Summary of YCC program
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program engages young New Mexicans to gain hands-on entry level
experience in the conservation field. Through the summer season, the crew will work together to
complete meaningful on-the-ground work that benefits their community by improving public lands and
recreation sites. This is a workforce development program that is designed to provide work experience
to the next generation of conservation leaders.
The YCC crew consists of 5 Crew Members, 1 Assistant Crew Lead and 1 Crew Lead. Crew Members do
not need to have previous work experience to apply. The Crew Lead position will ideally have previous
conservation corps, or trail crew, experience.
The crew will also receive diverse training opportunities to gain personal and professional skills.
There are 7 total positions available for the May – August 2026 season.
Crew Member Position (5 available)
- Start Date: June 1, 2026
- End Date: July 30, 2026
- Salary: $15-16/hour
- 32 hours per week
- Must be at least 16 years old
All who are interested are encouraged to apply! You do not need to have any previous work experience
to be considered. You just need to be excited about working in the outdoors to protect and improve our
public lands.
Assistant Crew Lead Position (1 available) - Start Date: May 25th, 2026
- End Date: August 7th, 2026
- Salary: $16-18/hour
- 36 hours per week
- Must be at least 16 years old
Candidates with previous experience in a conservation crew, or a good understanding of how one
operates, or other outdoor leadership experience will be prioritized.
Crew Lead Position (1 available) - Start Date: May 25, 2026
- End Date: August 7, 2026
- Salary: $18/hour – $20/hour
- 36 hours per week
- Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Candidates with previous experience leading a conservation crew, or a good understanding of how one
operates, or other outdoor leadership experience will be prioritized.
Possible summer work projects for the YCC crew: - Land improvement and beautification projects such as landscaping, drainage control, weeding
- Restoration projects such as invasive species removal, graffiti removal, seedling planting
- Recreation site projects such as trail building and maintenance, painting outdoor recreation
features, wildlife drinker maintenance, hazard tree removal, slash chipping - Trail work at Ojito Open Space
ALL WORK TAKES PLACE IN OR NEAR TIJERAS AND CEDAR CREST NM.
HOW TO APPLY:
The preferred method to apply is to email your application by April 26 to JMoyers@talkingtalons.org. In
your email, please include: - Updated resume (if you have previous work experience)
- Short letter of interest
- Indicate which position you are interested in (Crew Lead or Crew Member)
You can still apply if you do not have easy access to a computer. If you have any questions about the
position or need assistance with your application, you may reach Jared Moyers, the YCC Program
Director at JMoyers@talkingtalons.org. Thank you for your interest.
Talking Talons Youth Leadership is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and
promote an inclusive culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse
personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an
environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from
people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those
who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized
groups.