Assistant Field Crew Leader

Gain professional job skills, become an effective leader, 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 an assistant crew leader, you will work with your Crew Leader to oversee 3-4 adult crew members on 4-9 day overnight conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. The crew you will help oversee will be made up of adults who are 17-30 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds and locations throughout the country. This is a leadership learning position that prioritizes crew member development; the assistant crew leader is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate crew direction, project goals, member management, and communication with regional staff teams.  In conjunction with your Crew Leader, you will take a large role in the technical training of crew members, and provide vital mentorship to new members.  

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. Project work is physically demanding, and could include trail maintenance and construction, habitat restoration, mesic restoration, planting, backcountry work, forest fuels reduction, and more. Learn more about the variety of project work here!  

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 Assistant Crew Leader at MCC:

• A desire to take the next step in your leadership career.
• 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: Missoula and Helena, MT

Ages: 18-35

Program Dates: 4/29/2024-10/25/2024

Living Allowance: $1,280 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

Qualifications: 

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Ages 18-35 (21 or over preferred)
• US Citizen, National or lawful permanent resident
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
• Ability to eventually hike 3-20 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
• Ability to obtain Wilderness Advanced First Aid/CPR training. (Training is reimbursable to allotted amount/ MCC provides training)
• Demonstrates 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 10 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service

Strongly Preferred Qualifications: 

• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
• 21 years old on the start date of the program

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.

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!