Come experience beautiful Southwest Colorado! We are currently hiring for numerous positions for the upcoming 2024 seasons. Apply today!
We are Southwest Conservation Corps! Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) operates conservation service programs across Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico that empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment. SCC has offices in Durango and Salida in Colorado and operates throughout Colorado and New Mexico!
From 14,000 foot, snow-covered mountains, to deep canyons carved by rivers millions of years ago, you will experience the unique and beautiful Southwest from many perspectives with SCC. Travel places few people have been, places covered in history, beauty, and true wild areas.
About Southwest Conservation Corps
Projects may include, trail construction & maintenance, fencing, habitat improvement, hazardous fuel reduction and re-vegetation. Each crew consists of 6 members and 2 leaders. Crews work and camp for 9 days at a time in frontcountry and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. The schedule may vary depending on location and program. SCC crews work in a variety of national parks, national forests and other areas throughout the Southwest.
Programs start in March, June, and September and range from 10-30 weeks. Corps Members are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award in addition to their weekly stipend.
Southwest Conservation Corps is a learning experience. We are looking for motivated individuals who can commit to completing the program and who have the desire to learn new skills. No previous work experience is required. However, individuals with experience may choose to apply for our Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) or as a Crew Leader.
The Employee Experience
Have you ever wanted to work outside? What about work outside, gain technical skills in trail and chainsaw work, meet some awesome people, and spend your summer exploring a beautiful part of the country? If you said yes, SCC is for you! Become immersed in an intense and wonderful community. The hands-on work is just a part of our program, as we focus on community living, group dynamics and communications, education and personal development in addition to the technical skills you will gain. Whether you want to go on to work for federal agencies, non-profits, or even the corporate world, SCC will provide an experience that you can take with you wherever you end up!
Ideal Candidate
If you are 18-30 and looking to gain hands-on experience in the conservation field, The Southwest Conservation Corps is for you! Get ready to get dirty, work hard, and have an amazing experience living and working in a beautiful part of the country. Follow the links below to learn more about our positions and openings!
Room and Board
Crews typically work for 8 days at a time in frontcountry and backcountry locations, followed by 6 days off. When on hitch, Southwest Conservation Corps covers the cost of food and camping, and Corps members are responsible for finding their own housing on 6 days off. However, there are many free campgrounds around Durango, CO, and Salida, CO that Corps members utilize on days off.
Employee Perks
- Weekly living stipend
- Potential to earn an AmeriCorps award
- Food provided while on Hitch
- Conservation skills training,
- Be part of a community, and opportunity to work outside in some of the best places in the Southwest
Getting Here and Getting Around
Durango: Durango has a small airport just outside of town. The closest large airport is Albuquerque. However, getting around town without a car is harder. Carpooling is more versatile than Public transportation is. So while we do not require cars, having one would allow you to get around more easily.
Salida: Denver Airport is not far from Salida, but it is up to you to get from A-B. Again, cars not required, but will make your life more flexible.
Various: Southwest Conservation Corps does operate various positions outside of our two office locations. We primarily place members in Colorado and New Mexico, with a few positions in surrounding states. These positions will be provided an on-site supervisor and will have a staff representative (or multiple) that they also report to.
For Fun
The Southwest Conservation Corps has offices in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. From each of our bases, you have access to everything from World Class mountain biking, skiing, climbing, fishing, rafting, backpacking and some of the best scenery around!
How to Apply
Check out our website to learn more and apply! We accept applications for programs starting in January for our summer programming, and May for our Fall programs. Please look on our website for specific details on each of our crews and how to apply. Questions about our programs can be directed to the following from each office:
Four Corners Office (Durango):
Adult Program: Lisa Slupianek | lslupianek@conservationlegacy.org
Youth Program: Jacob Mandell | jmandell@conservationlegacy.org
Los Valles Office (Salida):
Adult Program: Brittany LeTendre | bletendre@conservationlegacy.org
Youth Program: Pamela Cisneros | pcisneros@conservationlegacy.org
Watershed & Ecological Monitoring Programs (All SCC Offices)
Watershed Program: Nate Peters | npeters@conservationlegacy.org
Ecological Monitoring Program: Michaela Grubb | mgrubb@conservationlegacy.org
Individual Placement Internship Program (All SCC Offices)
Mike King | mking@conservationlegacy.org
Niki Antonio | nantonio@conservationlegacy.org