Want to impact the future? There is no better way than to be an Expedition Leader and guiding local Montana youth in conservation service-based outdoor projects on our public lands. Everyday is a little different. Some days you'll need to be creative and others supportive, but you have a chance to be significant in a youth's life and to be remembered. Your classroom... well it is some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Mountain West.   If you're committed and impassioned by making an impact on both the lives of youth and our public lands, then serving as a leader of a youth crew is the right position for you!

Lead crews with a co-leader for month long projects, working intensively in one community to fully explore a variety of hands-on natural resource projects.  Expedition crews are based in remote, rural communities around Montana, with crew sizes of 5-8 participants.  The youth participants typically camp much of the time.

Location: Bozeman or Kalispell, MT
Program Dates: May 17, 2021, to August 14, 2021
Living Allowance: $700 gross biweekly before taxes are taken out
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,172.50 upon completion of the program

Position Summary: The Leader will support high school youth in the successful completion of MCC natural resource and community service projects, provide on-site management of a youth crew, and actively facilitate crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew motivation and functioning. Leaders will do overnight service expeditions in two week “hitches”, with some four week sessions possible. Leaders engage crews of approximately 6 youth members on natural resource projects in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. High School Expedition Leaders and their crews will camp for the full duration of the session, oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions.

Work may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects. The Leader is an AmeriCorps participant and is entitled to the benefit package offered all AmeriCorps participants. 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, 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, strategies for healthy crew dynamics, technical and camp-life skills

● Provide guidance and support to youth members during day work projects and overnight camping experiences.

● Communicate and organize work in conjunction with the partner/technical advisor and assure project completion

● 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.

● 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 and high school student recruitment

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 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

Desired Additional Qualifications:

● Trained on Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification

● Experience working with youth ages 14-18

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.