Youth Expedition Leader

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: 

Youth Expedition Leaders support and supervise Montana high school youth in the successful completion of natural resource and community service projects, provide on-site management of a youth crew, implement curriculum and actively facilitate crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew community and safety.   Expedition Leaders will work with a co-leader to oversee 4-6 youth participants on overnight service projects. These projects range in 3-11 days in length with one week of local community-based projects. Youth participants are Montana residents ages 14-18 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds. Each expedition will be with a different roster of youth participants.  Expedition Leaders and their crews will camp for the full duration of the session, oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions. Camping accommodations are typically tent camping in sites that you’re able to drive up to. Work may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects. Learn more about what your day looks like and the variety of project work! 

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 Youth Crew Leader at MCC: 

• A passion for service, the environment, and conservation
• A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard
• Experience and interest working with youth
• 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
• A passion for working with youth and the outdoors

Location: Bozeman or Kalispell, MT 

Program Dates: 5/12/2025 – 8/15/2025

Living Allowance: $1,360 biweekly before taxes are taken out 

AmeriCorps Education Award: $2,817.14 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. 

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!!  

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 

Programmatic Duties: 

• Oversee implementation of all elements of the youth program, including mentoring youth participants, facilitating educational lessons, fostering healthy crew culture and leading technical and field skills.
• Provide guidance and support to youth members during day work projects and overnight camping experiences.
• Hold youth participants accountable to MCC policies and code of conduct. Communicate disciplinary needs to staff as needed.
• Communicate and organize work in conjunction with the partner/technical advisor and assure project completion.
• Ensure safety as the top priority during all MCC activities and projects and promote a culture of care and safety.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with regional staff, members, project technical advisors, youth, and volunteers.
• Promote a positive public image for the MCC by wearing the MCC uniform and acting in a professional and respectful manner at all times while representing 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 Citizenship or lawful permanent US 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.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• 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 3-11 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors
• Experience working with youth ages 14-18 preferred but not required

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!