Overview

Lead a Youth Crew - Overview

Montana Conservation Corps Youth Program is committed to providing meaningful learning experiences for AmeriCorps members and youth participants ages 14–18. We create safe, hands-on, work-based learning opportunities that foster personal growth, build professional skills, and prepare participants for success.

There is one Youth Crew Leader position. After you apply, MCC will match you with the best-fit crew type.

Looking to take the next step? Learn more about our Field Support Technician (FST) role below.

Types of Crews You May Lead

The Youth Program offers two types of crews for youth participants. Each of the following crews will be led by two co-leaders. These leaders will be the main sources of supervision while the crews are out in the field.

During the day, leaders guide crews of 4-6 youth through conservation service projects, facilitate team-building, and lead lessons from our curriculum. Projects may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, or habitat restoration. For overnight programs, leaders will also supervise youth during camp chores, meals, and morning/evening routines.

National Park Service Expeditions:

These are volunteer conservation crews, ages 14 - 18, based out of Glacier or Yellowstone National Park. Each crew meets near its regional office, departs for a 9-day overnight hitch, and returns for a group celebration. Crews will camp for the entire hitch. Leaders will guide four separate service expedition crews throughout the season. Between hitches, leaders will enjoy a 4-day weekend. 

Youth Corps:

In collaboration with local land agencies, two MCC leaders will guide a crew of local youth, enrolled as AmeriCorps members (ages 17-18), on four conservation-focused hitches. Most projects will be based in a new location each hitch, offering an opportunity to work with different project partners and explore new areas! This full-season commitment allows crews to build strong relationships and develop leadership and career skills.

There are two Youth Corps offerings:

• A day program based out of the Northern Regional office: Crews work four 10-hour days per week. At the end of each day, leaders and members return home. Following the work week, leaders and members will enjoy a 3-day weekend.
• Overnight program based out of the Southern and Northern regional offices: Crews work four 9-day hitches throughout the season. Leaders pick up members at a designated location, travel to the hitch site, and spend 9 days in the field before dropping youth off and debriefing. After each hitch, leaders and members will enjoy a 4-day weekend.

Looking for More Experience?

Field Support Technicians (FSTs) collaborate closely with the youth staff to deliver a high-quality experience for both leaders and youth participants. They assist this team by mentoring and supporting Youth Crew Leaders throughout the season, ensuring the successful completion of MCC youth projects and programming, and adherence to policies and procedures. While supporting crews in the field, this person will need to maintain strong relationships with project partners, parents/guardians, and community organizations. If the need arises, the FST may be called upon to lead or join an existing crew for the remaining duration of the hitch.

The FST will participate in the Adult Program Leadership Development Program (LDP), where they will have the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, technical training, and field skills development, as well as engage in early-season projects to further enhance their skill set. Additional Youth Program-specific training will be provided leading up to the start of the youth season.

Benefits

• Living Stipend: $1,360 biweekly before taxes (Youth Leaders); $1,440 biweekly before taxes (Youth Field Support Technicians)
• AmeriCorps Education Award: $2,817.14 upon completion of the program
  • Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders: $1,956.35 upon completion of the program
• FREE Health Insurance (not available for Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders)
• Member Assistance Program: FREE access to confidential behavioral health counseling, financial assistance, medical/legal advocacy, and more 
• Supportive coaching staff invested in your success
• Food per diem while on projects
• Pro Deals to buy discounted gear
• Housing/Camping options may be available in specific regions

Apply

Learn More About the Experience

Here is what you can expect during a season of leading Montana youth:

In the Field - Youth Program

Youth Crew Leader FAQ

Gear List - Youth Leaders

What is AmeriCorps?

Benefits of Service

Support we provide

Check out the Greater Yellowstone Regional Office page for more information on our Southern Branch location

Check out the Northern Rockies Regional Office page for more information on our Northern Branch location