Fall Youth Conservation Corps

What is the Youth Conservation Corps?

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a youth employment program that engages young adults in meaningful work experiences on public lands.

In 2018, Cottonwood Gulch created a residential summer YCC program funded by the U.S. Forest Service for young adults to participate in conservation work in an immersive environment similar to our summer treks for youth ages 8-18. In 2024, CGE received funds from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) to create a brand-new fall YCC program for New Mexico residents to get involved in this meaningful work here in Albuquerque. Learn more about the program below!

What to Expect

Crew Member Responsibilities

• Implement conservation projects at partner sites, including but not limited to: habitat restoration, trail construction and improvements, planting and harvesting, etc
• Participate in career and life skills training, as described below
• Work alongside CGE field staff to support conservation education programming
• Spend up to a week camping or backpacking with CGE field staff to participate in conservation work in more remote areas

Training topics

• Risk management, with a certification in Wilderness First Aid via Solo
• Conservation principles; land ethics; natural resource management
• Collaborating with peers and community partners; group development
• Conflict resolution; decision making; harassment and bullying prevention
• Project planning and implementation; giving and receiving feedback
• Native habitat and watershed restoration; trail construction; agricultural systems
• Financial literacy; resume and cover letter writing; searching for and applying to jobs
• Environmental education principles; lesson planning; facilitating educational programs
• Outdoor living skills; outdoor recreation ethics; living in community
• Career paths in the outdoors, including: advocacy, art, conservation, land management, natural resources, and environmental education

 

Available Positions

Crew Leader:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position from August 18, 2025 to December 18, 2025
• Crew Lead will receive a monthly stipend of $2000-2500, depending on experience
• Wilderness First Aid certification, professional development opportunities, optional staff housing provided for the fall season in Albuquerque
• For a more complete job description, click here
• Apply here by 7/31/2025

Crew Member:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position from September 2 to December 12, 2025
• $14/hour, 30-40 hours per week
• Wilderness First Aid certification and professional development opportunities
• For a more complete job description, click here
• Apply here by 7/31/2025

 

Who is Eligible?

Our YCC program is specifically designed for impassioned young people who are interested in learning more about southwest ecosystems, doing hard work to apply conservation principles to the land, and educating and engaging young people in the outdoors.

Eligibility:

• At least 18 and up to 25 years of age at point of hire
• New Mexico residents, see list of accepted documents to verify residency below
• Have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number
• Available to work up to 40 hours per week from September 2 to December 12, 2025
• Have access to transportation to and from project sites; CGE will provide van transit to any site more than 30 minutes from our Albuquerque office
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk at least 5 consecutive miles
• Able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations

New Mexico Proof of Residency Documents - From EMNRD

Please note passports, birth certificates and baptism certificates are not proof of New Mexico residency.

1. A valid New Mexico driver's license
2. A valid New Mexico ID card or
3. A current real property rental agreement or purchase agreement
4. A utility bill dated within 60 days, such as water, gas, electric, waste, telephone, cable, or satellite bill, but not a bill for a cell phone
5. An insurance bill, card, or binder, dated within the past 6 months
6. A bank or credit card statement dated within 60 days that contains the corps member's name and address
7. An employment pay stub, dated within 60 days that contains the corps member's name and address
8. A current, local property tax statement or mortgage documents
9. A document from an education institution, such as a transcript, report card or enrollment confirmation, that contains the corps member's name and address and is dated within 60 days
10. Original documents from a city, county, state, tribal or federal government organization attesting to the fact that the corps member is a New Mexico resident
11. A New Mexico medical assistance card with address on card, letter from issuing agency that came with card showing name and address, or profile printout from issuing agency
12. A New Mexico public assistance card with address on card, letter from issuing agency that came with card showing name and address, or profile printout from issuing agency
13. A New Mexico medical or public assistance card, profile printout or a letter from the issuing agency
14. A document evidencing eligibility and proof that the corps member's parent or guardian is currently receiving services from a non-profit organization qualified pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 provided the document displays the corps member's address.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible.  Email ycc@cottonwoodgulch.org with questions.