GAIN PROFESSIONAL JOB SKILLS, CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE, AND LAUNCH YOUR WILDLAND FIRE CAREER!

MCC is hiring Women’s Fuels & Fire Crew Members!  We focus on the growth of our members, transferable job skills, and making a positive impact on the climate and environment.   This crew offers an intentional and  supportive work environment  for anyone who identifies as a woman and/or femme. We welcome trans applicants who are comfortable in a femme-identifying space.  MCC’s Women’s Fuels and Fire Crews work in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) with one crew working primarily in Yellowstone National Park and the other in Grand Teton National Park. This program focuses heavily on education and exposure, providing participants with the opportunity to shadow and work alongside our agency partners to gain skills and knowledge in natural resource management, specifically related to the field of wildland firefighting. 

Location: Bozeman, MT

Ages: 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans
Term Dates: 5/1/2023-8/11/2023
Living Allowance: $920.00 biweekly before taxes are taken out
Education Award: $1,718.25 upon completion of 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!! 

Participants will have the opportunity to receive extensive training and potential certifications in wildland firefighting, including a nationally recognized chainsaw certification (S212), basic wildland firefighting classes (S130, S190, L180, IS100, IS700), in addition to having an opportunity to receive a  wildland fire incident qualification “red” card.  Additionally, our partners will work to mentor participants, helping to support their growth and build a resume to apply for federal wildland fire jobs. Project work will vary, but will include habitat restoration and fuels reduction with a partial focus on chainsaw use, and a general emphasis on gaining knowledge of the professional pathways that exist within our Federal Land Management Agencies.

Should conditions allow, upon completion of your term of service with MCC it is the goal of the National Park Service to provide you with the opportunity to deploy on a fire assignment. Fire rolls depend on need and can start 2-20 days after your term of service ends in mid-August. Rolls vary in length depending on need from 14-30 days. If the need arises after your MCC season concludes, crews will communicate directly with NPS partners to join a fire role or any other alternative assignment as AD (administratively determined) hires.  You will NOT be on an active fire/prescribed burn during your term with Montana Conservation Corps.  

This is a great opportunity to get exposure to the world of wildland fire and the unique professional opportunities that exist beyond fighting on the front lines, and is an excellent stepping stone for future career opportunities.  If you are looking for something unique, love learning, and want to address urgent climate change issues, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! 

There will be 2 different crews for the 2023 season; the programs are all similar, but project work and season can vary between crews:

• National Park Service (NPS), Grand Teton National Park

• National Park Service (NPS), Yellowstone National Park

Participants must pass medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty wildland firefighting. 

Qualifications:

• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED.

• Ages 17-30, up to 35 for military veterans.

• US Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent Resident.

• 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.

• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check.

• Available for duration of entire term of service; commitment to completing term.

• Strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment.

• Willing to work long, hard hours in all weather conditions.

• Ability to be away on overnight trips for up to 10 days at a time.

Duties:

• Ensure safety is the top priority during all MCC activities and projects; promote a ‘culture of safety’.

• Accomplish project goals to the standards and satisfaction of MCC, Crew Leaders, and project partners/technical advisors.

• Follow all MCC policies and procedures.

• Create a healthy and supportive crew environment.

• Perform designated crew roles.

• Participate in all elements of the MCC Member Development program, education, and crew activities to the best of their ability.

• Promote a positive public image for MCC by wearing the MCC uniform and acting in a professional and respectful manner at all times.

• Attend, assist, or lead MCC service days and other MCC events, help organize and implement service projects when possible.

• Work alongside youth and adult volunteers on projects and provide leadership when possible.

• Exhibit a strong work ethic and positive service ethic throughout the term of service.

• Attend at least one public meeting and volunteer with a local non-profit.

• Complete and submit required reports and paperwork on time.

• Provide information for evaluation of Crew Leaders, including positive feedback and areas of improvement.

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 in 675 slots and above).

• 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 Nutritional 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 hat, work gloves, ear protection, safety glasses and group camping gear. We have some items to loan if needed.

• DEI funds to help purchase gear or travel to Montana.

• Housing Opportunities Available!!

Certifications (Depending on Position and Crew Type):

• Basic First Aid & CPR.

• 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.

• 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.

• Work in National Forests, wilderness areas, and National Parks. 

• Make lasting changes to the environment, climate, and our communities.

Learn More About Adult Conservation Crews!

APPLY/FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION HERE!

Check out our “A Day in the Life of MCC” Video!

MCC has a wide variety of resources to support you in your term of service; this includes financial assistance, free behavioral health resources, housing resources, resume & federal hiring training for post-service opportunities, and a dedicated team of staff.  This is an entry-level position; previous backcountry, trails, or corps experience is NOT required. 

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!