Forestry Crew Leader

Gain professional job skills, contribute to climate resilience, and launch your forestry career!

At MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills.  Crew Leaders and their crews will camp while working on physically demanding and essential natural resource and conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains.

Our crew leaders go through a leadership development program crafted over two decades to enhance their confidence, resilience, and technical capabilities. MCC Northern Rockies Forestry crews offer opportunities to gain considerable field experience in a variety of Forest Service timber management activities on both the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests. These crews engage with agency Timber, Fire and Silviculture personnel, and receive training in Tree Species ID, Timber Stand Assessment, Tree Marking, Timber Sale Boundary Marking, Tree Planting, Silviculture Prescriptions, Reforestation Plot Surveying, Chainsaw Operations/Maintenance, Precommercial Thinning, Fireline/Fuelbreak Operations, Biochar generation, and more.

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! Learn more about the project work here!

Location: Kalispell, MT

Ages: 18-35

Program Dates: 02/27/2023 - 08/11/2023 OR 02/27/2023 - 10/27/2023 (Extended Term)

Living Allowance: $1,120.00 biweekly before taxes are taken out

AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,447.50 upon completion of the program OR $4,826.50 upon completion of the program (Extended Term)

Health Insurance: Provided at no cost

Member Assistance Program: Free 24/7 access to confidential behavioral health counseling, financial assistance, medical/legal advocacy, and more!

Food Per Diem while on Projects

Access to Pro Deals

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

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Ages 18-35
• 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

Benefits:

• Education Award Use for student loans, certifications, work trade programs, education expenses, and more
• Forbearance for certain student loans while serving with AmeriCorps.
• FREE Health Insurance* (members serving over 4 months)
• Member Assistance Program (MAP) FREE access to 24/7 behavioral health resources. Also includes financial planning, legal assistance, life coaching, and more! 
• Living Allowance
• AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Meals provided while on projects
• Access to Pro Deals
• We provide uniform work shirts and transportation to work sites.
• 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
• Service Awards available to help purchase gear or travel to Montana.

Certifications (Depending on Position and Crew Type):

• First Aid & CPR
• Defensive Driving 
• Chainsaw Certification
• Crosscut Certification 

Training and Opportunities (Depending on Position and Crew Type):

• Training on Resume Building, Interviewing, and Federal Hiring
• Hand & Power Tool Use (including chainsaw and crosscut saw)
• Backcountry Travel & Navigation
• Trail Maintenance & Construction
• Leave No Trace
• Habitat Management & Improvement
• Learn about natural resource management
• Leadership, communication, and teamwork competencies
• Develop life skills, work skills, and a strong service ethic
• Connect with project partners: federal, state, and non-profits for career opportunities
• Join our network of alumni in natural resource careers all over the country
• Work in beautiful, wild, and protected places.
• Make lasting changes to the environment, climate, and our communities.

Learn more about Adult Conservation Crews on our website.

Full position description can be found here.

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.  Learn more about Identity and Equity @ MCC!

How to apply:

Apply on our website: https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/open-positions/