Fuels and Fire Crew Member

Gain professional job skills, explore the wilds of the Northern Rockies, and launch your natural resource career! 

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:

As a crew member, you will work on 4-9 day overnight conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. Your crew will be made up of adults who are 17-30 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds and locations throughout the country. Crews will camp for the full duration of a hitch (i.e. 4-9 day project assignment), oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions. Camping accommodations vary, including car-camping and remote backcountry settings away from a vehicle. This crew will work throughout the forest service and other agencies. Work will primarily consist of wildland fuels mitigation projects, a high proportion of chainsaw use, fireline construction and other forest health monitoring activities. Not all CMs will work on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief.  Learn more about the variety of project work here!  

Participants will have the opportunity to receive extensive training and potential certifications in wildland firefighting, including a nationally recognized chainsaw certification (S212), basic wildland firefighting classes (S130, S190, L180, IS100, IS700), in addition to having an opportunity to receive a wildland fire incident qualification “red” card. Should conditions allow, there may be an opportunity to participate in prescribed burning or active wildland firefighting. during your term of service. This is NOT guaranteed.

What you will get:

Crew Members receive extensive training in technical skills, federal hiring, communication, teamwork, and much more.  Through a term of service with MCC, participants not only walk away with valuable technical and field skills, but also develop competencies to achieve success in a wide variety of careers. Crew Members experience the full measure of their character and discover their capacity to lead change in their communities and, just as importantly, in their own lives. 

A term of service with MCC places our participants in an excellent position for future federal hiring and conservation careers!

Who we are looking for:

We often see applicants who don’t realize they are qualified to take on a 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. Previous Corps experience is NOT REQUIRED to be a part of our MCC community. 

What Qualities Make a Successful Crew Member 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.

Location: Helena, MT

Ages: 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans

Program Dates: 5/13/2024-10/23/2024

Living Allowance: $1,160 biweekly before taxes are taken out

AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50 upon completion of the program

Health Insurance: Provided at NO COST

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.

Food Per Diem while on Projects

Access to Pro Deals

Housing options may be available in specific regions; talk with a Program Manager to learn more!! 

Learn More About Adult Conservation Crews!

APPLY/FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION HERE!

Watch these Videos to Learn More:

Why Join MCC 

Find Community @ MCC

A Day in the Life @ MCC

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!

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED.
• Ages 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans.
• US Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent Resident.
• 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.
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Available for duration of entire term of service; commitment to completing term.
• Strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment.
• Willing to work long, hard hours in all weather conditions.
• Ability to be away on overnight trips for up to 10 days at a time.

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)
• Meals provided while on projects
• 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

Certifications (Depending on Position and Crew Type):

• First Aid & CPR
• Defensive Driving 
• Chainsaw Certification
• Crosscut Certification 

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

• Training on Resume Building, Interviewing, and Federal Hiring
• Hand & Power Tool Use (including chainsaw and crosscut saw)
• Backcountry Travel & Navigation
• 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, and our communities.