Senior Expedition Leader

Job Overview

The Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) is currently accepting applications for AmeriCorps Senior Expedition Leader Positions!  Here at MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills.  Leaders and their crews will 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.  Our crew leaders go through a leadership development program crafted over two decades to enhance their confidence, resilience, and technical capabilities.  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!

The intention of this position is both to build organizational capacity and professional development for the applicant. Primary responsibilities of the Senior Expedition Leader (SEL) include supporting the development of Expedition Leaders, field visitation and logistical support to help ensure the successful completion of youth projects and programming, and to ensure daily regional operations.  The Youth Program Coordinator will supervise and support this position as they work with crew leaders and  staff. The SEL will maintain communication between the office and the field and often work independently.   The SEL helps ensure that policies and procedures are followed by all members and leaders while establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with project partners, parents/guardians, and community organizations. In the event of a crew leader’s absence, the SEL will  be asked to lead or join an existing crew when necessary.

The SEL is an AmeriCorps member and is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps members. This is NOT a 9-5 job, rather a commitment to service and an experience where long hours and extended time away from your home base are to be expected (Depending on the time of season, this position will easily average over 50 hours per week).    SELs must be self-motivated and flexible in order to meet the changing needs of the position. Additionally, strong communication skills and solution oriented mindset is valuable. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations and will be working with Montana Youth of a variety of backgrounds.

Senior Expedition Leaders will have the opportunity to earn certifications such as Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Chainsaw and Crosscut certifications, and participation in workshops such as Facilitative Leadership, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Managing Behavior Using Restorative Justice.  The SEL will apply their skills and knowledge in the mentoring and support of Expedition Leaders and Youth crew members.

Location: Bozeman and Kalispell, MT

Program Dates: 3/7/2022- 08/26/2022

Living Allowance: $900 biweekly before taxes are taken out

AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,247.50 upon completion of the program

MCC seeks to provide access and opportunity to a diverse group of staff and participants, while continuing to identify and reduce barriers to being involved in our organization and programs.  We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

Special Benefits

• Term of Service begins in late February and ends in late October; bi-weekly living stipend of $900

• Education award for successful completion of the term of service ranges from $1311.11-6,195.00 pending your term. 
• Free health insurance is available on your first day; all participants are covered by Workman’s Compensation insurance while on the worksite
• Member Assistance Program (MAP); enrollment in this program provides FREE access to 24/7 behavioral health resources, as well as financial planning, legal assistance, life coaching, and more! 
• MCC provides $10 per person/per day per diem for food while on MCC projects.  
• Certain qualified student loans may be put in forbearance while serving with AmeriCorps.  
• MCC provides uniform work shirts, hooded sweatshirts, transportation to work sites, tools, safety equipment (hard hat, work gloves, ear protection, and safety glasses) and group camping gear. (We encourage all members to provide their own personal equipment like a backpack, tent, and sleeping bag.  We have limited equipment available to loan out for applicants in need and DEI funds available to those who may need help purchasing gear or traveling to Montana.)
• Network with project partners in federal, state, and non-profit entities for future career opportunities
• Training in resume building, interviewing, and federal hiring
• Technical skills training/certifications (depending on position) in crosscut, chainsaw, first aid/CPR, defensive driving, hand & power tool use, trail maintenance and construction, habitat management and improvement, backcountry travel, Leave No Trace, and more
• All leaders are guided by experienced staff through MCC’s leadership development program, crafted and refined over two decades to enhance our participants' knowledge in the areas of leadership, communication & team building, stewardship, and hard work for quality results. 
• Work in some of the most beautiful, wild, and protected places in the lower 48, including 15 million acres of National Forest, 3.5 million acres of designated wilderness, not to mention Glacier and Yellowstone National Park
• Develop life skills, work skills, and a strong service ethic

Minimum Requirements

• 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 Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent 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 and sometimes backpacking with full packs of 60 – 70lbs
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with youth
• Ability to obtain Wilderness Advanced First Aid. (Training offered by MCC)
• 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 1-26 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors