Montana Conservation Corps
Montana Conservation Corps
Currently recruiting for the season from January 5th, 2026 to November 13th, 2026.
Montana is filled with opportunities to explore wild and rugged landscapes. Picture yourself serving alongside others from across the country who share a passion for hard work and conservation of wild lands. You will engage in AmeriCorps national service, meaningful career development, and significant work in the great outdoors.
We serve in Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, every National Forest in Montana, several wilderness areas, surrounding states and their beautiful public lands (ID, WY, ND, SD), and a variety of other publicly owned places (BLM, USFWS, Montana State Parks, NPS, USFS, etc.)
- Location
- Montana
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- About 40 Full Time staff; Approximately 400 AmeriCorps Participants; Close to 300 Youth
- Housing
- Employer housing is not available, but resources are provided to help staff find housing in our area.
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Intermittent
About Montana Conservation Corps
Our mission is to inspire young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities. 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 public lands, and transferable career skills. There is no better backdrop for this type of learning experience and personal development than the wilds of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and the Dakotas, including: 15 million acres throughout 9 National Forests, 3.5 million acres throughout 15 Wilderness Areas, and Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.
Join AmeriCorps and become a National Service participant to give back to Montana’s communities and natural lands. You’ll take away a lifetime of memories, career skills, lasting friendships, and the tools to make a difference in your world. Our positions provide multiple connections to natural resource agencies, and training on gaining future careers!
Learn more about MCC's values!
The Employee Experience
Find out which program is right for you, the benefits of service, and the support we provide during your time with MCC. Learn more about the types of projects we complete!
Hear from previous corps members and leaders on their experience with MCC:
Ideal Candidate
Enthusiasm, excitement, and engagement! These three qualities will give you a life-altering experience with our organization. We are looking for individuals that are committed to personal growth and development, contributing positively to our public lands, and have a desire to gain skills for future career paths. Having former corps, trail work, or outdoor experience is not required to become a part of the Montana Conservation Corps!
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 role 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 position, therefore our position 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 Person Successful at MCC:
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A passion for service and conservation.
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A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard.
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Adaptability and flexibility.
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A commitment to serving the whole term.
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A growth mindset - coming willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself.
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A commitment to motivating others and their success.
Room and Board
For much of your season, you will find yourself sleeping in a tent for the majority of the time while on projects. That being said, you will need to find a place to stay for when you are not in your tent. MCC has housing options available, and our regional staff can help you in your search for adequate housing to meet your needs! We do provide food for the times you are out on a project so don't worry about that!
Employee Perks
Our tagline says it all: Tools for Living. Experience for Life.
There are SO many benefits to a term of service with MCC (depending on position and crew type):
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Education Award Use for student loans, certifications, work trade programs, education expenses, and more
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Forbearance for certain student loans while serving with AmeriCorps.
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FREE Health Insurance* (members serving over 4 months)
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Member Assistance Program: Free 24/7 access to confidential behavioral health counseling, financial assistance, medical/legal advocacy, and more!
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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
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Supportive coaching staff invested in your success.
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Living Allowance
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AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits
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Meals provided while on projects
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Access to Pro Deals
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We provide uniform work shirts and transportation to work sites.
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Tools and safety gear are covered. Things like hard hats, work gloves, ear protection, safety glasses and group camping gear. We have some items to loan if needed
Certifications (Depending on Position and Crew Type):
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First Aid & CPR
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Defensive Driving
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Chainsaw Certification
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Crosscut Certification
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Applicator License
Training and Opportunities (Depending on Position and Crew Type):
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Training on Resume Building & Interviewing
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Hand & Power Tool Use (including chainsaw and crosscut saw)
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Backcountry Travel & Navigation
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Trail Maintenance & Construction
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Leave No Trace
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Habitat Management & Improvement
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Learn about natural resource management
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Develop life skills, career skills, and a strong service ethic
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Connect with project partners: federal, state, and non-profits for career opportunities
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Join our network of alumni in natural resource careers all over the country
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Work in beautiful, wild, and protected places.
