Expedition Leader

Job Overview

Position Summary:  The Leader will assist in the successful completion of MCC natural resource and community service projects, on-site management of a crew, monitoring of crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew motivation and functioning, as well as the delivery of the full range of MCC programs.  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.

High School and Middle School Expedition Leaders and their crews will camp for the full duration of their youth members’ terms, often times in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions.  All Nation and Youth Conservation Corps Leaders will be locally-based programs with the potential for episodic overnights with their crews throughout the season.

1. All Nations Expedition Leader: Lead a combination of day and overnight expeditions for (Indigenous) middle school and high school aged teens from communities outside the regional office location in daily outdoor service projects in multiple locations near the population center which they serve.  Leaders will work side-by-side with teachers, school staff and public land representatives, with crew sizes of 6-12 participants.
2. Expedition Leader: Lead overnight service expeditions for Middle School and High School youth that vary in length from one week to four weeks.  Leaders engage and mentor crews of approximately 6 youth members on natural resource projects in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Other duties include establishing and maintaining good working relationships with regional staff, members, project technical advisors, youth, and volunteers to ensure the successful on-site management of crews and monitoring of crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew functioning and ensures that policies and procedures are followed by all members of their crew. Work may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of projects, but not all Leaders will work on all types of projects. The Leader is an AmeriCorps participant and is entitled to the benefit package offered all AmeriCorps participant. The Leader and co-Leader are part of a leadership team working under the supervision of the Youth Program Coordinator. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations.

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 EL will apply acquired skills and knowledge in the mentoring and support of youth expedition participants.

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 and overnight camping experiences 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
• Make recommendations to regional staff 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
• Attend at least one public meeting and volunteer with local non-profit groups or agencies
• Assist with parent orientation

Special Benefits

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.

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

Encouraged Aptitude:

• 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 15-30 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• Trained on Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification
• Experience working with youth ages 11-18