Overview
From the US Forest Service: The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young adults in meaningful work experiences on federal public lands. Crew members are engaged in fun, exciting work projects designed to develop an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility such as trail maintenance; preserving and repairing historic buildings; removing invasive species; helping with wildlife and land research; and leading environmental education.
Cottonwood Gulch’s YCC is a residential program: the crew is expected to remain together during the entire duration of the session. We participate in conservation work in remote frontcountry and backcountry environments on public lands across New Mexico. The crew will live and work together 24/7, as well as cook and share meals in a community setting. On their “off-time” the crew will engage in activities like rock climbing, exploring slot canyons, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and learning about the arts and cultures of the Southwest. These activities reflect the similarly immersive experiences to our summer trekkers and is part of what makes our YCC unique.
This leadership role supports the success of the crew (ages 18-21) in meeting their goals and collaborating with US Forest Service partners at work sites by planning menus and overseeing the cooking of all meals while on frontcountry and backcountry hitches. A key component of the crew developing leadership and life skills is learning to plan and prepare meals; the Road Cook is someone who is passionate about sharing meals in community and excited to teach basic cooking skills to youth. The Road Cook will participate in half days of conservation work with the crew where applicable.
Responsibilities:
– Prepare and cook meals for large group sizes both assisting in a commercial kitchen at our Basecamp and on the road with a car-camping kitchen or backpacking with MSR stoves
– Plan a menu in accordance with the dietary needs of the YCC crew for the duration of the 6-week summer program in collaboration with Basecamp kitchen staff
– Support young adult crew members through a CA (Cook’s Assistant) role rotation until crew members feel ready to lead preparation of meals (with Road Cook supervision)
– Bring a passion for outdoor adventure, conservation, and environmental restoration work
– Work with staff team (YCC Coordinator & Crew Lead) to manage risk in the field
– Collaborate with CGE field educators, US Forest Service partners, and other CGE summer trekkers to create a fun, educational, and safe environment for crew members
Details & Compensation:
– This is a temporary, seasonal, and full-time position from June 1 to August 8, 2026
– $1,850 to $2,600/month depending upon experience
– Housing, food, and on-site laundry provided for the duration of contract $250 travel stipend available if traveling more than 500 miles
– Wilderness First Aid & crosscut saw certifications provided
Qualifications:
Applicants must be:
- At least 21 years old by June 1 and able to drive multi-passenger vehicles & work trucks
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., its territories, or possessions
- Have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number
- Able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations
- Actively committed and willing to complete the assigned work projects
- Available from 6/1 to 8/8
About Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions
Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions offers unique expeditions rooted in the culture and landscape of the American Southwest. Our programs offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic land and cultural heritage of the American Southwest. At the Gulch, we’ll inspire you with all of the places we explore. We will take you on world-class backpacking and hiking into pristine wilderness areas. We’ll connect you with hands-on science and nature. We’ll engage you in the art and culture that is the backdrop of this poetic place we call “The Southwest.”
