Conservation Building Methods Fellow
Western Colorado University & Youth Employment Program (YEP), Salmon, Idaho Please send filled YEP application, resume and letters of interest to the Western Colorado University Masters in Environmental Management program with subject line “Youth Employment Program”: mem@western.edu Phone: Dominique Naccarato, 719-221-4711
Employment Opportunity Description:
This employment opportunity exists due to partnership between Western Colorado University’s (WCU) Masters in Environmental Management program, the Montana/Idaho based Youth Employment Program (YEP), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and the Nature Conservancy. The partners invite applications from highly motivated individual(s) interested in working on the shared YEP and Nature Conservancy mandate “... to foster a culture of stewardship that will increase the durability and sustainability of conservation”. This employment opportunity is based out of Dillon, Montana during the 2024 and 2025 field season taking place April through September, depending on weather. Rate of pay is starting at $17 an hour, with potential to increase. Housing is provided. Start and work dates are flexible. This MEM position has the ability to turn into a career as the Conservation Building Methods Certificate is developed in partnership with a local University and YEP capacity is expanded with the student’s help.
Successful candidates will gain experience and skills with restoration techniques, public lands management, grant writing and management, stakeholder/partner engagement, communications and non-profit management including capacity building, budgeting, and financial management. For those interested in building their career in Dillon, Montana, the opportunity exists for continued YEP employment as the student helps grow capacity for YEP. A project opportunity exists to grow YEP’s Conservation Building Methods Certificate with Western Montana University.
Fellow must need the following characteristics:
YEP, as an organization, embraces mentorship. Personal characteristics outweigh skills, which can be built. Experience in the trades and/or education is great, but not necessary. What is necessary is the following: Self-confidence and belief in the YEP mission, developed and collectively built with YEP staff as successes accumulate.
1. A personal insatiable drive to create meaningful systems that support the stated mandate. This candidate will demonstrate personal efficacy and will instill confidence in their crew.
2. Ability to create efficient, functional and quality systems. Youth Employment Program Dillon, Montana 59725 (406) 925-3643 Conservation Employment 2023 YEP Crew working on Magpie Springs
3. Desire to create and expand the “Conservation Building Methods Program” at YEP.
4. Personal drive for domestic and professional ecological accountability. As you become embedded in this community no one should feel judged, or isolated for the aesthetic that their culture has given them.
5. Ability to work both in the office and in the field during field season.
6. Ability to accomplish physical labor.
Summer/Field Season (April - September, weather dependent)
YEP will provide housing in the town of Dillon, Montana for the field season. During the summer months, participants will manage a crew leading restoration, conservation, and trails project work in the Dillon area, while learning about sustainable construction on the Magpie Springs Earthship and associated outdoor spaces including installation of water catchment system and work on the greenhouse. More information and a full crew lead job description can be found here.
Potential project directions outside field season (can be from a distance):
● Construction and building trades project management.
● Research sustainable construction techniques and other sustainable building methods
● Learn to research, apply for, and manage grants and agreements.
● Work with the University of Montana-Western and YEP to develop curriculum and create Conservation Building Methods Certificate
● Collaborate with Dillon YEP Program Manager for visioning and plan implementation in SW Montana.
● Review and improve the following documents: Conservation Development, Conservation Building Methods
● Program communication and outreach, including meeting with program partners, social media, film, public speaking engagements, and event coordination.
A successful applicant will:
● Communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work well in a team-setting with problem-solving skills.
● Be interested in and enthusiastic about community involvement.
● Enjoy working with the general public.
● Have a good driving record and a valid driver's license.
● Have good organizational skills.
● Exhibit flexibility in work and school projects.
● Be able to pass a drug and criminal background check.
● Be able to do and enjoy manual labor, such as that required for Low-Tech Process Based Stream Restoration including Beaver Dam Analog Structures (BAS), and building Zuni Structures (Zeedyke).
● Be able to lead crews.
To see flier click HERE!