Job DescriptionJob DescriptionROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPSConservation Program ManagerTaos, NM (Upper Rio Grande office)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC), located in New Mexico, is a nonprofit youth development organization serving New Mexico’s youth and young adults. We are a stepping stone to new opportunities and we inspire Corpsmembers to make a positive difference in themselves and their communities. Through training and service, Corpsmembers discover the potential for leading healthy, productive lives.
Applications received prior to July 15th will be given priority in scheduling of interviews. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Position Type: Year-round, full time, 8am-5pm M-F, with additional time as required by program schedule.Salary: Exempt, salaried, $57,500 - $62,500 per year, depending on experience.Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (All insurance 100% covered by RMYC), Flexible Spending Account, Simple IRA, Life Insurance, $250 Annual Wellness Benefit and a generous paid time off policy.Reports to: Conservation Program DirectorLocation: Taos, NM, RMYC’s Upper Rio Grande Office (URG): this position requires physical presence in both office and field settings with travel throughout the State.POSITION PURPOSE: The Conservation Program Manager will offer organizational leadership and program management in accordance with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps’ (RMYC) guidelines and the philosophy of Positive Youth Development. The URG Program Manager is responsible for direct oversight of program personnel, community collaboration, project acquisition, partner satisfaction, and program reporting. Additionally, as the URG office develops programming, the Program Manager is responsible for participating in program design and evaluation, and ensuring smooth implementation of all programming.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIESPersonnel ManagementLead the hiring, training, supervision, and performance management of full-time and seasonal staff, including Conservation Program Coordinators, Tribal Programs Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, and Training Coordinator.Oversee recruiting and personnel management for field staff, including Crew Supervisors, Assistant Crew Leaders and Crew Members.Ensure compliance with program and HR policies, provide clear direction on scope of work and personal expectations and manage performance and disciplinary actions in alignment with RMYC values.Foster a supportive and inclusive work environment that promotes professional development and team cohesion across all levels of program staff.Project ManagementSolicit, plan, and coordinate conservation crew projects, ensuring appropriate alignment with crew capacity, timelines, and organizational priorities.Serve as the primary point of contact for project partners and funders, maintaining strong relationships and consistent communication.Establish and maintain an annual project calendar for all Taos-based project needs, ensuring meaningful projects are fulfilling crew needs and making adjustments as needed to respond to partner and project needs.Evaluate and monitor programs and projects to ensure production, safety and performance standards are being met. Timely and accurate project reporting for funders, partners and for internal use.Budget ManagementBuild and manage budgets for projects, ensure responsible fiscal controls for the expenditure of project funds.Participate as lead or support for the solicitation, negotiation and management of fee for service agreements with federal, state and local agencies and foundations.Program DevelopmentProvide support to the Executive Director, Conservation Program Director, and Development Director and actively participate in the expansion of existing partnerships and the development of new partnerships.Identify and seek out additional program opportunities unique to the URG environment. Community collaboration efforts and building community partnerships.Risk ManagementProvide general risk management oversight for the URG office and delegate specific risk management tasks to staff.Collaborate with the MRG Program Manager for staffing the On Call system for active spike crews.Development of safety briefings and support the Program Coordinators with the implementation of said safety briefings.Collaborate with the Conservation Program Director and MRG Conservation Program Manager to create safety protocols and provide ongoing risk management.Responsible for ensuring URG Office wide risk management competencies and position qualifications.Collaborate with the Conservation Program Director to set the risk management tone and norms for the URG office.SystemsImplementation of data collection systems and actively participate in design, maintenance and improvement of data collection.Provide direct oversight and direction for the Field Coordinator in the development of systems to manage vehicles, tools, spike gear, PPE, etc.Organizational LeadershipMaintain a strong presence and voice in organizational activities such as staff meetings, annual retreats and service days.Conduct weekly staff meetings for the Program Staff and individual one-on-one meetings with direct reports.Participate in and support the Conservation Program Director with Conservation Program wide meetings.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIESComplete paperwork with accuracy and efficiency.Attend conferences and training to maximize professional development.Provide technical training for Conservation Program in areas of expertise – trail construction and maintenance techniques, sustainable forestry, and tool use/maintenance, etc. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
KnowledgeFamiliarity with public land managing agencies, and strong knowledge of how partnership is established.Knowledge of budgeting systems and fiscal oversight.Familiarity with all or most of the following: chainsaw use, crosscut saw use, trail construction & maintenance, forestry, landscaping, fencing, and hand tool use & maintenance.
ExperienceMinimum of 3 years’ experience in a Youth /Conservation Corps or related FieldExperience working with young people, preferably in an outdoor and/or experiential setting.Knowledge of the Taos area, local community organizations, educational and training systems, public agencies and private industry preferable.
SkillsExemplary organizational skills.Excellent managerial, mentoring, and problem-solving skills.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Good group facilitation skills.Proficient in all Google Suite applications and ability to manage information in an organizational database.Strong attention to detail and ability to organize tasks and prioritize to meet deadlines.
Behavioral CompetenciesBe willing to lead by example.Entrepreneurial spirit and independently motivated. Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds.The ability to interact credibly and diplomatically with the Board; all levels in the Corps organization and the external community – tailoring communication effectively for different groups and stakeholders.Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment. An open, inclusive, team-oriented work style and ability to collaborate with the senior leadership team at all locations.
Education: College or vocational or technical training in education, youth development or a related field required. Four-year college preferred; relevant work experience may be substituted for all or part of the education requirement.
Preferred Experience / Education / Certification:Four-year degree in a related field (land science, non-profit management, or environmental science)Bilingual: Spanish/English speaking preferred. Four years’ experience in youth conservation corps.Four years of management and supervisory experience.Certification as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is preferred. If not certified, WFR certification should be obtained within 6 months of hire.Expert skill level in all or most of the following: chainsaw use, crosscut saw use, trail construction & maintenance, forestry, landscaping, fencing, and hand tool use & maintenance.Expert skill level in some or most of the following: chainsaw use, crosscut saw use, trail construction & maintenance, forestry, landscaping, fencing, and hand tool use & maintenance.
Travel Requirements:Periodic overnight travel and non-traditional work hours, inclusive of weekend and evening hours. This position is primarily administrative, with an expectation that some field time is required for training, program management, crew support, and crisis response.
Physical Activities and RequirementsTo successfully perform essential functions the Conservation Program Manager is required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. The Conservation Program Manager may be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl on an infrequent basis. They must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms. The Conservation Program Manager may be required to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted. The ability to drive an organizational vehicle is also required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other ConsiderationsPre-employment background check will be required which includes an FBI fingerprint screening and a national sex offender registry check.Must have an insurable driving recordRMYC staff are expected to participate in regular volunteer service activities, about 4 days per year.
To apply: Please visit our website (www.youthcorps.org) to submit your application (which should include a resume and cover letter). For any questions, please contact Quinn Mendelson, Conservation Program Director.
* * * * *Rocky Mountain Youth Corps programming 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 RMYC positions are dependent upon funding availability.