Make a positive impact on the climate and environment, gain valuable leadership skills, and explore rugged landscapes while serving with the Montana Conservation Corps!
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.)
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 climate and environment, and transferable job 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! If you are looking for something unique, want to address urgent climate change issues, and want to make a positive impact on the environment, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!
The Employee Experience
The best way for us to describe the experience is through the words of someone who has served with us. Read about Evan Norman, Launch an Environmental Career through Service
Find out which program is right for you, the benefits of service, and how we support you during your time 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 climate and environment, 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, especially those coming from marginalized communities. 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 work, 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, the environment, 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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Community Spaces: Access to two community spaces, Corps Members of Color and LGBTQIA2+ Corps Members, to build community, connection, and support during the season.
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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, and Federal Hiring
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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, work 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.
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Make lasting changes to the environment, climate, and our communities. Learn more about how your service positively impacts the planet!
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!
How to Apply
Please apply on our website. Our applications are quick and easy, but please contact us if you have questions!