| Frequently Asked Questions |
Young Adult Crews (18-25 year olds)
Why do corpsmembers join?
Young people join the Minnesota Conservation Corps for many different reasons: to further their education, for the hands-on experience in natural resource, for a pay check, to work outside on natural resource and conservation projects, to be part of the national service movement giving back to the community and state, and to gain valuable skills to carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Does the MCC program prepare young people for the working world?
Members in the MCC programs receive a living allowance and training in career development, citizenship and life skills, natural resource management, and environmental awareness. Activities and projects provide hands-on, practical training. The work is not necessarily easy; and we have high expectations of each member to work hard and learn.
Members gain valuable conservation and natural resource know-how and will be given opportunities to develop teamwork and leadership skills. Unique training opportunities in each of MCC's programs will help members gain skills they need to move into future career, work and life opportunities.
What type of training will I receive?
Members start off the program at a one week statewide orientation in early February. Following orientation, crews will go through a "work skills" training week where they learn how to operate equipment, are certified in CPR and first aid, attend basic chain saw safety training, defensive driving training, and many other trainings before the crew starts field projects. Throughout the year, there are many other trainings that are provided, including a mid-year retreat in July where members can attend various workshops depending on their topic of interest. Trainings may include: leadership skills, diversity training, resume writing and interview skills, volunteer management, GPS use, plant ID, hand and power tool safety and use, herbicide application, basic carpentry skills, trail construction, restoration techniques, and much more.
All members also go through a wildland firefighting certification where they are required to attend a weeklong training and pass a physical ability "pack test" in order to receive their "red card" to be eligible to fight wildland fire.
Crew Leaders will receive additional trainings, and will also receive a higher level wilderness first aid certification.
What are the benefits & pay?
The financial benefits earned as an MCC AmeriCorps member will not put you on "easy street." Thoughtful financial planning on your part is encouraged to determine how much income will be needed to maintain your lifestyle. Here's the breakout of the financial package:
*approximate average dollar amount
Will I have to work away from home?
Crews do "spike camp" away from home for a week or more at a time very often. Spike camp occurs when projects are over an hour away from the crew's base. Crews tent camp in seasonal weather. Fire season may have extended spike requirements up 14 days in a row.
Will I need to provide my own transportation?
You will only need to provide your own transportation to and from the crew's home office each day. To travel to and from service projects during the work day, crews drive MCC vehicles.
Can I get a second job to earn more money?
MCC requires members to participate in wildland firefighting, emergency response and occasional weekend volunteer events. We can not stop you from getting a second job, but if the job is not flexible and interferes with the scheduling of extended duty, it will cause significant hardship. The last-minute nature of emergency response makes it difficult for members to plan for two jobs effectively, and conflicts often arise. MCC expects that enrollees are available when needed.
Does the 25 age limit apply to crew leaders?
Yes, all MCC young adult program participants are AmeriCorps members, and AmeriCorps guidelines stipluates ages 18-25. However, some extenuating circumstances may apply.
When does the program begin?
The program begins in February for Members and January for Leaders. This commitment concludes in mid-December. However, there are some specialty crews that are either on a slightly different calendar or are seasonal only. To be notified of these openings when they become available, fill out the interest form on the Young Adult Program Overview page.
What is the work schedule?
Crews typically work Monday thru Thursday, 10 hour days from 7AM to 5:30PM. Emergency response, special events and wildland firefighting will require additional hours outside of the normal working hours.
How many crews are there?
There are 17 crews within the state. A crew is made up of 3-4 crew members and one crew leader.
Does MCC provide assistance finding housing?
The Young Adult Program is a non-residential program, so housing is up to you to find. However, we can provide several Minnesota resources, links, and contact information to members in advance of your term.
Where do members go after their term of service is completed?
In 2007, 33% of program alumni received employment in a related field, 26% returned to MCC for a second term in a leadership capacity, 21% pursued post-secondary education with the aid of their AmeriCorps Education Award, 11% enlisted in voluntary community service or other AmeriCorps programs.
What's the difference between a Crew Member and a Crew Leader?
Crew Member Descrpition
Crew Leader Description
How do I get an application to apply?
Applications for each MCC program can be downloaded. If you are not able to download an application, you can contact our regional staff and request information directly.
