Senior Expedition Leader

Reports To: Regional Youth Program Manager

Classification: AmeriCorps Participant

Position Summary:

The intention of this position is both to build organizational capacity and professional development for the applicant. Primary responsibilities of the Senior Expedition Leader (SEL) include supporting the development of Expedition and YCC Leaders, field visitation and logistical support to help ensure the successful completion of youth projects and programming, and to ensure daily program operations.  The Youth Program Coordinator will supervise and support this position as they work with crew leaders and staff. The SEL will maintain communication between the office and the field and often work independently.   The SEL helps ensure that policies and procedures are followed by all members and leaders while establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with project partners, parents/guardians, and community organizations. In the event of a crew leader's absence, the SEL will be asked to lead or join an existing crew when necessary. 

 The SEL is an AmeriCorps member and is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps members. This is NOT a 9-5 job, rather a commitment to service and an experience where long hours and extended time away from your home base are to be expected (Depending on the time of season, this position will easily average over 50 hours per week).    SELs must be self-motivated and flexible in order to meet the changing needs of the position. Additionally, strong communication skills and solution-oriented mindset is valuable. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations and will be working with Montana Youth of a variety of backgrounds.

Senior Expedition Leaders will have the opportunity to earn certifications such as Wilderness Advanced First Aid, and participation in workshops such as Facilitative Leadership and Managing Behavior Using Restorative Justice.  The SEL will apply their skills and knowledge in the mentoring and support of Expedition Leaders and Youth crew members. 

Programmatic Duties:

• Provide in-field support for leaders and crews, both through day and overnight trips to check-in on crews and by filling in for longer periods as a leader due to unforeseen circumstances. Support could be logistical, in response to an incident or general technical crew support. 
• Actively participate in MCC’s Expedition Leader Training, gaining knowledge of, and demonstrating investment in, MCC’s approach to fulfilling its mission
• Assist staff in planning and implementing training for youth and leaders such as field skills, youth management, conflict resolution.
• Facilitate and deliver MCC education curriculum components to leaders and crews in the field. This curriculum is based in experiential learning, inclusion and youth empowerment. 
• Ensure safety as the top priority during all MCC activities and projects; promote a ‘culture of safety’ with emphasis on adherence to MCC policies and procedures
• Assist staff with recruitment of expedition crew members
• Represent MCC positively by wearing the MCC uniform and acting in a professional and respectful manner at all times while representing MCC
• Assist in planning, coordinating and leading volunteer service opportunities with local community organizations and partners.
• Assist in project logistics, including coordinating the regional tool shop, assisting with regional inventory, field visits to crews, and communicating with project partners from the office
• Provide technical training, assistance and guidance to crews and leaders as needed
• Support Expedition Leaders with leadership or crew dynamic challenges and help facilitate debriefs
• Demonstrate an ability to work across differences to promote inclusion of all participants

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate crew, project, program, and safety records
• Maintain accurate inventory and records
• Complete and submit required reports and other paperwork in a timely manner before end of term of service
• Provide information for evaluation of Expedition Leaders and Expedition Members; including both positive feedback and areas of potential improvement

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 Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent 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
• Experience working with youth 
• 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 1-26 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors

MCC is committed to being diverse, welcoming, and inclusive. We are working to reduce barriers to participating in our programs. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.