Montana Conservation Corps believes that through conservation service 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.
Location: Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula MT
Ages: 21-35
Program Dates: 02/09/2025-10/22/2025
Living Allowance: $1,440 biweekly ($2,880 p/month) before taxes are taken out
AmeriCorps Education Award: $5,176.50 upon completion of the program
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!
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
Supportive coaching staff invested in your success.
Community Spaces: We offer community spaces to build community, connection, and support during the season. The groups meet regularly and are open to all participants who identify within the respective community.
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!!
Learn More About Adult Conservation Crews (view full position descriptions)!
What you will do:
The Field Support Technician (FST) responsibilities include supporting the training of Field Leaders and providing field visitation and logistical support to help ensure the successful completion of MCC projects and programming. In addition, FSTs will help ensure regional operations run smoothly. The FST, under the supervision of the Regional Program Manager, works with all regional staff and must maintain communication between the office and the field. The FST helps ensure that MCC policies and procedures are followed by all members and leaders while establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with project partners. The FST will be called upon to lead or join an existing crew when necessary. 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. Serving as a FST at MCC means having passion for service to others, wild lands, wild places, and personal growth. FSTs must be self-motivated and flexible in order to meet the changing needs of the position. The FST is an AmeriCorps participant and is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps participants.
Field Support Technicians understand that commitment, flexibility and self-motivation are integral to maintaining the high expectations placed upon them. They use their training, experience and commitment to facilitate their region’s Crew Leader and Crew Member development. They are creative in their approach to problem solving and motivating others, and are invested in the idea that their personal development and growth as a leader are most fully realized when used in service to their crews, their communities and the environment.
MCC crews will camp for the full duration of a hitch (i.e. 4-9 day project assignment), oftentimes in remote locations on varied terrain and in all weather conditions. Camping accommodations vary, including car-camping and remote backcountry settings away from a vehicle. Since this position supports all types of crews in the field, service may include building or maintaining trails, treating or removing invasive species, building fences, operating chainsaws to reduce wildfire risks by thinning trees, among many other types of projects. Not all FSTs will serve on all types of projects!
Who we are looking for:
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 mission 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 service term, 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 Successful Field Support Technician at MCC:
A passion for service and conservation.
A positive mental attitude and seeing others with positive regard.
Adaptability and flexibility.
A commitment to serving the whole term.
A growth mindset - coming willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself.
A commitment to motivating others and their success.
A desire to hone your personal leadership style
A desire to spend ample time in the field with crew doing project service
Experience with field-based programming, mentorship, and teaching
Watch these Videos to Learn More:
MCC is committed to being welcoming to all and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.
Qualifications:
High school degree, GED, or willingness to pursue obtaining a GED
US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident
Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check
21+ years old by the start date
Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check, and drive a company vehicle
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)
Strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment
Willingness to serve long 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
Technical field skills related to trails, saw use, mesic restoration, weed management, campcraft, wilderness travel, and backcountry living
Montana Conservation Corps is a nonprofit organization that engages youth and adults through hands-on conservation service and education. Our participants work on physically demanding and essential natural resource and conservation projects on some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northern Rockies and Plains. Here at MCC, we focus on the growth of our participants, positively impacting our climate and environment, and transferable job skills. Founded in 1991, MCC is a private, nonprofit organization. There are 4 regions, with approximately 40 staff and 450 members who serve each year in leader, member or intern positions. MCC receives Federal grant money through the Corporation for National & Community Service. This grant is used to provide participant stipends and education awards, as well as to support our programming: offering leadership development to Leaders and Members. MCC offers individual and crew-based programming that uses natural resource and community service projects to foster personal and crew development. While most of the work we accomplish is in the field, our main goal is not to build trails but to help members develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to be active citizens in their community. Through a term of service with MCC, participants will learn practical job skills, build confidence, strengthen communication and leadership competencies, and develop the ability to work well with people from all walks of life.
Check out our “Why Join MCC” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_fFkN6qrQ
Learn More about Community @ MCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-eeiJoFGqE
What a Day Looks Like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUFpbBeyxsw&t=1s
Individual Placement Programs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmU2ho5jzNc&t=1s