Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) 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

GAIN PROFESSIONAL JOB SKILLS, CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE, AND MENTOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF LAND STEWARDS!

The Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) is currently looking for Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Leaders!  We focus on the growth of our participants, transferable job skills, and making a positive impact on the climate and environment.   YCC Leaders guide Montana Youth on conservation based service projects. These crews work on day projects with a Forest Service district, and provide young people meaningful work experiences while developing an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility. You’ll have the chance to positively impact the lives of students, local communities, and some of the most treasured wild lands in the West.  Leaders work with a co-leader on rotating projects, working in one community to fully explore hands-on natural resource projects. YCC crews are based in remote, rural communities around Montana, with crew sizes of 5-8 participants. The youth participants typically go home every evening. YCC leaders will have the opportunity to earn certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, and participation in workshops such as Facilitative Leadership, and managing Behavior Using Restorative Justice.  

These crews provide much necessary opportunities and job skills training for our rural Montana Youth.  If you are passionate about youth development and conservation initiatives, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Location: Bozeman or Kalispell, MT

Program Dates: 5/15/2023-8/18/2023

Living Allowance: $1,040.00 biweekly before taxes are taken out

AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,718.25 upon completion of the program

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

Food Per Diem while on Projects

*Housing is provided for these leaders through the Forest Service District with an equivalent value of $140 biweekly

APPLY/FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION HERE!

Learn more about Youth Crews at MCC here!

Programmatic Duties:

• Oversee implementation of all elements of the youth program, including formal education curriculum and other education components, successful performance of crew and camp roles, and technical and camp-life skills
• Provide guidance and support to youth members during day work projects to ensure quality work performance and crew well-being
• Communicate and organize work in conjunction with the partner/technical advisor and assure project completion to the satisfaction of partner expectations
• 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.
• Make recommendations to regional staff/Forest Service Partner for fair and appropriate discipline of youth members as needed
• 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

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.  Learn more about Identity and Equity @ MCC!

Special Benefits

Benefits:

• Education Award Use for student loans, certifications, work trade programs, education expenses, and more
• Forbearance for certain student loans while serving with AmeriCorps.
• Member Assistance Program (MAP) FREE access to 24/7 behavioral health resources. Also includes financial planning, legal assistance, life coaching, and more! 
• Living Allowance
• AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits
• Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Meals provided while on projects
• Access to Pro Deals
• We provide uniform work shirts and transportation to work sites.
• Tools and safety gear are covered. Things like hard hat, work gloves, ear protection, safety glasses and group camping gear. We have some items to loan if needed

Certifications (Depending on Position and Crew Type):

• Wilderness Advanced First Aid & CPR
• Defensive Driving 
• Chainsaw Certification
• Crosscut Certification 
• Youth Mental Health First Aid

Training and Opportunities (Depending on Position and Crew Type):

• Training on Resume Building, Interviewing, and Federal Hiring
• Hand & Power Tool Use (including chainsaw and crosscut saw)
• Backcountry Travel & Navigation
• Trail Maintenance & Construction
• Leave No Trace
• Habitat Management & Improvement
• Learn about natural resource management
• Develop life skills, work skills, and a strong service ethic
• Connect with project partners: federal, state, and non-profits for career opportunities
• Join our network of alumni in natural resource careers all over the country
• Work in beautiful, wild, and protected places.
• Work in National Forests, wilderness areas, and National Parks. 
• Make lasting changes to the environment, climate, and our communities.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• 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 Citizenship or lawful permanent US 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 
• 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 14-30 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors
• Experience working with youth ages 14-18