Gain professional job skills, become an effective leader, and mentor the next generation of land stewards!  

Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service work and authentic connection, you can sharpen your ability to create change and join the next generation of leaders for a better world. At MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills.  

What you will do: 

Under the supervision of the Youth Program Manager, the Senior Youth Crew Leader works closely with the youth staff to deliver a high-quality experience for both leaders and youth participants. They assist this team by mentoring and supporting Expedition Leaders throughout their training and field season, ensuring the successful completion of MCC youth projects and programming, and the adherence of all MCC policies and procedures. While supporting crews in the field, this person will need to maintain strong working relationships with project partners, parents/guardians, and community organizations. If the need arises, the Senior Youth Crew Leader may be called upon to lead or join an existing crew for the duration of the hitch. This could be anywhere from one night to eleven days.

While coming into this position with technical trail skills can be helpful, it is not necessary. The Senior Youth Crew Leader will participate in the Adult Program Leadership Development Program (LDP), beginning on 2/24/25, where they will have the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, technical training, and field skills development, as well as engage in early-season projects to further enhance their skill set. Additional Youth Program-specific training will be provided leading up to the start of the youth season. Through the Adult Program LDP, the Senior Youth Crew Leader will be eligible to earn Chainsaw and Crosscut certification, as well as Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification. In this role, the Senior Youth Crew Leader will apply their skills and knowledge to mentor Expedition Leaders and support the successful delivery of the Youth Program in collaboration with the Youth Program staff team, while providing on-the-ground field support to youth crews.

Who we are looking for: 

We often see applicants who don’t realize they are qualified to take on a leadership role here at MCC, especially those coming from marginalized communities. MCC is a developmental program and it is our job to teach, train, and develop leadership competencies in our participants. We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. We encourage anyone to apply who has an interest in conservation and bettering themselves for the future.  

What Qualities Make a Successful Crew Leader at MCC: 

• A passion for service, the environment, and conservation. 
• A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard. 
• Adaptability and flexibility. 
• A commitment to serving the whole term. 
• A growth mindset - coming willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. 
• A commitment to motivating others and their success. 
• A desire to hone your personal leadership style  

Location: Kalispell, MT 

Program Dates: 2/24/2025 -  08/15/2025

Living Allowance: $1,440 biweekly before taxes are taken out 

AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,697.50 upon completion of the program 

Member Assistance Program: Free 24/7 access to confidential behavioral health counseling, financial assistance, medical/legal advocacy, and more! 

Public Lands Service Corps Hiring Preference: Members serving with federal land management agencies may be eligible to receive hiring preference for future federal job placement 

Supportive coaching staff invested in your success. 

Community Spaces: Access to two community spaces, Corps Members of Color and LGBTQIA2+ Corps Members, to build community, connection, and support during the season. 

Access to Pro Deals 

*Housing is provided for these leaders through the Forest Service District with an equivalent value of $140 biweekly 

APPLY/FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION HERE! 

Learn more about Youth Crews at MCC here! 

Watch these Videos to Learn More: 

Why Join MCC  

Find Community @ MCC 

Youth Expeditions @ MCC 

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• 21 years old on the start date of the program
• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
• US Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent Resident
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
• Ability to hike 3-12 miles per day in terrain that can be steep, rocky or uneven, often wearing a 45lb backpack while carrying tools and sometimes backpacking with full packs of 60 – 70lbs
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with youth
• Demonstrates strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment
• Embraces willingness to work long, hard hours in all weather conditions; ability to be away on overnight trips for up to 1-14 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors
• WAFA is required by the start of the season and training is reimbursable to allotted amount; MCC provided training will be available prior to the Youth Program season 

Benefits: 

• Education Award Use for student loans, certifications, work trade programs, education expenses, and more 
• Forbearance for certain student loans while serving with AmeriCorps. 
• FREE Health Insurance* (members serving over 4 months) 
• Member Assistance Program: Free 24/7 access to confidential behavioral health counseling, financial assistance, medical/legal advocacy, and more! 
• Public Lands Service Corps Hiring Preference: Members serving with federal land management agencies may be eligible to receive hiring preference for future federal job placement 
• Supportive coaching staff invested in your success. 
• Community Spaces: Access to two community spaces, Corps Members of Color and LGBTQIA2+ Corps Members, to build community, connection, and support during the season. 
• Living Allowance 
• AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits 
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
• Access to Pro Deals 
• We provide uniform work shirts and transportation to work sites. 
• Tools and safety gear are covered. Things like hard hats, work gloves, ear protection, safety glasses and group camping gear. We have some items to loan if needed 

Training and Opportunities (Depending on Position and Crew Type): 

• Training on Resume Building, Interviewing, and Federal Hiring 
• Hand Tool Use  
• Trail Maintenance & Construction 
• Leave No Trace 
• Habitat Management & Improvement 
• Learn about natural resource management 
• Leadership, communication, and teamwork competencies 
• Develop life skills, work skills, and a strong service ethic 
• Connect with project partners: federal, state, and non-profits for career opportunities 
• Join our network of alumni in natural resource careers all over the country 
• Work in beautiful, wild, and protected places. 
• Make lasting changes to the environment, climate, our communities, and Montana high school students. 

MCC is committed to being diverse, welcoming, and inclusive. We are working to reduce barriers to participating in our programs. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.  Learn more about Identity and Equity @ MCC!