Join the 2024 Acequia Youth Conservation Corp!

Paid Summer Internship in Mora County

The New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA) is hiring for a 6-week paid internship opportunity in acequia and watershed restoration in Mora County! This position is open to 16-25 year old young adults, with preference for local youth who have connections to their traditional acequia communities.

Crew members will work with NMAA and partners including RiverSource and the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance – and have the opportunity to spend a fun and fulfilling summer outside, learn valuable skills, connect with peers, and earn money!

We Are Hiring:

    • 7 Crew members: Youth and young adults, 16-25 years old, with an interest in working as part of a team to assess and/or restore acequias, rivers/streams, and watersheds and who have an interest in being caretakers of water in their communities. Crew members pay: Up to $20 per hour.
    • 1 Crew leader: One young adult, 21-25 years old, with experience in working in teams, and a passion for water, acequias, watersheds, natural resources. This position requires someone who is able to work in a position of leadership. Crew leader pay: Up to $24 per hour.  Crew leaders may be asked to provide an additional resume and cover letter, and/or participate in an interview if under consideration for this position.

Details & Requirements:

  • Interested crew members or crew leaders should apply no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday June 5th, 2024. We encourage you to apply ASAP, as positions may be filled before June 5th if we receive many applications.
  • To apply – complete this online form, or contact rudy@lasacequias.org, (505) 995-9644 to request a paper application.
  • The internship starts the week of June 24, 2024 – and will go for 6 weeks until early to mid August. Program dates may be shifted as needed due to weather, participant needs, and other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Activities will take place mostly in the Mora area on a Monday-Friday schedule for full work days (approximately 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). Participants must have their own reliable transportation to get to and from the David Cargo Public Library each work day. 
  • Participants will learn under the direct supervision of NMAA staff.
  • Crew members and crew leaders will work primarily outside, and be involved in work tasks that require participants to be in good health and physical condition, such as lifting heavy materials, hiking, and being in the sun for long days.

Examples of Work-Learn Activities:

  • Learn how to use GIS mapping of acequias to assess areas in need of repair and restoration within acequias, streams, and watersheds.
  • Work on a team to remove fire and flood debris from acequias in the Mora area and build erosion control structures in the watersheds of the Mora and Sapello areas.
  • Learning about the history, culture, and current issues of acequias in the Mora Valley from local acequia leaders and elders. 
  • Gain exposure to mentors and career opportunities in many exciting fields – including restoration, climate change adaptation, forestry, farming and ranching, watershed management, and much more!

To apply – complete this online form, or contact us to request a paper application.

Interested crew members or crew leaders should apply no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday June 5th, 2024

Questions or want more information? Please contact rudy@lasacequias.org or call (505) 995-9644.