Overview
As a crew member, you will serve 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. Not all CMs will serve on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief. Projects & Crew types may shift during the season.
Field Crews: Duties may include building or maintaining trails, treating or removing invasive species, building fences, operating chainsaws to reduce wildfire risks by thinning trees, among many other types of projects.
Forestry Crews: Duties may include Tree Species ID, Timber Stand Assessment, Tree Marking, Timber Sale Boundary Marking, Tree Planting, Silviculture Prescriptions, Reforestation Plot Surveying, Chainsaw Operations/Maintenance, Precommercial Thinning, Fireline/Fuelbreak Operations, and more.
Field and Fuels: These crews will likely have a high proportion of chainsaw use, fireline construction and other forest health monitoring activities. This may also include wildland fuels mitigation projects.
Location: Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula, MT
Ages: 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans
Program Dates: 5/11/2026 – 10/16/2026
Living Allowance: $1,200 biweekly before taxes are taken out
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,697.50 upon completion of the program
Health Insurance: Provided at NO COST for full 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: We offer community spaces to build community, connection, and support during the season. The groups meet regularly and are open to all participants who identify within the respective community.
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!!
Qualifications:
High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
Minimum age of 17
US Citizenship or lawful permanent US 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
Required Skills:
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
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
About Montana Conservation Corps
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 public lands, and transferable career skills.
