Overview
As a crew leader, you will work 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. Some crew leaders will lead a crew solo, some will lead with a co-leader, and some will have an assistant crew leader. The crew you will 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. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to facilitate crew member growth, manage conflict on their crew, and support the crew in completing quality project work in the field.
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. These Wildland Restoration Teams 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 CLs 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.
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
Required Skills:
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)
Preferred Skills:
Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
21 years old on the start date of the program
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 climate and environment, and transferable job skills.
