and facilitate intentional discussions to contribute to crew growth and group dynamics.
• Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other‑centered, and team‑oriented community.
• Work in tandem with the assistant crew leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and provide constructive feedback.
• Follow and enforce all policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance‑free work environment and refraining from use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.

• Train, motivate, and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks and objectives outlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and maintaining high quality of work and crew morale.
• Plan and carry out seed collection efforts following SOS protocols throughout Colorado to support DOI conservation strategies.
• Organize and control the quality of data…