Crew Member - Wildland Restoration Team (Fall)

Employer
Montana Conservation Corps
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

Program Dates: 08/03/2026 -10/16/2026

Job description:
Gain professional career skills, explore the wilds of the Northern Rockies, and launch your natural resource career!

Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service and authentic connection, you can sharpen your ability to create change and join the next generation of leaders for a better world. At MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our public lands, and transferable career skills.

What you will do:
As a crew member, you will serve on 4-9 day overnight conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. Your crew will be made up of adults who are 17-30 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds and locations throughout the country.

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. Not all CMs will serve on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief. Projects & Crew types may shift during the season.

Wildland Restoration Teams collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders (private, government, and non-profit) in order to achieve large scale land conservation efforts with rural communities throughout the state of Montana.

Wildland Restoration Teams participate in the identification, treatment and inventory of invasive plant species. Utilizing chemical, mechanical and biological treatment techniques. Projects may include chainsaw use. Wetlands and habitat restoration projects: including managing invasive plants through herbicide application, seed collection, and/ or various stream restoration techniques. Projects are often rigorous, requiring participants to carry a heavy backpack sprayer in hot weather across rugged terrain while wearing protective gear. Members may also participate in other conservation projects such as trail maintenance, fencing, and other types of projects.

What you will get:
Crew Members receive extensive training in technical skills, federal hiring, communication, teamwork, and much more. Through a term of service with MCC, participants not only walk away with valuable technical and field skills, but also develop competencies to achieve success in a wide variety of careers. Crew Members experience the full measure of their character and discover their capacity to lead change in their communities and, just as importantly, in their own lives.

A term of service with MCC places our participants in an excellent position for future federal hiring and conservation careers!

Learn More About Adult Conservation Crews: https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/adult-conservation-crews/

Who we are looking for:
We often see applicants who don’t realize they are qualified to take on a role here at MCC. MCC is a developmental program and it is our role to teach, train, and develop leadership competencies in our participants. We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a service term, therefore our position descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. We encourage anyone to apply who has an interest in conservation and bettering themselves for the future.

What Qualities Make a Successful Crew Member at MCC:

  • A passion for service and conservation.
  • A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard.
  • Adaptability and flexibility.
  • A commitment to serving the whole term.
  • A growth mindset - coming willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself.

Qualifications:

  • High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
  • Ages: 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans
  • US Citizenship or lawful permanent US Resident
  • 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
  • Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
  • Available for duration of entire term of service; commitment to completing term
  • 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 10 days at a time
Job Field:
Forestry
Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Water and Soil Resources
Job Type:
Seasonal, Temporary, Internship
Location Detail:
Bozeman and Kalispell, MT
Salary:
Living Allowance: $1,200 biweekly before taxes are taken out
Job Benefits:

Benefits:

  • Education Award Use for student loans, certifications, work trade programs, education expenses, and more
  • AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,565.08 upon completion of the program
  • Forbearance for certain student loans while serving with AmeriCorps.
  • 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: We offer community spaces to build community, connection, and support during the season. The groups meet regularly and are open to all participants who identify within the respective community.
  • Living Allowance
  • AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Meals provided while on projects
  • Access to Pro Deals
  • We provide uniforms and transportation to project sites.
  • Tools and safety gear are covered. Things like hard hats, 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):

  • First Aid & CPR
  • Defensive Driving
  • Chainsaw Certification
  • Crosscut Certification

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
  • Leadership, communication, and teamwork competencies
  • Develop life skills, career 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
  • Serve in beautiful, wild, and protected places.

Housing options may be available in specific regions; talk with a Program Manager to learn more!!

How to apply:

Apply online at the direct job posting link below!

To see all current open opportunities, visit https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/open-positions/

Application Deadline:
Link to Full Job Posting:
https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/adult-conservation-crews/field-program-member-p…

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