Gain professional job skills, become an effective leader, and mentor the next generation of land stewards!  

Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service 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. 

MCC participants join our program as AmeriCorps Members serving a term of service with Montana Conservation Corps. AmeriCorps is an independent agency of the United States government that engages over 5 million Americans in National Service across various programs.  MCC is a service oriented organization that provides career skills training alongside personal development. 

What you will do: 

Youth Program 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. Youth Program Leaders will serve with a co-leader to oversee 4-6 youth participants on conservation-based service projects. Youth participants are Montana high school aged residents and come from a variety of backgrounds.

Youth Program Leaders:

Youth Program Leaders are based in either Bozeman or Kalispell for the duration of their season. Youth Program Leaders and their crews will camp for the full duration of the hitch, oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions. Hitches are typically up to 9 days in length. Camping accommodations are tent camping in sites that you’re able to drive up to. Projects may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects.

Flathead Youth Corps Leaders:

This is a day-based program in the Kalispell region known as the Flathead Youth Corps. This crew operates on a four-day, 10-hour-per-day schedule. The Leaders for this crew will work with the same group of youth members  for the duration of the summer on a 4-day, 10 hour day schedule. Youth participants are Montana high school aged residents and come from a variety of backgrounds. Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders will NOT be on overnight trips.  Projects may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects.

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. 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 service, 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 and conservation
• A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard 
• Experience and interest working with teens
• 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 serving with youth and the outdoors

Location: Bozeman or Kalispell, MT 

Program Dates: 5/10/2027 - 8/11/2027

Living Allowance: $1,440 biweekly before taxes are taken out 

AmeriCorps Education Award: 

• Youth Program Leaders: $2,817.14 upon completion of the program
• Flathead Youth Corps Leaders: $1,956.35 upon completion of the program

FREE Health Insurance: Provided at NO COST

• Flathead Youth Corps Leaders are NOT eligible for Health Insurance 

Member Assistance Program: Free 24/7 access to confidential behavioral health counseling, financial assistance, medical/legal advocacy, and more! 

Supportive coaching staff invested in your success. 

Community Cohorts:  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 

• Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders will not receive overnight food per diem as they go home every night (day projects only)

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 facilitating program curriculum, strategies for fostering healthy crew dynamics, technical and camp-life skills 
• Provide guidance and support to youth members during day projects and overnight camping experiences. 
• Communicate and organize duties in conjunction with the partner/technical advisor and assure project completion 
• Respond to field challenges—including participant behavior management, project partner shifts, and providing feedback —to ensure smooth program delivery
• Ensure safety as the top priority during all MCC activities and projects and promote a culture of 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 

Administrative Duties: 

• Provide information for development and evaluation of Members; including both positive feedback  and areas of potential improvement 
• Maintain accurate records, including timesheets, personnel, Member development, inventory, safety and project records 
• Complete and submit required reports and other paperwork in a timely manner 

Qualifications: 

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to pursue obtaining a GED 
• US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident 
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check 
• 21+ years old by the start date 
• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check (Driving an MCC vehicle is required) 
• 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 
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools 
• Effective written and oral communication skills 
• Strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment 
• Willingness to serve long hours in all weather conditions 
• Ability to be away on overnight trips for up to 9 days at a time 
• Flathead Youth Corps Leaders will NOT be on overnight projects 
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service 
• Passion for leading youth in an outdoor setting

Bonus Skills: 

• Experience serving youth ages 14-18 

MCC is committed to being welcoming to all and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.