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.
Wildland Restoration Teams in Missoula, Bozeman, and Kalispell work with a diverse range of stakeholders (private, government, and non-profit) in order to achieve large scale land conservation efforts with rural communities throughout the state of Montana. This is a great opportunity for current students, recent college graduates, or anyone who has an interest in restoration to gain practical field experience in a rapidly growing area of conservation, with and a strong potential for future career paths. Wildland Restoration Teams mitigate invasive plants through mechanical, chemical, and biological efforts. Crew use herbicide to manage invasive weeds, and MCC provides professional level training in the safe use and transport of chemicals. Wildland Restoration Teams manage invasive weeds in the remote Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, The Payette National Forest, Glacier National Park, and on the breathtaking plains of eastern Montana. Wildland Restoration Teams may also work on a variety of other projects, including stream restoration, beaver-dam mimicry, non-native fish removal, fencing, planting, trail building and more. 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!
Wildland Restoration Teams in Helena will participate in a variety of innovative wetlands and habitat restoration projects, with a main focus on mesic restoration techniques including beaver mimicry and in-stream beaver-dam analog construction, a simple, effective, and non-invasive approach to riparian restoration. Crews will construct beaver mimicry structures (Low Tech Process Based Restoration) to effectively slow down and spread water over the landscape to expand critical habitat, mitigate wildfire, reduce invasive species and increase water availability in traditionally parched times of year. Studies have shown that these stream remediation efforts in the treated watershed mitigated the effects of drought, reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfire and flooding, improved water quality, expanded critical wildlife habitat and created a micro-climate with reduced air and water temperatures. Projects are often rigorous, requiring participants to carry and use heavy power equipment and work in hot weather across rugged terrain while wearing protective gear. Not all CMs will work on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief. This position is based in Helena, MT with extensive travel to the central and eastern part of the state required. Learn more about the project work here!
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: Kalispell and Helena, MT
Ages: 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans
Program Dates: 5/13/2024-10/23/2024 (Full Term)
Living Allowance: $1,160 biweekly before taxes are taken out
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50 (full term) upon completion of the program
Health Insurance: Provided at NO COST for full term; Health Insurance NOT provided for summer only term
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:
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!
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.