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.

As a Staff Crew Leader, you will work to oversee 3-5 adult crew members on 4-9 day overnight conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. 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. Staff 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. Staff Leaders will need to ensure a high level of motivation and functioning on their crews, deliver the full range of MCC program components, communicate between MCC staff and project partners, and ensure that MCC policies and procedures are followed by everyone on the crew.  Staff Crew Leaders maintain a good working relationship with participants, project partners, and MCC staff.

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. Project work is physically demanding, and could include trail maintenance and construction, habitat restoration, mesic restoration, planting, backcountry work, forest fuels reduction, and more. Learn more about the variety of project work here!

Crew Leaders understand the importance of commitment, flexibility and self-motivation. They use their training and experience to help their crews develop.  They are creative in their approach to problem solving and motivating others. They are invested in their personal growth as a leader. They value service to their communities and the environment.

Location: Missoula, MT

Season Dates: 5/1/2025-10/23/2025
Hourly Wage: $18
Classification: Full Time/Seasonal
Status: non-exempt
Benefits: Vacation, Sick Leave, Health Insurance (MCC pays 75% of an individual policy), Travel/Food reimbursement, Pro Deals

Primary Duties: 

• Guide, support, and assist Crew Members. Insure quality work performance, safety, and well-being
• Organize service work with the project partner
• Assure project completion to the satisfaction of partner expectations
• Ensure safety as the top priority during all activities and projects and promote a culture of safety
• Ensure crews are following MCC policies and procedures
• Implement fair and appropriate discipline and behavior management of Crew Members as needed
• Oversee all elements of the Crew Member Development program. This includes delivery of MCC’s education curriculum.
• Ensure successful Crew Member performance of crew roles.
• Provide opportunities for Crew Members to take on leadership roles.
• Instruct Crew Members in all technical skills. Technical skills include things like:  situational awareness, proper tool use, and body mechanics.
• Work long hours in challenging conditions, often with little direct supervision
• Teach Crew Members camp-life skills. These include:  leave-no-trace ethics, group kitchen setup and use, hygiene methods and waste management.
• Assist staff with recruitment of Crew Members where possible
• Provide technical, logistical and leadership support to crews and individual members
• Promote a positive public image for MCC by acting in a professional and respectful manner at all times
• Attend and help with MCC service days and events along with members of the community
• Fulfill program-specific requirements such as those focused on civic engagement
• Promote inclusion of all participants
• Maintain accurate records. Types of records include: timesheets, personnel, Crew Member development, inventory, safety and work projects
• Complete and submit required paperwork in a timely manner
• Write and deliver Crew Member evaluations include positive feedback and areas of improvement
• Cultivate an inclusive environment for all members and staff with particular attention to those under-represented in conservation and national service.

Qualifications & Skills: 

• Age 21+
• Previous leadership experience, skills and training
• Relevant technical skills including: trail maintenance and construction, crosscut and chainsaw use, fencing, stream bank restoration, backcountry travel and other natural resource work.  Also has experience with a wide range of power and hand tools
• Sawyer skills necessary to obtain operator certification at, or above, B-Sawyer Felling and Bucking level
• Current Wilderness Advanced First-Aid/CPR certification required. Advanced levels of First-Aid preferred
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• A valid driver’s license. Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and be insurable per MCC parameters
• US Citizenship or ability to work in the US
• Ability to pass a Criminal History Check
• Ability to hike 3-20 miles per day, often wearing a 45lb backpack and carrying tools. Terrain can be steep, rocky or uneven.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools
• Willing to work long hard hours in all weather conditions
• Ability to be away on overnight trips for up to two weeks at a time, often camping in a tent

Preferred Qualifications: 

Previous leadership position with a conservation corps program, preference given to leaders who have completed MCC’s Leadership Development Program

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.