DIRECTOR: LAND CONSERVATION

Mile High Youth Corps helps youth make a difference in themselves and in their communities through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences.

Position Overview: Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) offers a leading compensation package including generous paid time off; comprehensive insurance coverage including health, dental, vision and life; 403b retirement; mental health and wellness support; professional development; hybrid work options; and a modified work schedule of 72 hours over 2 weeks (ex. one Friday off every 2 weeks).

For over 30 years, Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) has transformed lives, communities and the environment through meaningful conservation-based youth workforce development and service programs. MHYC’s Land Conservation program engages young adults, 18-24-years old, in hands‑on environmental stewardship projects that protect natural resources across Colorado while providing practical field experience, professional development, and the chance to make a lasting impact on public lands. Based at our Denver headquarters, the Director of Land Conservation is responsible for directing MHYC’s Land Conservation programs at its Denver, Southern Front Range and Eastern Plains locations.

Reports to: Chief Programs Officer

Hours & Compensation

This is a full-time, 72 hours over 2 weeks, exempt position with a starting pay rate of $60,000-$70,000/year dependent on experience. Paid time off eligibility begins immediately upon hire. Medical, dental, vision and life benefits are available on the 1st of the month after working 30 days. Some evenings and weekend hours are required for Corps-related functions. This position requires occasional travel to regional offices in Colorado Springs and La Junta.

The position will be posted until April 13, 2026, or until filled

Areas of Responsibility

SUPERVISION, STAFF DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

Direct Land Conservation program staff in fulfilling MHYC’s mission and strategic goals

Provide consistent, proactive supervision and training opportunities for Land Conservation program regional managers and staff teams located in Denver, Colorado Springs and La Junta

Provide staff with ongoing formative feedback; monitor, evaluate and document performance

Ensure staff follow MHYC policies, procedures, guidelines and practices

Lead Land Conservation staff recruiting and hiring

PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Develop and sustain project partner relationships and cultivate new project opportunities

Oversee fee-for-service and grant-funded contracting processes and procedures; support regional managers in the development and implementation of project scopes of work, contracts and billing, scheduling and communications

Support program staff in learning and employing best practices in youth development program design and implementation, while meeting funder and organizational standards

Develop, implement and monitor program and project evaluation tools and strategies to ensure quality outcomes and continuous improvement

Develop, implement and oversee program risk management procedures, ensure adherence to policies and practices, and regularly assess program activities for risk

ADMINISTRATION

Prepare, monitor and oversee annual program budgets and operating plans; prepare periodically updated budget forecasts

Develop and oversee annual corpsmember and staff hiring plans

Prepare, monitor and oversee regular (monthly, quarterly, and annual) program reports for internal and external stakeholders, with regular use of customer relationship management tools such as Salesforce

Ensure program staff maintain compliance with regulatory agencies and third-party organizations such as Colorado Department of Agriculture’s standards of reporting

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Promote agency mission and values in all activities

Attend and participate in staff and community meetings and retreats

Serve on organizational management and leadership teams as required

Serve on internal advisory and working teams such as policy advisory/working groups, etc.

Represent MHYC in partner meetings, community events, coalition and network meetings, etc.

Other duties as assigned

Mile High Youth Corps is committed to hiring candidates with unique backgrounds and perspectives. If you are interested in this position but are concerned that you do not meet all of the requirements or possess all of the necessary skills, or that prior convictions or your background might disqualify you, we encourage you to submit an application anyway.

Qualifications

Experience: Three or more years of Land Conservation/Natural Resources program and project management, and supervisory experience; experience working or partnering with federal land management agencies (e.g., USFS, USFWS, BLM, NPS, etc.)

Education: Post-secondary degree or credential (BA/BS preferred)

Requirements:

Desire to further Mile High Youth Corps’ mission, vision and values

Proven ability to foster a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for people of varied backgrounds

Technical field skills mastery in one or more of the following areas: trail-building, landscaping, conservation work, general construction, and/or wildland firefighting

Experience with safety procedures and operation of hand tools (shovel, Pulaski, hand saws, etc.), power tools (e.g. chainsaws, power drills, etc.), motorized equipment (e.g. wood-chipper, powered wheelbarrow, etc.)

Youth and/or workforce development experience

Ability to lift 50 lbs., spend 8 hours a day outdoors and hike 2 miles with a daypack and hand tools.

Valid driver’s license with insurable motor vehicle record (MVR)

Able to legally work in the United States, which will be verified via the federal E-Verify program on the first day of employment

Pre-employment background check required, including an FBI Background Check, which includes fingerprinting. This position has recurring access to vulnerable populations.

Preferred Experience:

Youth Corps and/or AmeriCorps experience

To Apply:

Candidates are asked to provide a resume including pertinent personal and/or professional experience. In the absence of specific work-related experience, applicants are encouraged to describe personal experience that pertains to position requirements in a cover letter. Send resume and cover letter to: staffjobs@mhyc.net (include “Director: Land Conservation” in the email subject line). If you have questions about the position, please email: staffjobs@mhyc.net.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000