Forestry Crew Leader

Montana Conservation Corps

About the organization

Montana Conservation Corps is a nonprofit organization that engages youth and young adults through hands-on conservation service and education. Our participants work on physically demanding and essential natural resource and conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. Here at MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills. MCC offers crew-based programming that uses natural resource and community service projects to foster personal and crew development. Our main goal is not to build trails but to help members develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to be active citizens in their community. Through a term of service with MCC, participants will learn practical job skills, build confidence, strengthen communication and leadership competencies, and develop the ability to work well with people from all walks of life.

Duties

As a crew leader, you will work to oversee 3-4 adult crew members on 4-9 day overnight conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. Some crew leaders will lead a crew solo, some will lead with a co-leader, and some will have an assistant crew leader. The crew you will oversee will be made up of adults who are 17-30 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds and locations throughout the country. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to facilitate crew member growth, manage conflict on their crew, and support the crew in completing quality project work in the field.
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. Project work could include Tree Marking, Timber Sale Boundary Marking, Tree Planting, Silviculture Prescriptions, Reforestation Plot Surveying, Chainsaw Operations/Maintenance, Precommercial Thinning, Fireline/Fuelbreak Operations, Biochar generation, and more. Not all CLs will work on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief.

Qualifications

High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
Ages 18-35 (21 or over preferred)
US Citizen, National or lawful permanent resident
Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
Ability to eventually hike 3-20 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
Ability to obtain Wilderness Advanced First Aid/CPR training. (Training is reimbursable to allotted amount/ MCC provides training)
Demonstrates 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 10 days at a time
Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
21 years old on the start date of the program

Salary

$1,360 biweekly AmeriCorps living stipend

Application instructions

Contact email: [email protected]

Location: Kalispell, Missoula, or Bozeman MT
Ages: 18-35 (21 or over preferred)
Program Dates:
2/26/2024-10/25/2024 (Kalispell or Bozeman)
2/26/2024 - 08/09/2024 (Kalispell or Missoula)
Living Allowance: $1,360 biweekly ($2,720 p/month) before taxes are taken out
AmeriCorps Ed Award:
$4,826.50 upon completion of the program (October End Date)
$3,447.50 upon completion of the program (August End Date)
Health Insurance: Provided at NO COST
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: Access to two community spaces, Corps Members of Color and LGBTQIA2+ Corps Members, to build community, connection, and support during the season.

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Equal Opportunity Employment

The posting employer has certified that this announcement complies with Peace Corps’ Equal Opportunity Employment policy:

The Peace Corps is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, Volunteers, and applicants for employment and volunteer service. Peace Corps policy prohibits discrimination and harassment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or over), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, union membership, genetic information, or history of participation in the Equal Employment Opportunity process, grievance procedure, or any authorized complaint procedure.

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