Fall Forestry Corpsmember (Eastern Plains)

Position Description:

Fall Forestry (FF)) is a team-based, 9 week-long program. FF participants (called Corpsmembers) serve on environmental stewardship projects throughout the 6-county region of Southeastern Colorado, including Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers counties. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. No experience is required! We will provide you with hands-on training related to all projects.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Biweekly Stipend – Earn a living stipend of $1,120 before taxes paid every 2 weeks.
    • AmeriCorps Education Award – Earn a scholarship of $1,565.08 upon successful completion of 300 hours of service. This award can be used to pay future tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.
    • Student Loan Forbearance – Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.
  • Counseling – Corpsmembers receive up to 4 free mental health counseling sessions per year.
  • Networking – Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!
  • Training – All Corpsmembers will receive First Aid/CPR training.. Depending on crew assignments, Corpsmembers will receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws (required for sawyers), trail building and maintenance, habitat restoration, park development, and historic preservation.
  • Supportive Services – connection to supportive services resources, such as transportation, as necessary.

Timeline:

This is a temporary position from Sept 2, 2025-October 31, 2025

  • Occasional camping (known as hitches) may be required (supplies and equipment provided).
  • 40 hour weeks: 4.5-day schedule: Monday – Thursday. 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m..

Corpsmember will engage in:

  • Service on Land Conservation Projects: physically demanding conservation projects on public lands throughout Southeastern Colorado. Projects may include trail construction and maintenance, fencing, campground improvements, noxious weed eradication, wildlife habitat improvements and public land maintenance and clean up.
  • Leadership and in the Community: leadership development activities and additional service learning projects in the community
  • Career Exploration and Career Readiness Training: activities and workshops, such as resume development, networking, and interview skills—preparing for next steps
  • General Logistics: Provide support including, but not limited to building, vehicle and tool maintenance. Corpsmembers may be responsible for additional chores and educational activities.

MHYC 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 highly encourage you to submit an application anyway.

Qualifications:

  • Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.) and hike up to 7 miles with a day-pack.
  • Must be willing to camp up to 4 consecutive days in all weather conditions (rain, heat, etc.).
  • Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service. Must commit to complete the program.
  • Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.) and hike up to 7 miles with a day-pack.
  • Must be willing to camp up to 4 consecutive days in all weather conditions (rain, heat, etc.).
  • Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service. Must commit to complete the program.

Requirements:

  • Between the ages of 18-24.
  • High school or GED/HSE graduate or still enrolled.
  • Must be eligible for enrollment in AmeriCorps as a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Documentation will be required on the first day. Must bring identification documents necessary to complete the I-9 and other forms on your first day.
  • Pre-service National Service Criminal History Check required;
  • Corpsmembers must not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.
  • This position reports to Coordinator: Eastern Plains.
  • Primary service location: La Junta, CO. Corpsmembers will occasionally travel to Colorado Springs for training and MHYC all-Corps activities. Transportation is provided.

Visit our website at www.milehighyouthcorps.org and click “Apply Now”.

Questions? Email codyl@mhyc.net or call or text 719-468-1800

Mile High Youth Corps is committed to diversity in principle and practice, both in the community at large and within the organization. We are, therefore, committed to having our internal operations and employment practices administered on a non-discriminating basis inclusive of, but not limited to, race, color, hairstyle (hair texture, hair type, or a protective hairstyle that is commonly or historically associated with race),  sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and breast feeding) or gender, age, religion (including, but not limited to, religious dress and grooming practices), pregnancy, color, creed, citizenship, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, mental or physical disability, medical condition, veteran status, military or veteran status, family care or leave status, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws (together, these are referred to as “Protected Characteristics”), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Every effort shall be made to grant reasonable accommodation for qualified people with disabilities to participate in this AmeriCorps program.

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Fall Forestry Corpsmember