Through paid internship opportunities, Taos Land Trust supports and trains the next generation of scientists, farmers, and environmental leaders. These internships provide hands-on experience and on-the-job training in areas like ecological monitoring, data analysis, agroecology, acequia systems, healthy soils, and community leadership.
These programs are designed to provide meaningful work experiences that not only benefit the interns but also contribute to the health and sustainability of our land and community. Our interns gain valuable skills while making a difference.
Our current internship programs include:
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS (Summer & Fall only) 
Every summer, the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program at Taos Land Trust brings together local youth to care for the land and make a difference in our community. Each year, between 10 – 20 young people worked at Rio Fernando Park, restoring wetlands, maintaining acequias, tackling invasive species, and growing food for local families. Along the way, they learned valuable skills like ecological monitoring, water conservation, and social-emotional learning skills that will serve them for years to come. Many of them go on to pursue careers in environmental science or related fields, ensuring that our community continues to thrive sustainably for generations.
Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what Aron Rivera, our 2024 crew leader, says about his experience working for YCC:
“My favorite part of being on the YCC was the variety of things we did; every day was something different if not a continuous project we worked on. The connections you make at the YCC are special and can help you grow as an individual and with your crew. Being a YCC crew lead helped me recognize some flaws in my leadership style. The training helped me recognize how I can become a better leader for any future career path I decide on taking. I feel like I have a lot more confidence in myself and how I can handle the job and be an example for others while doing so.”
This program is funded by the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps. Thank you!
NATURAL RESOURCES INTERNSHIP (September through May)
This introductory afterschool internship program invites students from across Taos County to gain exposure to the many different facets of natural resources careers. Participants participate in garden planting and bed prep, seed saving, invasive species management, tree thinning, permaculture systems, composting systems, fruit tree pruning and orchard care, ecological monitoring, wildlife monitoring, and construction skills. Each day focuses on a different social-emotional skill and includes a team check-in.
This program is funded by Outdoor Equity Fund grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division. Thank you!
CEO FRIDAYS INTERNSHIP (September through May)
This program is available only to Taos High students. Please contact your THS CEO Friday coordinator if interested.
NEW MEXICO WORKFORCE CONNECTIONS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP (Year-round)
While our other internship programs are group-focused, our Pre-Apprenticeships are individually tailored to meet the needs and interests of young adults that are pursuing a specific career track. We design a customized program based off of the apprentice’s interests and career or educational goals.
Through our partnership with the New Mexico Workforce Connections Internship program, young adults gain hands-on experience in various fields, including:
- Ecological monitoring
- Data analysis
- Community leadership
- Regenerative agriculture
- Soil health
- Acequia (traditional irrigation) systems
Pre-Apprentices contribute hundreds of hours of work toward restoring critical habitats, developing sustainable farming practices, grant writing, journalism, program development, outdoor educational programing and more. These opportunities not only provide valuable career skills but also deepen participants’ understanding of the importance of conservation and advocacy in protecting our shared resources.
Click here for more information on Pre-Apprenticeship.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
If you’re interested in interning with us but none of these options sounds quite like what you’re looking for, please reach out. We deeply value our work with interns and may be able to identify funding sources that can support your goals.