Job Description

Work outdoors, make a difference, and make a better future for yourself at Mile High Youth Corps.

We are a group of young people who are focused on benefitting the environment and educating ourselves on the issues that face our community.

This is not like other jobs. We are a grassroots organization that is committed to providing training, mentorship, and opportunities to youth.

Spend a summer being supported by supervisors who care about your development, peers that are passionate about nature, and a real community. Who knows where this could lead you?

Join us for our 2022 Summer of Service (SOS) program! SOS is a team-based, 12 or 14 week-long program for individuals between the ages 18-24. SOS participants (called Corpsmembers) serve on environmental stewardship projects on public lands throughout the Denver metro area. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. This means, get paid $960 biweekly while doing what you love and earn a scholarship at the same time! 

Never had a job outside? Not sure if you like this kind of work? That’s okay! Our goal is to support you with the knowledge and team that you need to be successful. We will provide you with hands-on training related to all projects.

All we ask is that you bring your dedication to hard work, a positive attitude, and a commitment to a year you’ll never forget.

Apply on our website at https://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now

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.

Alumni Testimonials:

“MHYC’S values really align with my personal values and I really love my crew. While the work can be tough, it’s generally fulfilling and makes it feel like we’re having a genuine positive difference.” – J.L.

“Everyone I’ve met here is friendly, and I’ve noticed a genuine work ethic as well. As a result, I feel like I’m in a supportive community of like-minded people. It’s an environment that’s been conducive to my own learning and growth. As a Corpsmember I’ve had the opportunity to gain and hone so many skills: those involving technical knowledge and tool use as well as soft skills like conflict resolution and open communication. Before joining at MHYC, I felt that I was unable to do outdoor work as I lacked basic knowledge and experience in that area. MHYC has given me the tools I need (literally and figuratively) to learn and perform much better than I would have predicted in this line of work, all in a positive and judgment-free environment.” – G.Z.

“The environment at MHYC is of growth and support. Everyone here wants you to grow into your best and truest version of yourself and the staff gives you the tools to do so. You never know what new challenges and experiences the next day will bring you and that’s half the fun. I have yet to experience a place where every day is a new adventure full of hard work, fun, learning and growing while also being surrounded by a wonderful support system and breath-taking views. Can’t forget about the views!” – A.E.

What We Do Every Day:

• Serve on projects that have a positive, lasting impact on the environment throughout 23 Colorado counties (transportation is provided)
• Form close-knit crews of 9 young adults (18 – 24 years old) who share a passion for service.
• Participate in four hours per week of educational activities on environmental stewardship, civic engagement, healthy living, leadership & career development, and social justice.

Summary of Compensation and Benefits:

• Biweekly Stipend – Earn a living stipend of $960.00 before taxes paid every 2 weeks.
  • Leadership Opportunities available: Corpsmember Drivers are eligible for a living stipend of $980.00. Returning Corpsmembers earn $1000.00. Corpsmembers in Assistant Crew Leader roles earn $1040.00. More information available on request.
• AmeriCorps Education Award – Earn a scholarship of $1,678.57 upon successful completion of the term (450 hours of service). This award can be used to pay 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.
• Health Insurance – Corpsmembers are eligible for health insurance the 1^st of the month after serving at MHYC for 60 days. Corpsmember contribution required.
• Counseling – Corpsmembers receive an allotment of free mental health counseling sessions per year.
• Networking – Corpsmembers have daily opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!

Schedule:

This is a temporary position from May 9–August 12, 2022 or May 23-August 12, 2022.

• 450 hours of service in a 12 or 14 week commitment.
• Some positions involve overnight camping (known as hitches).
• 40 hour weeks: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• All Corpsmembers are additionally required to serve:
  • Friday, June 3 from 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. due to holiday observed on Memorial Day (May 30)
  • Friday, June 17, July 15 and August 12 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for in-house programming, including career readiness training, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training and Community Meetings.

Qualifications:

• 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.
• 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 7 miles with a day-pack.
• Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service. Must commit to complete the program.

Corpsmembers have the choice to serve on a variety of crews. MHYC staff will work with you to find the best match! We strive for each and every crew to be diverse, inclusive and safe for all Corpsmembers.

Sawyer Crew:  Corpsmembers operate chainsaws on invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects. They receive First-Aid/CPR and S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws certifications. Some sawyers will have the opportunity to receive pesticide application training. The use of pesticide is common on invasive tree removal projects.

Hand Crew:  Corpsmembers receive training in safe and efficient use of hand tools to complete a wide variety of projects. Examples include: trail maintenance and construction, noxious weed removal, fence construction and demolition, ecological restoration, and other park development projects.

Pesticide Application Crew: Corpsmembers will be trained on how to safely handle and apply pesticides for invasive species removal projects, the role of pesticides in natural resources management, and how to operate a variety of hand pump and backpack sprayers. Corpsmembers will also be trained on identifying native and invasive plant species.

Corpsmembers also have the option to serve on one of our Affinity Crews. These crews operate as Land Conservation crews and complete sawyer, hand or pesticide application projects! Affinity Crews are made up of individuals with one or many common identities and are intended to be a space for Corpsmembers to serve alongside individuals with similar lived experiences, share stories, discuss challenges, and explore the field of natural resource management.

Gender Spectrum Affinity Crew:  This crew is for people of underrepresented gender identities, including transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and cis women, to learn new skills and reduce historical barriers that have prevented natural resource management from being an inclusive field.

Black, Indigenous and People of Color Affinity Crew: This crew is for Corpsmembers who identify as BIack, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian or are a part of a multi-cultural or multi-racial community and want to serve alongside others with similar lived experiences while reducing historical barriers that have prevented natural resource management from being an inclusive field.

Sheridan Crew:  Corpsmembers serve on a hand crew primarily in the City of Sheridan and surrounding communities. Sheridan projects are funded through Great Outdoors Colorado’s Generation Wild – an investment in places, programs and pathways that get kids and their families outside. Residents of Sheridan and surrounding communities are encouraged to apply.

Apply on our website at https://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 303-521-4398.

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, religion, color, socio-economic status, gender, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, marital status, or national origin. Every effort shall be made to grant reasonable accommodation for qualified people with disabilities to participate in this AmeriCorps program.

How to Apply

• Apply on our website at https://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now
• Questions? Email [email protected] or call 303-521-4398.

Job Categories: Conservation. Job Types: Temporary.

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