Summer Operations Intern - Taos (NMCorps)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS

2026 SEASON 

Summer Operations Intern Position Description 

Upper Rio Grande Office/Taos

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.

POSITION PURPOSE: 

The Summer Program Operations Intern will play a pivotal support role in building successful programming while serving as an opportunity to continue developing professional skills. This hybrid office-based and field-based position will directly support and work with RMYC’s Conservation Crews, providing support for the Crew Supervisor while working hand in hand with RMYC staff to facilitate a successful summer season and learn the professional skillset of a well-established youth programming staff. This individual will not serve in any formal supervising roles, but will serve as an indirect part of the leadership team by working with both crews and staff to assist with the operational success of the summer season - the busiest part of the year at RMYC. The Summer Operations Intern occupies a unique and demanding role that allows for further development of professional skills, conservation field skills, and the ability to teach those skills to Corpsmembers while engaging in a wide range of professional development opportunities. For the right individual, this position is a pathway towards further opportunities in conservation, non-profit employment, or youth development while working to support both crews and field staff.

POSITION TYPE:   Seasonal, full time, exempt New MexiCorps member

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm with weekends off. 

STIPEND:   $1493.60 biweekly stipend ($18.67/hr equivalent over 80 hours/pay period) w/ cash Education Award, Sick Leave provided by ServeNM

EDUCATION AWARD:   $1,956.35 cash education award upon completion of 450-hour Service Term 

REPORTS TO: Upper Rio Grande Training Coordinator

DATES:   May 4, 2026 - August 7, 2026. 

LOCATION:   RMYC Taos Office 1203 King Drive, Taos, NM 87571 with project locations throughout the state. Participants must have reliable transportation to and from this office location, according to their work schedule for the duration of the season. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Mentorship from the Conservation Program Coordinator, Training Coordinator, Taos Pueblo Conservation Program Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, Conservation Program Manager, and Conservation Program Director

• Opportunities to build conservation and professional skills through a wide range of field support and office-based tasks.

• Training in team-building strategy, youth development, professional communication, nonprofit operations, and Google Suite. 

• Exposure to conservation, public lands stewardship, and youth development work.

• Opportunities to build a professional skillset that can easily be transferred to a wide range of positions with similar organizations.

Specific certifications earned: Wilderness First Aid, Defensive Driving, Mental Health First Aid, Leave No Trace.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with RMYC staff to manage the logistics and day to day operations of the Summer Conservation Program. Support full-time RMYC staff, crews, project sponsors, and organizational partners to accomplish projects in an efficient and timely manner. Assist in preparation of supplies and equipment: first aid kits, vehicle inspections, personal protective equipment, and occasional tool maintenance/repair.

• Support transportation of corpsmembers to and from the field, assist with project specific needs, and assist with project coordination with project partners when appropriate.

• Work with RMYC staff to ensure both office-based and field-based tasks are completed during RMYC’s busy season. Model appropriate professional behavior, environmental stewardship, and work ethic for Corpsmembers; be an example that inspires others. Maintain a strong commitment to creating a culture of safety and risk management within the crew.

• Set professional development goals and work with program staff to ensure progress in professional development focus areas

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist RMYC staff with crew support including bringing corpsmembers in and out of the field and a wide range of other office and field-based support tasks as assigned. Project locations are varied and may occur outside of cell phone service. 

• Create a personal development plan to further personal growth and leadership competencies. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• At least 18 years of age as of first date of employment

• US Citizen or Legal Resident

• Able to complete entire length of service term (May 4 - August 7, 2026) 

• Legal and insurable Driver’s License and ability to drive RMYC program vehicles to access project sites. 

• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check

• Comfortable spending full days outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Organized, reliable, and able to manage time and deadlines.

• Enjoy working with young people, conservation crews, and diverse communities

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• Open to constructive feedback.

• Flexibility and adaptability. Strong capacity as a team player.

• Maturity level that allows for leadership and motivation of peers.

• Ability to take initiative and follow through with project goals.  

• Effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION:

• Multiple seasons of supervisory or leadership experience with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps or other youth development/conservation organization.

• Leadership experience with peers, preferably in a mentoring or instructional capacity.

• Knowledge of tool use and safety

• Proficient driving trucks, and/or 4x4 SUV with trailer attachment

• Experience with environmental or conservation related projects and/or community or youth development work

• Familiarity with techniques and concepts of safety and risk management.

• Consistent positive mental attitude.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift or move up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.

• Frequently traverse uneven terrain; balance, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and/or grasp.

• Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.

• Receive detailed information through oral or signed communication; convey important instructions accurately and effectively.

• Work outdoors, subject to outside environmental conditions for extended periods of time in heat, rain, snow, elevation, etc.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 RMYC positions depend upon funding availability.