Feeling of belonging and camaraderie, exploration of new skills (backcountry principles, remote wilderness safety, handtools, project planning), teamwork, excellent work environment, career development (connection/networking with federal and non-governmental organizations).
What I wish was different
Advice
If you have one summer to spare before you turn 25, spend it with Americorps.
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Americorps Conservation Corps Member
June - August 2021 • Grand Lake, CO
What I liked
I worked on the Wilderness Trail Crew for the USDA Forest Service. This experience changed my life to say the least. I loved waking up and being able to work in the forests and mountains each day. My crew members and I were all trained and certified in using crosscut saws to buck fallen trees off of trails in the forest service lands just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. The people on my crew became like my family members by the end of the summer. We generally worked 4 days and had 3 days off on the weekends, which allowed us to travel around Colorado and even go to New Mexico for a weekend. The employees at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are incredibly sweet and genuinely care about each of the conservation corps members. My coworkers at the Sulphur Ranger District were incredibly sweet and fun to work with this past summer.
What I wish was different
I wish the housing situation had been different. My crews (the Sulphur Crews) had to stay in a dispersed camping area for the majority of the summer without running water (we had water jugs) until we were moved to a parking lot of a more established campground at the end of the summer due to potential mudslides at our original site. It would have been nice to live in a more frontcountry campground the entire summer. Some of the crew leaders could have also been a bit more mature.
Advice
Expect and do not be afraid of getting dirty. Try to get in shape before you head out to Colorado...you will be working at altitudes ranging from 7000-10,000 feet! Hike some 14'ers on your weekends if you get the chance.
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Conservation Corps Crew Member
June - August 2020 • Boulder, CO
What I liked
Working alongside the team I was placed with, I grew tremendously as a person, steward, friend, and worker. I gained confidence in my abilities, created beautiful friendships, spent the summer working to conserve the beautiful mountains, and put in a ton of hard work. I love this company, what they stand for, and the folks that work for them.
What I wish was different
Sometimes there was a bit of disconnect in organizational aspects and leadership.
Advice
If you get this job, go in with an open mind. I got overwhelmed at times - my team camped for an entire summer! Everyone who I worked with were way more "outdoorsy" and experienced than me. However, with an open mind, this was my greatest asset. A summer with Rocky Mountain Conservancy will be a summer of trying new things, and it is so worth it.
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Trail Maintenance Worker
May - August 2019 • Estes Park, CO
What I liked
This job offered resources for anyone who wants to work in conservation with government agencies or non-profits.
What I wish was different
Advice
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so try to live in the moment.
The program had us traveling all around Northern Colorado with plenty of opportunities to see and explore some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the Rawah and Comanche wilderness. We also got to work with individuals from all around the United States as they would come from all over to be part of the program. We learned how to maintain and build trail, as well as learn how to conserve on the small scale wildlife and their natural habitats. There is also the opportunity to be backpacking and be outside all summer, an opportunity which is decently uncommon in most jobs.
What I wish was different
I wish there wasn't as much paperwork that went into the after job of evaluating the experience however it was very well thought out. I also wish we got a little bit more of an opportunity to visit or help other groups within the organization and help volunteer in different locations other than just our localized areas.
Advice
I recommend doing a bit of physical exercise before entering into any of the backpacking expedition styles of the program. The more remote you are the better physically strong or prepared you should be. There should also be an understanding that you will be outside of your comfort zone and that the work you do will prove to be a massive challenge at times.
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Conservation Corps Member
May - August 2019 • Estes Park, CO
What I liked
I liked that the work directly impacted the natural environment and we knew we were making a difference. I also liked the community I was able to build and the connections I was able to make both personally and professionally.
What I wish was different
Advice
The work is hard but rewarding. You get to work in an amazing place; the mountains are your office. It's absolutely awesome!
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AmeriCorps Trails Crew Member
May - August 2018 • Estes Park, CO
What I liked
This position was a life-changer. You learn about many forms of environmental stewardship including trail work, but also have the opportunity to witness the intragovernmental cooperation between agencies such as the NPS, Forest Service, and how these all interact with nonprofits like RMC and even local volunteer organizations. I learned so much about personal leadership, collaboration, communication, and sustaining long-term goals. As well, I met people from all over the U.S. multiple of which are now lifelong friends. This is not a position you will ever forget.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be willing to work hard, learn a lot, and have a very good time doing so. Consider how you can improve upon/cultivate your group collaboration skills, as you will spend much of your time with your assigned crew. Do not let fear of the unknown prevent you from applying to this position: get out of your comfort zone!
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Conservation Corps Crew Leader
May - August 2017 • Estes Park, CO
What I liked
Almost everything about it. It gives you incredible outdoor experiences, intense leadership opportunities, lasting friends, and a foot in the door with the Forest and National Park Services.
What I wish was different
I wish that I was working on a different crew for the second year. I was placed on a historic preservation crew this summer when I would have rather returned on a trail crew. But I would do it again in a heartbeat.
