Field Crew Member (Trails, Backcountry, Forestry, Fuels)

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. Learn More about MCC!

Job Overview

Gain professional career skills, explore the wilds of the Northern Rockies, and launch your natural resource career! 

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.

What you will do:

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.

What you will get:

Crew Members receive extensive training in technical skills, federal hiring, communication, teamwork, and much more.  Through a term of service with MCC, participants not only walk away with valuable technical and field skills, but also develop competencies to achieve success in a wide variety of careers. Crew Members experience the full measure of their character and discover their capacity to lead change in their communities and, just as importantly, in their own lives. 

A term of service with MCC places our participants in an excellent position for future federal hiring and conservation careers!

Who we are looking for:

We often see applicants who don’t realize they are qualified to take on a role here at MCC. MCC is a developmental program and it is our role 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 service term, therefore our position 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. Previous Corps experience is NOT REQUIRED to be a part of our MCC community. 

What Qualities Make a Successful Crew Member at MCC:

• A passion for service and conservation.
• A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• A commitment to serving the whole term.
• A growth mindset – coming willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself.

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!! 

Learn More About Adult Conservation Crews!

APPLY/FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION HERE!

Watch these Videos to Learn More:

Why Join MCC 

Find Community @ MCC

A Day in the Life @ MCC

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

Special Benefits

https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/adult-conservation-crews/benefits-of-service.html

Minimum Requirements

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
• 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