Field Crew Leader

Field Crew Leader and Assistant Field Crew Leader

Field Crew Leader Positions full for 2025; Get Notified for 2026!

Benefits for all Crew Leader Positions:

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.
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!! 

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 is physically demanding, and could include trail maintenance and construction, habitat restoration, mesic restoration, planting, backcountry work, forest fuels reduction, and more. Not all Crew Leaders work on all types of projects! Learn more about the variety of project work here!

What you will get:

As a Crew Leader, you will participate in a 3 month dynamic and immersive leadership development program crafted over two decades to enhance your confidence, resilience, and technical capabilities.  You will engage in activities that will help you explore communication styles, develop emotional intelligence, master conflict resolution, and learn facilitation techniques to teach to different learning styles, and apply your knowledge to new scenarios. Through feedback, reflection, and discussion, you will leave with actionable strategies to become an effective leader.

You will also receive extensive technical training to cover a range of essential skills for outdoor professionals, including federally recognized certifications in chainsaw and crosscut use, defensive driving, and Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA). You will gain expertise in backcountry travel, trail maintenance, Leave No Trace principles, habitat management, and natural resource management. This comprehensive training equips crew leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for diverse situations and challenges. 

After a term of service with MCC as a Crew Leader, you will be mentally and physically stronger, more resilient, and have the ability to lead others with confidence. This isn’t just a chance to work in the field and have a positive impact on the environment. This is an opportunity to work on your personal growth, and be prepared to meet any challenge you face in the future.

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADULT CONSERVATION CREWS!

"I have become more confident in giving direction to others, more prepared/organized in planning. I have gained confidence in my ability to lead others in difficult situations, learned to be more decisive, and considerate of the whole group."    MCC Crewleader