Individual Placement - Park Ranger Assistant

Position Summary 

Position is intended to assist in daily recreation and natural resource management of Cochiti Lake, with a few minor tasks at sister projects, Jemez Canyon Dam and Galisteo Dam. Major duties will include, but are not limited to, visitor assistance, water safety outreach, aquatic invasive species inspections, pollinator garden upkeep, trail maintenance, and special events. The primary goal of the position is to not only benefit the visiting public, but also to aid in the learning and growth of the intern through positive working relationships and tasks.

 

Location 

Pena Blanca, NM

 

Schedule 

June 1, 2026 - September 18, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Environmental Stewardship (80%): manual control of invasive plant species, vessel safety and invasives inspections, mowing, weeding, pollinator garden upkeep, fence removal, installation and repair, trail maintenance, and sign inventory and maintenance; Interpretative Assistance (20%): implementation of the Corps’ Water Safety Program by presenting water safety programs at schools, parks, special events, assisting with guided dam tours, and accompanying rangers during vehicle and boat patrols.

 

Marginal Duties 

Other duties may include updating bulletin boards, working on interpretive displays, stocking and distributing informative material in information centers, and providing interpretive talks.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English
• Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds
• Must wear SCA provided attire while on duty

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Outdoor Recreation Experience, First Aid and CPR certified

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Lake Project Intern will provide their own housing with a reimbursed amounts of $800 per month.

 

Compensation

• Living Allowance - $375/week
• Housing Allowance - $800/month
• Commuting - $75/week
• Relocation Travel - up to $650 (receipts required and for non-local applicants only)

 

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.