Program Mentor (Eastern Plains)

Position Overview:

Mile High Youth Corps’ Program Mentor position requires an individual who is a skilled problem-solver, experienced leader and positive role model. The Program Mentor must possess a strong work ethic, promote high-quality performance in their crew and devote themselves to field-based youth development. The position requires both leadership and technical aptitude, in addition to a high level of comfort in the outdoors. The Program Mentor will support a crew performing stewardship projects on public and protected lands throughout the Eastern Plains including, fire mitigation, habitat restoration, fencing and park development. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. This position is based in La Junta, CO, and will complete land conservation projects in the six-county region of Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kioa, Otero, and Prowers counties.

This position is contingent upon grant funding notification on March 14, 2025. This position reports to Program Coordinator: Land Conservation.

Service location: 103 Dalton Ave, La Junta, CO 81050. This position requires occasional overnight travel, including travel to and lodging in Colorado Springs (provided) Monday-Thursday required during first four months of program.

Position open until: March 3, 2025

Compensation and Benefits

• Biweekly Stipend: Earn a program living stipend up to $25,920. The $1440 stipend will be paid every two weeks from March 17-November 21,
• AmeriCorps Education Award: Earn an education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of a 1200- hour term of service. This award can be used to pay tuition or pay back qualifying student loans. Individuals have 7 years to use the
• Student Loan Forbearance – Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service
• Counseling – Corpsmembers receive up to 8 free mental health counseling sessions per
• Networking – Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!
• Training – Corpsmembers will receive training in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No TraceTM, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws, outdoor ethics, facilitation and public speaking, peer mentoring and extensive leadership development.

Timeline:

This is a temporary position from March 17-November 21, 2025.

• 1200-hour term of AmeriCorps service in 9-month
• 40-hour weeks Monday-Friday, hours will vary by season and
• Overnight camping will be required for some projects and

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures Crew Leaders and Corpsmembers follow all MHYC policies and procedures; provides consistent on- going informal
• Provides support to Crew Leaders and Corpsmembers in the development of technical and leadership
• Transports gear and Corpsmembers to and from project
• Substitutes for Crew Leaders and Corpsmembers in the field when
• Assists with recruitment of Corpsmembers through online postings, job fairs, community events, creation/distribution of recruitment materials, and talking to interested applicants/prescreen
• Participates in overall program planning and provides ongoing suggestions for improvement and design.
• Plans, facilitates and participates in national service days and all-corps service projects, community meetings, leadership retreats, and reflection/team-building
• Develops and supports programmatic educational schedules and activities, including planning and facilitating educational activities (EAs), career readiness training (CRT), and orientation for Crew Leaders and Fall Forestry Corpsmembers.
• Oversees crew competitions and end-of-season celebrations including the safety competition and Summer Olympics.
• Oversees the near miss log, submits bi-weekly updates with red flags from the near miss log to the Land Team, and has follow-up conversations with Corpsmembers when
• Supports Crew Leaders in the facilitation of daily safety circles, goal setting activities and project debriefs.
• Assists in site visits and the development of pre-project planning documents; gathers and inputs required project data for internal and external
• Assists staff to effectively meet logistical support needs by completing the inventory and maintenance of hand tools, saw gear, pesticide application gear, camping supplies, uniforms, medical supplies, PPE, and vehicles.
• Maintains and encourages a positive Corps culture

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 encourage you to submit an application anyway.

Qualifications:

• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 , spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.), hike 7 miles with a day pack, and operate hand and power tools.
• Must have the ability to complete tasks in a detailed and timely manner, work independently, keep accurate records, and provide feedback to Crew
• Must have strong communication and conflict management skills: ability to motivate others, organize and mentor a crew of young adults on projects, communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, co- workers, and supervisors, and ensure safe work
• At least one year of experience working with a diverse population of youth and staff in a team atmosphere is preferred.
• Experience with fencing, noxious weed removal, pesticide application, chainsaw operation and/or general landscaping is
• Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of
• Must commit to completing the program

Requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 21-24. (must be a driver, driver eligibility must be at least 21 years old)
• Must be a high school or GED/HSE
• 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
• Must have valid driver’s license with insurable driving record and ability to drive a 12-passenger van to and from project sites with an attached trailer or wood
• Pre-service National Service Criminal History Check required;
• Must not engage in any prohibited activities listed in the AmeriCorps member service agreement and must adhere to rules and regulations specified in the MHYC handbook.

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

Questions? Email tarac@mhyc.net or call Tara Castaneda at (719) 877-2732

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.