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Work in National Forests, Wilderness areas, and National Parks.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Once you are here it is your responsibility to commute to the regional office you are working out of. Most of the cities you work in are small enough to walk or bike to work. These communities also have public transportation available if you are not able to bring your own vehicle. Carpooling with your fellow co-workers will most likely be available.
Learn more about our communities and transportation on our Regional Office page!
For Fun
Montana is one of the recreation capitals of the world! Every community we have an office in has access to hiking, biking, fishing, water activities, skiing, backpacking, culture, history, and so much more! Thirty percent of Montana is public land, boasting more than 8 million acres of national forest including 15 specially designated wilderness areas. Not to mention Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Our landscapes comprise snow capped peaks, wild and scenic rivers, and thousands of species of flora and fauna. And we don't just work in Montana! We have projects in Wyoming, Idaho, and the Dakotas. A term of service with MCC provides an opportunity to explore the vast inner mountain west.
We have offices in Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. Click on a community to learn more! No one has it better than us!
Current Job Openings
Oversee the selection of Crew Leaders and Crew Members; conduct interviews, complete reference checks and pre-hire follow up forms.
Work closely with the State Office administrative team to ensure timely completion of AmeriCorps participant onboarding tasks.
Actively manage crew rosters and personnel to support program and project objectives throughout the field season.
Monitor and oversee participant wellness through medical screening during onboarding, workers compensation support and light-duty options for injuries, etc.
Monitor the timely submission and quality of all crew paperwork including Timesheets, Crew Reports, Incident Reports, Workers Compensation, Partner Evaluations, Project Accomplishments, and participant/program evaluations
Effectively utilize statewide file-sharing and database software in the interest of member management and program objectives
Monitor the accuracy and updating of regional tracking systems
Manage, track, and ensure compliance with regional training budget
Participate in statewide staff and peer meetings; participate in staff teams as needed
Participate in an emergency on-call schedule
Provide direct training and supervision to regional Field Coordinators and field program participants, including ongoing professional development, feedback, and periodic written evaluation of performance
Planning, coordination, and implementation of the Leadership Development Program
Provide leadership and coordinate appropriate levels of counseling support to crews and individual participants
Implement fair and appropriate discipline and behavior management for Coordinators, Leaders/Members as needed to maintain high functioning crews and strong morale throughout the region
Set appropriate standards for participant development; instill a culture of inclusion, caring and professionalism; cultivate safety awareness within crews; ensure compliance with MCC policies and safety standards; monitor and ensure documentation of participant performance
Design, organize and implement regional trainings as determined by regional and statewide program teams
Work with the statewide Program Manager team to create and maintain statewide participant development resources
Ensure high quality implementation of MCC programming thorough knowledge of MCC program objectives as well as education and training curriculum, most notably the Leadership Development Program.
Assist with Project Information Sheets and project coordination, site visits, crew debriefs as necessary/appropriate, and assisting with the management of regional operations
Attend and support statewide trainings when requested
Aid in the development of MCC-hosted community projects and generation of volunteers for those projects
Cultivate a welcoming environment for all members and staff
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
Previous supervision experience
Strong interpersonal and administrative skills, ability to effectively communicate through written word and orally
Three years of experience in youth development, outdoor recreation, education, or natural resource work
Relevant technical skills including trail maintenance and construction, chainsaw use and maintenance, fencing, stream bank restoration, Leave No Trace and backcountry travel
Ability to be away on overnight trips for up to a week at a time, often camping in a tent
Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel, cloud-based collaborative systems, as well as G Suite for businesses
Minimum age of 21
A valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and ability to be insurable per MCC parameters
Ability to attain Wilderness Advanced First-Aid/CPR certification; advanced levels of First-Aid preferred
Ability to pass a Criminal History Check
Regional Program Manager
Job Title: Regional Program Manager
Reports to: Regional Director
Classification: Regular, Full-time
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
About MCC
Montana Conservation Corps is a nonprofit organization that engages youth and young adults through hands-on conservation service and education. Our participants focus on physically demanding and essential natural resource and conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains. Here at MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our public lands, and transferable career skills. MCC offers crew-based programming that uses natural resource and community service projects to foster personal and crew development. Through a term of service with MCC, participants will learn practical career skills, build confidence, strengthen communication and leadership competencies, and develop the ability to collaborate well with people from all walks of life.
