Trails and Fuels Crew Member

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

Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service work 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 climate and environment, and transferable job skills.

What you will do:

As a crew member, you will work 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. This crew will work throughout the forest service and other agencies. Work will primarily consist of trail maintenance and construction, with the opportunity for prescribed burning in the fall (not guaranteed). Not all CMs will work on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief. Learn more about the variety of project work here!

Participants will have the opportunity to receive extensive training and potential certifications in wildland firefighting, including a nationally recognized chainsaw certification (S212), basic wildland firefighting classes (S130, S190, L180, IS100, IS700), in addition to having an opportunity to receive a wildland fire incident qualification “red” card. Should conditions allow, there may be an opportunity to participate in prescribed burning during the fall portion (final 3 weeks) of your term of service. This is NOT guaranteed. Members will be working on trail maintenance for the majority of their season!

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!

Who we are looking for:

We often see applicants who don’t realize they are qualified to take on a role here at MCC, especially those coming from marginalized communities. MCC is a developmental program and it is our job 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 job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, 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. Previous Corps experience is NOT REQUIRED to be a part of our MCC community.

What Qualities Make a Successful Crew Member at MCC:

A passion for service, the environment, 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.

Location: Helena, MT

Ages: 18-30, up to 35 for military veterans

Program Dates: 05/05/2025-11/14/2025

Living Allowance: $1,200 biweekly before taxes are taken out

AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,697.50 upon completion of the program

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.

Food Per Diem while on Projects

Access to Pro Deals

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