Youth Crew Leader

Gain professional job skills, become an effective leader, and mentor the next generation of land stewards!  

Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service and authentic connection, you can sharpen your ability to create change and join the next generation of leaders for a better world. At MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our public lands, and transferable career skills.

What you will do:  

Youth Program Leaders support and supervise Montana high school youth in the successful completion of natural resource and community service projects, provide on-site management of a youth crew, implement curriculum and actively facilitate crew dynamics to ensure a high level of crew community and safety. Youth Program Leaders will serve with a co-leader to oversee 4-6 youth participants on service projects. Youth participants are Montana high school aged residents and come from a variety of backgrounds.

Youth Program Leaders:

Youth Program Leaders serve out of both Bozeman & Kalispell locations. Youth Program Leaders and their crews will camp for the full duration of the hitch, oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions. Hitches are typically up to 10 days in length. Camping accommodations are typically tent camping in sites that you’re able to drive up to. Projects may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects.

Flathead Youth Corps Leaders:

This is a day-based program in the Kalispell region known as the Flathead Youth Corps. This crew operates on a four-day, 10-hour-per-day schedule. The Leaders for this crew will work with the same group of youth members for the duration of the summer on a 4-day, 10 hour day schedule. Youth participants are Montana high school aged residents and come from a variety of backgrounds. Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders will NOT be on overnight trips. Projects may include building or maintaining trails, building fences, and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects.

Who we are looking for:  

We often see applicants who don’t realize they are qualified to take on a leadership role here at MCC. MCC is a developmental program and it is our job to teach, train, and develop leadership competencies in our participants. We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. We encourage anyone to apply who has an interest in conservation and bettering themselves for the future.

What Qualities Make a Successful Youth Crew Leader at MCC:  

• A passion for service and conservation

• A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard 
• Experience and interest serving with youth

• Adaptability and flexibility

• A commitment to serving the whole term

• A growth mindset - coming willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself

• A commitment to motivating others and their success

• A desire to hone your personal leadership style
• A passion for serving with youth and the outdoors

Location: Bozeman or Kalispell, MT 

Program Dates: 5/11/2026/2025 - 8/13/2026

Living Allowance: $1,360 biweekly before taxes are taken out 

AmeriCorps Education Award:  

• Youth Program Leaders: $2,817.14 upon completion of the program
• Flathead Youth Corps Leaders: $1,956.35 upon completion of the program

FREE Health Insurance: Provided at NO COST

• Flathead Youth Corps Leaders are NOT eligible for Health Insurance  

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. 

Community Spaces: We offer community spaces to build community, connection, and support during the season. The groups meet regularly and are open to all participants who identify within the respective community.

Food Per Diem while on Projects 

• Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders will not receive overnight food per diem as they go home every night (day projects only)

Access to Pro Deals  

Housing options may be available in specific regions; talk with a Program Manager to learn more!!  

Watch these Videos to Learn More:  

Programmatic Duties:  

• Oversee implementation of all elements of the youth program, including mentoring and overseeing youth participants, facilitating educational lessons, fostering healthy crew culture and leading technical and field skills. 

• Provide daily guidance and support to youth members throughout the project day, including morning prep time and end of day activities.

• Hold youth participants accountable to MCC policies and code of conduct. Communicate disciplinary needs to staff as needed. 

• Communicate and organize projects 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 care and safety.

• Establish and maintain collaborative 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 

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.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools 

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Demonstrates strong service ethic and desire to serve the community 
• 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 
  • Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders will NOT be on overnight trips (day projects only)

• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service 

• Passion for serving with youth and the outdoors 

• Experience serving with youth ages 14-18 preferred but not required

MCC is committed to being welcoming to all and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.  

Special Benefits

Requirements

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.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repeatedly and use hand and power tools 

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Demonstrates strong service ethic and desire to serve the community 
• 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 
  • Flathead Youth Corps (Kalispell) Leaders will NOT be on overnight trips (day projects only)

• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service 

• Passion for serving with youth and the outdoors 

• Experience serving with youth ages 14-18 preferred but not required

Why work here

Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service work and authentic connection, you can sharpen your ability to create change and join the next generation of leaders for a better world. At MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills.