Position Description

MRGCD Survey Strike Team - Individual Placement

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.

Individual Placement positions work within RMYC partner agencies, and are intended to provide meaningful job experience for young professionals looking to build their careers in specific fields.

POSITION OVERVIEW: This small strike team of 3 Individual Placements will work with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) on a range of in-field and office-based efforts surrounding pre- and post-treatment monitoring, surveying, and data capture. Surveys will focus on the health of the Middle Rio Grande basin and the riparian and urban forest environment (bosque) that surrounds the river corridor. Professional development is also a major focus of this position. The ideal candidates for this survey strike team have familiarity with plants and birds in the Southwest region and are looking for a starting point to build a career in urban forestry, outdoor recreation, and/or river/land management. This position is managed through RMYC and includes professional development, regular check-ins, and life skills training that RMYC offers regularly. Other training opportunities will be provided through MRGCD or outside training tailored to the needs of the individual. Cross-training with other programs is also encouraged. As an AmeriCorps member, this position will not serve in any supervising or staff roles.

POSITION TYPE: Seasonal, full time, AmeriCorps member

SCHEDULE: Full Time, 40 Hours per week, February 1 to July 30, 2027. (exact schedule TBD, but work day will likely start at 6:30am)

REPORTS TO: MRGCD staff with support from RMYC Individual Placement Program Coordinator

TERM LENGTH: 900 hour AmeriCorps term

COMPENSATION: Biweekly Stipend of $1,440 (Equivalent of $18.00 per hour)

EDUCATION AWARD: AmeriCorps Segal Education Award scholarship of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term of service

BENEFITS:

Healthcare coverage is available to all AmeriCorps members at no cost to the member. This is considered primary coverage and is not available as supplemental coverage.

6 Non-Scheduled Days (paid days off) are available (These days off ARE NOT counted toward the service hours required for the Educational Award). Time off in excess of assigned non-scheduled days will require make up work or a stipend reduction.

RMYC observes all National holidays and are considered approved paid days off, however RMYC reserves the right to have AmeriCorps members work or earn service hours on certain holidays if necessary to meet program requirements (holiday time off hours ARE NOT counted toward the service hours required for the Educational Award).

Student loan forbearance and interest payments are available for qualifying loans.

ELIGIBILITY:

A chosen candidate must meet the following requirements:

18-30 years old as of the position start date.

All AmeriCorps members must be citizens, national, or lawful permanent residents of the United States. State-level background checks will be conducted for non-residents of NM.

Chosen candidates must complete a pre-employment National Service Criminal History Check and fingerprint scan with the following requirements:

You must be truthful in all statements regarding criminal history.

You cannot be registered or required to be registered on any state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry.

You cannot be convicted of murder.

Insurable driving record and a valid driver’s license.

Have a High School Diploma, equivalent diploma (G.E.D.), or agree to obtaining one prior to using the Segal Education Award

If you are not capable of obtaining a High School diploma or equivalent or are enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis you may be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091)

Able to complete the entire length of the service term(February 1 to July 30, 2027), including make up hours if necessary.

Essential physical functions include the ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, climb, balance, reach with hands & arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on a frequent basis, and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.

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

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Surveys:

Utilize multiple techniques to survey and monitor various project sites throughout the Middle Rio Grande basin.

Work independently or in a group on priority projects outlined by MRGCD staff.

Data capture and reporting in both field and indoor settings.

Identifying project areas for beneficial treatment

Perform quality control checks on completed work.

Data Tracking:

GIS data entry.

Track notable project work for biweekly RMYC reports.

Anticipate needed materials, tools, and supplies.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Occasionally assist conservation crews with restoration and river health projects/activities

Administrative tasks, including filing, organization, invoicing, and reporting.

Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing environment.

Perform various tasks within the scope of work for an AmeriCorps member.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be comfortable working outside and performing fieldwork for long periods of time in all weather conditions.

Experience with bird and plant identification in the Southwest

Applicants should demonstrate strong organizational skills, have experience working as part of a team, be able to work well with others in a professional setting, be self-motivated, and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period.

Applicants must have great attention to detail and problem solving skills.

Strong work ethic, and the ability to take initiative and work independently with periodic check-ins.

Participation in one service event that benefits the community is required, with options to attend additional service events.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

Ability to operate independently and make day-to-day decisions regarding project work.

Experience with survey and data capture techniques.

Demonstrated ability to identify birds and/or plants found in the Southwest.

Strong project management, written and oral skills.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

Experience driving in 4-wheel drive conditions.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (conservation management, environmental science, biology, history, etc.)

To apply, please submit an application to the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps application portal at https://youthcorps.org/get-involved/join-rmyc/ including a resume and cover letter.

For priority consideration, please apply by Friday October 23, 2026

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 positions are dependent upon funding availability.