Conservation Legacy
Maintenance and Trails Individual Placement
Conservation Legacy, Alamogordo, New Mexico, us, 88311
Description
Position Title:
Maintenance and Trails Individual Placement - AmeriCorps (2 Openings)
Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico
Site Location: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
26 Jim Bradford Trail Mimbres NM 88049
COVER LETTER AND RESUME REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED
Terms of Service:
• Start Date: 12/01/25
• End Date: 5/29/26
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours
Purpose:
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation's most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, and protect clean air and water among other environmental efforts.
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM)
As part of Conservation Legacy and an AmeriCorps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across southern New Mexico and western Texas that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. The CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.
Mentorship
These Individual Placements are unique development AmeriCorps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these
organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; introduce participants to numerous pathways within the conservation field; create meaningful learning opportunities; and provide technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings Maintenance and Trails Department is dedicated to preserving the integrity, safety, and accessibility of the park's cultural and natural resources. The department maintains historic structures, modern facilities, and trail systems with care, craftsmanship, and respect for the ancestral heritage of the Mogollon people and the unique wilderness setting of the Gila region. Through proactive stewardship, sustainable practices, and responsive service, the Maintenance and Trails Department supports visitor access, staff operations, and the long-term protection of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument faces ongoing challenges in maintaining its historic structures, wilderness trail systems, and remote infrastructure with limited staff and resources. An individual placement will provide vital support to the Maintenance and Trails Department, helping to meet the growing need for hands-on preservation, facility upkeep, and sustainable trail management in this high-use, culturally significant, and environmentally sensitive area. The presence of an individual placement will benefit the community by enhancing visitor safety, improving access, and ensuring a more resilient park infrastructure.
The individual placement will contribute to a wide range of essential facility and trail projects that directly support the visitor experience and resource protection at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. There will also be opportunities for the participant to learn about multiple career tracks within the National Park Service and related natural resource fields through a combination of hands-on experience, job shadowing, and mentorship.
Description of Duties:
• Perform Trail Maintenance and Repairs
o Assist with trail tread restoration, brushing, and drainage improvements on designated park trails.
o Use hand tools (e.g., Pulaski, Mcleod, lopper) to maintain safe trail conditions and prevent erosion
o Install and repair trail signs, erosion control structures, and boundary markers as directed.
• Assist with Small Bridge Construction and Fence Repairs
o Support the construction or repair of pedestrian footbridges using basic carpentry tools and materials.
o Rebuild or reinforce protective fencing in critical boundary or resource areas.
o Help transport tools and materials to remote sites using manual or pack-in methods.
• Support Campground and Facility Maintenance
o Perform janitorial tasks at restrooms and visitor-use areas, including trash removal and cleaning.
o Conduct basic building maintenance (e.g., painting, minor repairs, inspections) under staff supervision.
o Help maintain the Gila visitor campground, including site leveling, fire ring cleaning, and trailhead upkeep.
Training Provided:
• Tool safety and proper usage
• Wilderness trail maintenance techniques
• Leave No Trace principles and trail impact minimization
• Carpentry basics
• Bridge and fence construction techniques
• Job site safety and lifting protocols
• Safe use of cleaning products and janitorial equipment
• Basic facility maintenance procedures
• Health and safety protocols for public-use areas
Conditions:
• Hiking over steep, uneven, or rocky terrain; use of sharp hand tools; exposure to wildlife, insects, sun, and inclement weather; manual handling of heavy or awkward materials; working near water or steep banks; use of powered and non-powered hand tools; exposure to cleaning agents and human waste; lifting/moving moderately heavy items; working near vehicles or in shared public areas.
Qualifications:
• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 17 years of age.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Valid U.S Driver's License - Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 years.
• Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 17-30 (35 for veterans) at the time the individual begins term of service.
• Comfortable using hand tools, maintenance equipment, and carpentry tools.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong willingness to learn new skills and take initiative in daily tasks.
• Ability to hike over rugged terrain in various weather conditions.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting up to 40 pounds regularly.
• Willingness to learn and follow safety protocols.
• Positive attitude, team-oriented mindset, and a strong work ethic.
• Interest in land stewardship, trail work, facility maintenance, or public lands management.
Physical Requirements:
• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to hike and navigate in rough terrain.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Participation and Expedition Behavior:
• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
• Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, the NPS and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all times.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
Safety and Judgment:
• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
• Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow
direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from others.
Substance Free:
• In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.
Background Check:
A DOI background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report for service. The NPS will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after a candidate has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start service. This process will determine the participant's exact start date.
Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to gov't vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
Orientation and Training:
• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Benefits:
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
• Living Allowance of $600 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $200 per week.
• Housing provided onsite, more information will be given during the interview.
• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term (that allows for competitive hiring for USA jobs/government jobs)
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Program Name and Contact Information:
Contact information:
SamJean Simmons - Individual Placements Program Coordinator
ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org
Consideration will be given as applications are received, and this position may close at any time.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Position Title:
Maintenance and Trails Individual Placement - AmeriCorps (2 Openings)
Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico
Site Location: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
26 Jim Bradford Trail Mimbres NM 88049
COVER LETTER AND RESUME REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED
Terms of Service:
• Start Date: 12/01/25
• End Date: 5/29/26
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours
Purpose:
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation's most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, and protect clean air and water among other environmental efforts.
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM)
As part of Conservation Legacy and an AmeriCorps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across southern New Mexico and western Texas that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. The CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.
Mentorship
These Individual Placements are unique development AmeriCorps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these
organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; introduce participants to numerous pathways within the conservation field; create meaningful learning opportunities; and provide technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings Maintenance and Trails Department is dedicated to preserving the integrity, safety, and accessibility of the park's cultural and natural resources. The department maintains historic structures, modern facilities, and trail systems with care, craftsmanship, and respect for the ancestral heritage of the Mogollon people and the unique wilderness setting of the Gila region. Through proactive stewardship, sustainable practices, and responsive service, the Maintenance and Trails Department supports visitor access, staff operations, and the long-term protection of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument faces ongoing challenges in maintaining its historic structures, wilderness trail systems, and remote infrastructure with limited staff and resources. An individual placement will provide vital support to the Maintenance and Trails Department, helping to meet the growing need for hands-on preservation, facility upkeep, and sustainable trail management in this high-use, culturally significant, and environmentally sensitive area. The presence of an individual placement will benefit the community by enhancing visitor safety, improving access, and ensuring a more resilient park infrastructure.
The individual placement will contribute to a wide range of essential facility and trail projects that directly support the visitor experience and resource protection at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. There will also be opportunities for the participant to learn about multiple career tracks within the National Park Service and related natural resource fields through a combination of hands-on experience, job shadowing, and mentorship.
Description of Duties:
• Perform Trail Maintenance and Repairs
o Assist with trail tread restoration, brushing, and drainage improvements on designated park trails.
o Use hand tools (e.g., Pulaski, Mcleod, lopper) to maintain safe trail conditions and prevent erosion
o Install and repair trail signs, erosion control structures, and boundary markers as directed.
• Assist with Small Bridge Construction and Fence Repairs
o Support the construction or repair of pedestrian footbridges using basic carpentry tools and materials.
o Rebuild or reinforce protective fencing in critical boundary or resource areas.
o Help transport tools and materials to remote sites using manual or pack-in methods.
• Support Campground and Facility Maintenance
o Perform janitorial tasks at restrooms and visitor-use areas, including trash removal and cleaning.
o Conduct basic building maintenance (e.g., painting, minor repairs, inspections) under staff supervision.
o Help maintain the Gila visitor campground, including site leveling, fire ring cleaning, and trailhead upkeep.
Training Provided:
• Tool safety and proper usage
• Wilderness trail maintenance techniques
• Leave No Trace principles and trail impact minimization
• Carpentry basics
• Bridge and fence construction techniques
• Job site safety and lifting protocols
• Safe use of cleaning products and janitorial equipment
• Basic facility maintenance procedures
• Health and safety protocols for public-use areas
Conditions:
• Hiking over steep, uneven, or rocky terrain; use of sharp hand tools; exposure to wildlife, insects, sun, and inclement weather; manual handling of heavy or awkward materials; working near water or steep banks; use of powered and non-powered hand tools; exposure to cleaning agents and human waste; lifting/moving moderately heavy items; working near vehicles or in shared public areas.
Qualifications:
• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 17 years of age.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Valid U.S Driver's License - Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 years.
• Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 17-30 (35 for veterans) at the time the individual begins term of service.
• Comfortable using hand tools, maintenance equipment, and carpentry tools.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong willingness to learn new skills and take initiative in daily tasks.
• Ability to hike over rugged terrain in various weather conditions.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting up to 40 pounds regularly.
• Willingness to learn and follow safety protocols.
• Positive attitude, team-oriented mindset, and a strong work ethic.
• Interest in land stewardship, trail work, facility maintenance, or public lands management.
Physical Requirements:
• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to hike and navigate in rough terrain.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Participation and Expedition Behavior:
• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
• Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, the NPS and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all times.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
Safety and Judgment:
• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
• Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow
direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from others.
Substance Free:
• In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.
Background Check:
A DOI background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report for service. The NPS will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after a candidate has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start service. This process will determine the participant's exact start date.
Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to gov't vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
Orientation and Training:
• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Benefits:
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
• Living Allowance of $600 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $200 per week.
• Housing provided onsite, more information will be given during the interview.
• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term (that allows for competitive hiring for USA jobs/government jobs)
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Program Name and Contact Information:
Contact information:
SamJean Simmons - Individual Placements Program Coordinator
ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org
Consideration will be given as applications are received, and this position may close at any time.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.