Who we are: Conservation Crews are made up of 8-10 people. Work is physically demanding and on any given day, an RMYC crew can be found digging new trails, building water bars, constructing trail reroutes, improving campgrounds, deconstructing old fence lines, reconstructing fence lines, rehabilitating habitats, and much more. RMYC has a handful of more specialized experiences on projects involving high alpine peak management (with The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative), chainsaw operations, crosscutting, and historic structure preservation. These experiences and related training are dependent on crew placement which is discussed during the interview process. 

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Where we work: Conservation crews work in a variety of different locations throughout Northwest Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Most crews work in front-country locations (i.e. car camping far from paved roads) while others may be in a remote backcountry location. These crews will be hiking in all crew and personal gear on their backs. Project work varies from year to year and our crews adapt to the work at hand.

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Daily life: Members sleep in their tents all season long. RMYC provides all of the group gear for the crew to set up an efficient and effective camp where the crew cooks meals. Personal camping supplies (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.) are NOT provided. It is the responsibility of the member to provide these materials.  RMYC has however created a gear assistance program for those in need of tents, backpacks, sleeping bags/pads.

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What to expect: On an RMYC crew, you can expect to spend 99.9% of your time outside. You will work outdoors in all weather conditions and spend your nights sleeping in a tent. You will be dirty, sweaty, and physically exhausted after each and every day and will work, live and hang with the crew. There is time for laundry, showers, and some personal technology time on weekends, but please note that RMYC is a 24/7 program for the summer season and all crew members are expected to be with the crew for the duration of the program. Fall crews operate on a hitch model, meaning crews will work and live together (camping) during the workweek, and then have personal time off between projects.

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When crews work: RMYC operates a summer crew season that generally runs from early June to mid-August for a total of a 10-week season. We also offer long-term positions that go into the fall. The number of crews in operation during the fall session is generally smaller than in the summer. Members and Leaders who participate in the summer season have the option of staying through fall as well, pending performance reviews and crew needs. Our Fall- only Crew session usually operates from mid-August to Mid-October depending on the weather (snow!) and project work.