Wildland Restoration Team Leader

Reports to: Regional Program Manager

Classification: AmeriCorps Participant

Position Summary:

The Crew Leader (CL) will assist in the successful completion of MCC natural resource and community service projects, on- site management, and monitoring of crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew motivation and functioning, as well as the delivery of the full range of MCC program components. Crew Leaders 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. Crew Leaders will oversee 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.   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. Serving as a CL at MCC means having passion for service to others, for wild lands and wild places, for personal growth, or for any number of MCC’s values. 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. The CL is the primary in-field liaison between regional staff and the on-site project partner or technical advisor, generally an employee of the land management agency or group working with the crew. The CL will also establish and maintain a good working relationship with other partner personnel, Crew Members, MCC staff and volunteers who come into contact with the crew. The CL prioritizes Crew Member development through program delivery, project work, and adherence to MCC policies and procedures. The CL is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps participants.

Wildland Restoration Teams participate in a variety of innovative wetlands and habitat restoration projects, including managing invasive plants through herbicide application, seed collection, and various mesic restoration techniques including beaver mimicry and in-stream beaver-dam analog construction, a simple, effective, and non-invasive approach to riparian restoration. Projects are often rigorous, requiring participants to carry a heavy backpack sprayer and working in hot weather across rugged terrain while wearing protective gear.

Mesic Restoration work will have a main focus on mesic restoration techniques including beaver mimicry and in-stream beaver-dam analog construction, a simple, effective, and non-invasive approach to riparian restoration.  Crews will construct beaver mimicry structures (Low Tech Process Based Restoration) to effectively slow down and spread water over the landscape to expand critical habitat, mitigate wildfire, reduce invasive species and increase water availability in traditionally parched times of year. The mesic team leader position is based in Helena, MT with extensive travel to the central and eastern part of the state required.

Crew Leaders understand that commitment, flexibility and self-motivation are integral to maintaining the high expectations placed upon them. They use their training, experience and commitment to facilitate their crew’s development. They are creative in their approach to problem solving and motivating others, and are invested in the idea that their personal development and growth as a leader are most fully realized when used in service to their crews, their communities and the environment.

Primary Work: Work may include chemical, mechanical, or biological techniques to manage invasive plants, watershed restoration, and many other types of restoration projects. Not all CLs will work on all types of projects. Crews may be deployed for natural disaster relief.

Programmatic Duties:

• Actively participate in MCC’s Leadership Development Program, gaining knowledge of, and demonstrating investment in, MCC’s approach to fulfilling its mission
• Guide, support and assist Crew Members to ensure quality work performance, safety, and crew well being
• Communicate and organize service work in conjunction with the partner/land management agency’s technical advisor; ensure project completion to the satisfaction of partner expectations
• 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
• Make recommendations to regional staff for fair and appropriate behavior management of Crew Members as needed
• Oversee implementation of all elements of the Crew Member Development program, including delivery of MCC’s formal education curriculum, ensuring successful Crew Member performance of crew roles and by providing opportunities for Crew Members feel empowered to take on leadership roles
• Instruct Crew Members in all relevant technical project skills necessary to promote safety and high-quality project completion. Skills include, but are not limited to: situational awareness, proper tool use, ergonomics/body mechanics and appropriate methods for project implementation which meet partner agency standards
• Teach Crew Members all relevant camp-life skills, including, but not limited to: leave-no-trace ethics, group kitchen setup/use, hygiene methods and waste management
• Provide technical, logistical and leadership support to crews and individual Crew Members
• Promote a positive public image for MCC by wearing the MCC uniform and acting in a professional and respectful manner at all times while representing MCC
• Attend and assist in MCC-hosted service days with members of the community and other MCC events
• Fulfill other program-specific requirements such as those focused on civic engagement
• Demonstrate an ability to work across differences to promote inclusion of all participants
• Contribute to MCC diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

Administrative Duties:

• Provide information for development and evaluation of Crew Members; including both positive feedback and areas of potential improvement
• Maintain accurate records, including timesheets, personnel, Crew Member development, inventory, safety and work project records
• Complete and submit required reports and other paperwork in a timely manner before end of term of service

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• US Citizen, National or lawful permanent resident
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
• Ability to eventually hike 3-20 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
• Ability to obtain Wilderness Advanced First Aid/CPR training. (Training is reimbursable to allotted amount/ MCC provides training)
• Demonstrates 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 10 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check
• 21 years old on the start date of the program

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.