Senior Youth Crew Leader

Reports To: Regional Youth Program Manager

Classification: AmeriCorps Participant

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Youth Program Manager, the Senior Youth Crew Leader works closely with the youth staff to deliver a high-quality experience for both leaders and youth participants. They assist this team by mentoring and supporting Expedition Leaders throughout their training and field season, ensuring the successful completion of MCC youth projects and programming, and the adherence of all MCC policies and procedures. While supporting crews in the field, this person will need to maintain strong working relationships with project partners, parents/guardians, and community organizations. If the need arises, the Senior Youth Crew Leader may be called upon to lead or join an existing crew for the duration of the hitch. This could be anywhere from one night to eleven days.
 

While coming into this position with technical trail skills can be helpful, it is not necessary. The Senior Youth Crew Leader will participate in the Adult Program Leadership Development Program (LDP), beginning on 2/24/25, where they will have the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, technical training, and field skills development, as well as engage in early-season projects to further enhance their skill set. Additional Youth Program-specific training will be provided leading up to the start of the youth season. Through the Adult Program LDP, the Senior Youth Crew Leader will be eligible to earn Chainsaw and Crosscut certification, as well as Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification. In this role, the Senior Youth Crew Leader will apply their skills and knowledge to mentor Expedition Leaders and support the successful delivery of the Youth Program in collaboration with the Youth Program staff team, while providing on-the-ground field support to youth crews.

Programmatic Duties:

• Provide in-field support for leaders and crews, both through day and overnight trips to check-in on crews and by filling in for longer periods as a leader as needed. Support could be logistical, in response to an incident or general technical crew support.
• Actively participate in MCC’s Expedition Leader Training, gaining knowledge of, and demonstrating investment in, MCC’s approach to fulfilling its mission
• Assist staff in planning and implementing training for youth and leaders such as field skills, youth management, conflict resolution.
• Facilitate and deliver MCC education curriculum components to leaders and crews in the field. This curriculum is based in experiential learning, inclusion and youth empowerment.
• Ensure safety as the top priority during all MCC activities and projects; promote a ‘culture of safety’ with emphasis on adherence to MCC policies and procedures
• Assist staff with recruitment of youth expedition crew members by leading school visits and tabling at career fairs
• Represent MCC positively by wearing the MCC uniform and acting in a professional and respectful manner at all times while representing MCC
• Assist in planning, coordinating and leading volunteer service opportunities with local community organizations and partners.
• Assist in project logistics, including coordinating the tool shop, assisting with inventory, field visits to crews, and communicating with project partners from the office when requested.
• Provide technical training, assistance and guidance to crews and leaders as needed
• Support Expedition Leaders with leadership or crew dynamic challenges and help facilitate debriefs Demonstrate an ability to work across differences to promote inclusion of all participants

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate crew, project, program, and safety records
• Maintain accurate inventory and records

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 Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent 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
• Experience working with youth
• 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 1-14 days at a time
• Commitment to completing term; available for duration of entire term of service
• Passion for working with youth and the outdoors
• WAFA is required by the start of the season and training is reimbursable to allotted amount; MCC provided training will be available prior to the Youth Program season

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.