McAfee Ranch Assistant High School Internship

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This internship is open to 16-18 year old residents of Montezuma County. This is a part-time position (20 hours/week) paying $15/hour, starting on May 27th, 2024.

The McAfee Farm is a commercial cow-calf operation, and the cattle currently graze the dryland owned by the McAfee Family. At McAfee Farm livestock are used as a tool to improve soil health and other aspects of the ecosystem, produce protein to feed people, serve as a model of thriving dryland agriculture in the local community and provide the opportunity for youth to learn about ranching and farming on dry land.

Essential roles and responsibilities include:

• Assist with maintenance, building, and removal of electric and permanent fence
• Learn to observe both cattle and vegetation and begin to understand the basics of when livestock are ready to move to the next pasture/paddock
• Assist in spring work such as branding, turning bulls in, moving cattle, etc.
• Check livestock water, be aware of the animals’ well-being and report to supervisor
• Assist the project range ecologist with rangeland health monitoring

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• High school age or older
• Willingness and eager to learn
• Ability to safely and effectively use hand tools
• Be okay with working outdoors in varying conditions
• Be ok with often working alone, making on-the-spot decisions and taking appropriate action
• Be on time and provide own transportation to the work site in Lewis, CO

Middle School Service-Learning Crews

Where: Cortez, CO & Durango, CO

What: 2-week Service-Learning Crew (SLC) for 11–13-year-olds in Montezuma County, CO and La Plata County. The SLC connects youth to their communities through meaningful outdoor-based service projects, education, and group recreation activities. Youth volunteer their time on a crew led by 2 adult crew leaders.

When:

La Plata County: June 3rd - June 13th OR June 17th - June 27th

Montezuma County: July 8th - July 18th OR July 22nd - August 1st

Benefits: Program provided FREE-OF-COST. Transportation from meeting location to Project site, Lunch and snacks provided, SCC T-Shirt

Requirements: Students must commit to a two-week session. Paperwork and volunteer forms must be completed prior to program start. Preference given to residents of Montezuma County, CO and La Plata County, CO.

La Plata County Residents: FOLLOW THIS LINK TO APPLY!

Montezuma County Residents: FOLLOW THIS LINK TO APPLY!

High School Conservation Crews

Serving Youth from La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta, San Juan, Dolores, and Northern New Mexico Counties

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR 2024 APPLICATIONS!

(No resume, cover letter, or references needed in application)

Still deciding? Keep on reading to learn more information!

Four Corners youth crews participate in meaningful project work in their local counties. Crews consist of 6-8 members, ages 14-18, with 2 experienced adult crew leaders. Youth Crew members are paid $14.42/hour for 32-36 hrs/week.

As a crew, they participate in invasive species removal, tree planting, small scale agriculture, painting, fence building, trail maintenance and construction, habitat improvement projects, and community clean ups.

Along with completing impactful project work, our program focuses on youth development. Lessons on leadership, team building, communication, environmental stewardship, and a wide array of topics dependent on crew interest are incorporated into the workday.

Four Corners Youth Crew Schedules

Camping crews work Monday through Friday for 4 weeks, day crews work Monday through Thursday for 4 weeks. Project work is completed Mon-Thurs. Friday is an education day for camping crews.

Youth living in Montezuma County and Dolores County will meet for work in Cortez CO. Youth living in La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan, and Northern New Mexico Counties will meet for work at the Old Fort at Hesperus, in Hesperus CO (location may vary for Day Crew members).

• Day Crew- Will meet at a pre-determined location in your region, SCC will help accommodate participants that need transportation. Typical workdays run from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM Monday-Thursday, with the crew member being dropped off at the pre-determined location at 4:30 PM each workday. Day crews return home every evening and do not camp.

• Camping Crew- Camping crews will meet Monday at 8 AM (except the first week of session, when you will meet on Sunday), and you and your crew will load up in a van and travel to your work site for the week. Camping crews spend Monday-Friday working from 8:00-4:30 PM and are expected to participate after the workday in camp chores, evening education lessons, and daily meals for the crew. Crews will spend part of Friday on an educational lesson and the rest of the day cleaning up their gear from the work week. Pick up will be Friday afternoon at a pre-determined drop-off location & time. All food and cooking gear is provided during the work week. Camping gear can be provided if needed.

• Indigenous Crew- The Indigenous Youth Crew is focused on creating an inclusive Native High School youth crew serving the Four Corners, with Native leadership. The Indigenous Youth Crew will meet Monday at 8 AM (except the first week of session, when you will meet on Sunday), and you and your crew will load up in a van and travel to your work site for the week. The indigenous youth crews will spend Monday-Friday working from 8:00-4:30 PM and are expected to participate after the workday in camp chores, evening education lessons, and daily meals for the crew. Crews will spend part of Friday on an educational lesson and the rest of the day cleaning up their gear from the work week. Pick up will be Friday afternoon at a pre-determined drop-off location & time. All food and cooking gear is provided during the work week. Camping gear can be provided if needed.

• Backcountry Crew- The Youth Backcountry Crew is for SCC returners or youth with similar backpacking, trail maintenance or other relevant experience. The crew will work two 9-day backpacking and trail work sessions with 6 days off between. More information to come!

Questions can be directed to Jacob Mandell

Youth Programs Coordinator Durango Office jmandell@conservationlegacy.org

970-238-6454