Piikuni Lands Crew Leader

Here at MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills.  Our participants camp while working on physically demanding and essential natural resource and conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains.  If you are looking for something unique and want to make a positive impact on the environment, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! Learn about our different programs to see if MCC is the right fit for you! There are many benefits to a term of service! Learn how your time at MCC makes a positive impact on the planet. Learn how we will support you during your term of service. MCC values diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We affirm the dignity and value of all human beings. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds and identities of our corps members and staff. It is our priority to create a culture of safety, belonging, and validation for everyone, especially those facing marginalization. Learn more about equity at MCC.

Job Overview

Montana Conservation Corps is hiring Piikuni Lands Crew Leaders! At MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills. The Piikuni Lands Crew gives participants the opportunity to work alongside others from the Blackfeet Nation who share a similar interest in making a lifelong impact on the community and nearby ancestral lands. 

To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years old, be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or a descendent of the Blackfeet Nation, and must have a residence on or near the Blackfeet Reservation.

Through this experience participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable job skills including trail maintenance, wildlife surveying, fencing, invasive species mitigation, and much more. In addition to technical skills, participants will gain cultural education and experience in team-work, communication, and leadership. Project partners include The Blackfeet Tribe,  Blackfeet Manpower, Tribal Historic Preservation Department, Glacier National Park, the USDA Forest Service, Montana Wild, Nature Conservancy, and Iinnii Initiative.

The Piikuni Lands Crew Leader (CL) will be instrumental in the implementation of the Piikuni Lands Crew (PLC) program on ancestral lands of the Blackfeet Nation. The position is co-hosted by Blackfeet Manpower Working Friends One-Stop Center. Primary duties of the CL include, with a co-leader, assuring the successful completion of natural resource and community service projects, management of crew members, monitoring of crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew motivation and functioning, as well as the delivery of the full range of program components. The CL is part of a leadership team working under the supervision of the Piikuni Lands Field Coordinator and the Blackfeet Partnerships Liaison . The CL is the primary in-field liaison between Piikuni Lands Crew program staff (MCC and Manpower), and project partners or technical advisors, generally an employee of the land management agency or group working with the crew. The CL will also establish and maintain a good working relationship with other partner personnel, Crew Members, MCC/Manpower staff, and volunteers who come into contact with the crew. The CL prioritizes Crew Member development through program delivery, project work, and adherence to MCC/Manpower policies and procedures. 

Location: Kalispell and Browning, MT

Position Dates: 05/15/2023 – 08/23/2023

Wage: $125 p/day + $500 bonus upon completion of term through Aug 23rd

Benefits/Training:

Wilderness Medicine Certification

Wilderness Risk Management

Safe operation of chainsaws and other power tools

Driver training

Leadership & facilitation training

Fire safety

Invasive species removal

Camp set up/maintenance 

Bear Aware training

Wildlife surveying

COVID Safety

Resume building/job search training

Food Per Diem while on Projects

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Minimum age of 21
• Residency on the Blackfeet Reservation
• Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or Blackfeet descendent
• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
• Current Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification or higher, OR ability to obtain through MCC-provided training
• 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 20 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools
• Ability to pass a Criminal History Check 
• Seasonal availability; May 15- August 23
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• 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 2-3 days at a time, often camping in a tent

Apply Here/Full Position Description

MCC and Manpower are 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.  Learn more about Identity and Equity @ MCC!

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Minimum age of 21
• Residency on the Blackfeet Reservation
• Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or Blackfeet descendent
• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
• Current Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification or higher, OR ability to obtain through MCC-provided training
• 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 20 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools
• Ability to pass a Criminal History Check 
• Seasonal availability; May 15- August 23
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• 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 2-3 days at a time, often camping in a tent

To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years old, be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or a descendent of the Blackfeet Nation, and must have a residence on or near the Blackfeet Reservation.