Youth Expedition Leaders

Reports to: Regional Youth Program Manager

Classification: AmeriCorps Participant

Position Summary: 

The Leader will support 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.   Expedition Leaders will work with a co-leader to oversee 4-6 youth participants on 11-day overnight service projects.  Youth participants are Montana residents ages 14-18 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds. Each expedition will be with a different roster of youth participants.  Expedition Leaders and their crews will camp for the full duration of the 11-day session, oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions. Camping accommodations vary, but tend to be car-camping in backcountry settings. Work may include building or maintaining trails, building fences and habitat restoration, among many other types of conservation projects.

This is NOT a 9-5 job, rather a commitment to service and an experience where long hours and extended time away from your home base are to be expected (Depending on the time of season, this position will easily average over 50 hours per week). Leaders must be self-motivated and flexible in order to meet the changing needs of the position. Additionally, strong communication skills and solution-oriented mindset is valuable. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations and will be working with Montana Youth of a variety of backgrounds.

The Leader is an AmeriCorps participant and is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps participants. The Leader and co-Leader are part of a leadership team working under the supervision of the Youth Program Manager. 

Expedition leaders will have the opportunity to earn certifications such as Wilderness Advanced First Aid, and participation in workshops such as Facilitative Leadership and managing behavior using Restorative Justice.  The EL will apply acquired skills and knowledge in the mentoring and support of youth expedition participants.

Programmatic Duties:

• Oversee implementation of all elements of the youth program, including formal education curriculum, strategies for  healthy crew dynamics, technical and camp-life skills
• Provide guidance and support to youth members during day work projects and overnight camping experiences.
• Hold youth participants accountable to MCC policies and code of conduct. Communicate disciplinary needs to staff as needed.
• Communicate and organize work 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 safety
• Establish and maintain good working 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 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
• Demonstrates strong service ethic and 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 14-30 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth ages 14-18

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.

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.