Fall Field Crew Member-AmeriCorps

About the role

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM), an AmeriCorps Program, continues the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM crews are typically based in Las Cruces, NM, and all project work will take place on public lands in New Mexico and surrounding states. This AmeriCorps position engages future leaders in protecting, restoring, and enhancing public lands through rigorous community-based service. You will complete conservation service projects, learn new skills, and adapt to an outdoor lifestyle.

Responsibilities

• Work on conservation service projects including:
  • Trail construction and maintenance
  • Invasive species management, including pesticide application
  • Habitat restoration
  • Fence installation/repair
  • Land management inventory and mapping
  • Fire fuels reduction
  • National disaster relief (up to 30 days at a time)
  • Community service
• Adhere to a set work schedule; exceptions made only for emergencies.
• Perform strenuous labor in remote settings under varying weather conditions.
• Work effectively as part of a team of 4 crew members and 2 crew leaders.
• Plan and prepare meals, complete chores (cooking, washing dishes), and accommodate most dietary restrictions.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.
• Participate in all crew activities, including evening chores, check-ins, and local community service days.
• Communicate concerns directly to supervisors.
• Represent CCNM and AmeriCorps professionally at all times.
• Work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather, and project needs.

Requirements

• United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
• At least 17 years of age.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• No previous experience required, though comfort and prior knowledge of outdoor living/working is helpful.
• Ability to work long days, adapt to various weather conditions, and hike several miles to remote locations.
• Must supply personal outdoor gear (tent, sleeping bag, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc.). A suggested gear-list will be provided.
• Physical ability to:
  • Move across varied terrain.
  • Use program-specific tools and technology.
  • Exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.
  • Safely drive an organizational vehicle (for some positions).

Schedule

Term of service: August 31, 2026 – December 11, 2026. Crews work up to 8 days in the field camping, with projects ranging from front country to backcountry. Housing on days off is not provided; members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field.

Training

• Orientation covering AmeriCorps prohibited/unallowable activities.
• Training on Leave No Trace, outdoor living and nutrition, Wilderness First Aid, and other project-specific skills.

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35.
• Living allowance of $480 per week.
• Additional weekly benefit of $120.
• Healthcare coverage (if eligible).
• Childcare coverage (if eligible).
• Loan forbearance and interest payments (if eligible).

CCNM provides tools, personal protective gear, a budget for crew meals, and transportation to projects. Some gear (tents, sleeping bags, backpacking gear) is available to borrow.