Overview
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
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.
Required Skills:
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
Preferred Skills:
Experience working with youth ages 14-18 preferred but not required
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.