Position Overview
The Regional Program Manager (PM) staff position is responsible for the internal operations and day-to-day management of Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) field programs and participants within a region, including the supervision of regional Field Coordinators. Primary duties include participant hiring and onboarding, program implementation, quality monitoring and reporting of all MCC field programs operating within the region, oversight of member and leader progress toward completion of program objectives, compliance with all MCC policies, procedures, protocols, and adherence to safety and administrative standards. The Program Manager must develop and maintain a good working relationship with Crew Leaders and Members, project partners, community partners, regional and statewide staff.
Location: Helena, MT
Start Date: 11/16/2026
Wage: $55,120 Annually
Classification: Regular Full Time
Status: Exempt
Benefits: Health Insurance (MCC pays 90% for an individual / 70% for a family); 4 weeks annual vacation, 12 days annual sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and programmatic break (Fridays off from Thanksgiving to New Years); retirement plan match up to 5% after one year
Apply Here: https://www.mtcorps.org/about-us/careers/
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative:
Supervision:
Programmatic:
Qualifications & Skills
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
This position description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties beyond those listed.
Big Sky Watershed Corps Member
Position Summary
Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals.
BSWC members develop and implement conservation resiliency initiatives through stream and riparian restoration projects, re-vegetation projects, low-tech process-based restoration, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, terrestrial/aquatic invasive species removal, abandoned mine reclamation, beaver mimicry, irrigation infrastructure improvements, watershed inventories and more. BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education by engaging local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, trainings, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, BSWC members confront conservation challenges with innovative solutions developed in direct partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders.
Location: Host site placement locations vary across Montana in town size, organization type and size, project work, and more.
Program Dates: 01/4/2027 - 11/12/2027
Living Allowance: $1,200 biweekly
AmeriCorps Education Award: $7,395 upon completion of the program
Member Assistance Program: Free access to confidential mental health services, medical advocacy, financial assistance, legal assistance, life coaching and more.
FREE Health Insurance
Other Benefits: Training in relevant job skills, networking and mentorship, supportive coaching staff, community and cohort connections, and more!
Apply Here: https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/individual-placement-programs/big-sky-watershed-corps.html
Primary Duties:
● Partner with Host Site staff/mentors to develop and implement watershed-related field projects.
● Assist Host Site staff/mentors in the completion of watershed-related plans.
● Recruit and manage volunteers on field and service projects; ensure participant safety on all projects.
● Develop materials (brochures, posters, etc.) to use in community presentations.
● Conduct community outreach to educate community stakeholders about watershed issues.
● Collaborate with schools and/or youth groups to develop field projects or educational presentations.
● Maintain accurate personnel, safety and project records.
● Complete and submit required program reports and evaluations in a timely manner.
● Attend program-hosted trainings (in-person and online) and member/staff meetings as set by program guidelines.
● Help develop, write and submit watershed-related plans, proposals, reports, and grants
Qualifications:
● College degree (B.A./B.S.), preferably in a natural resource related field.
● U.S. citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
● Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
● Ability to provide personal transportation to worksites, housing and trainings.
● Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a motor vehicle records check (depends on host site)
● Ability to connect with and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
● Open and adaptable to new environments, different perspectives and rural communities.
Desired Experience:
● Previous watershed-related experience, including fieldwork, data collection and analysis, or plan development.
● Previous teaching or volunteer management experience.
MCC is committed to being welcoming to all and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.
This description outlines key responsibilities but is not all-inclusive. MCC positions may require additional duties as assigned.
How to Apply
Please apply on our website. Our applications are quick and easy, but please contact us if you have questions!
Contact Info
- Caleb Stewart
- caleb@mtcorps.org
- (406) 587-4475
