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Environmental Stewards

Serve as an integral part of a conservation organization!

Want to take your background in natural resources to the next level? As an Environmental Steward (ES) you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience and confidence in the field, while networking with potential employers. Use your knowledge and expertise to tackle the needs of local organizations. Each ES role is unique, past projects have included:

• Environmental Education
• Volunteer Management
• Environmental Data Collection
• Land/Trail Management
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Field Teams

Do something different and discover your potential!

Looking to make a difference? Get paid to explore Maine's wilderness, coast, and mountains, whiled doing something that matters. Come gain confidence and grit serving with our Field Teams! Field Team members construct and rehabilitate sustainable trails in places like Baxter State Park, and on the Appalachian Trail, as well as land owned by local communities and land trusts. Your efforts as a Field Team member provide access to Maine's natural areas and present recreation, education, and fitness opportunities for the public. Team members gain an appreciation for their strengths and abilities, all while serving in some of Maine's most wild and beautiful places!

Job Overview

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• 675-hour (full-season term): June 8 – October 9, 2026
• 300-hour (fall-only term): August 10 – October 9, 2026

All AmeriCorps terms are full-time, 40+ hours per week. It is typical to have a varied schedule.  Overnights, weekends, training days, and service events are required. Commitment to the entire duration of the term is required. It is typical to have a varied schedule, i.e., 9 days on (Monday – Tuesday) followed by 5 days off AND/OR 5 days on (Monday – Friday) with weekends off. Each team has a unique project and travel schedule.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Build a path, while finding yours! Live, serve, and explore Maine’s wilderness, coast, and mountains as a Team Member (TM) with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) Field Team Program. TMs are an integral part of the MCC mission to accomplish conservation initiatives that inspire people and enhance communities. TMs serve on Field Teams of three or six to enhance recreational trails throughout Maine, engage in conservation projects to improve habitat, and expand access to treasured natural areas. This short-term position leads to long-term impacts in communities throughout Maine. You’ll make a difference in local communities while connecting to nature, peers, and yourself.

TMs are AmeriCorps members and receive professional skill development and certifications, team-based service learning, access to pre-apprenticeship programs, the opportunity to live and serve in unique locations, a living allowance, an education award, and more. MCC is a division of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry within the Bureau of Parks and Lands and operates a State AmeriCorps program. MCC engages 100+ AmeriCorps members annually to enrich lives through conservation.

LOCATION: Orientation is based at a summer camp. After orientation, projects are completed state-wide with federal, state, municipal, and non-profit organizations. The MCC Office is located at 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04333.

LEARN:

TMs attend a one-week MCC/AmeriCorps member orientation. Topics include member agreements, MCC handbook, AmeriCorps, member benefits, team building, required events and assignments, timesheets, backcountry wellness, Leave No Trace, and an introduction to trail tools and safety standards. A portion of TMs participate in Chainsaw Safety Training, depending on project assignments. During the field season, TMs participate in ongoing job readiness training. In addition, MCC is developing pre-apprenticeship opportunities with partners in a variety of fields that members may elect to participate in.

SERVE:

TMs complete conservation projects primarily focused on the rehabilitation and construction of recreational trails across Maine. TMs gain hands-on experience in the groundwork of stewardship by serving on physically challenging projects in a variety of locations, including remote and backcountry sites. The TM position requires a positive attitude, willingness to learn, the ability to live and serve collaboratively in a team setting, and the physical ability to carry out the essential functions of the position. Duties include:

• Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation
• Build new trails, rehabilitate existing trails, and complete other conservation projects
  • Build bridges, boardwalks, bog bridges, and other carpentry projects
  • Construct stone staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, and other erosion control structures
  • Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps)
  • Other treadway maintenance and construction (crush rock, haul gravel, bench cutting, drainage ditches)
  • Habitat restoration, such as invasive plant removal and forest management
• Follow MCC’s Code of Conduct and all guidelines outlined in the Member Agreement and MCC Handbook
• Follow all MCC safety procedures and practices, including PPE guidelines, proper tool and gear use, and drug-free workplace policy
• Participate in job readiness training and volunteer/education events
• Collaborate with Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders throughout the season to meet project goals and maintain tools, gear, and equipment
• Take part in all joint living tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a healthy basecamp. Joint living tasks are not countable towards AmeriCorps service hours
• Uphold a high standard of professional conduct and personal responsibility as a representative of MCC

SERVICE CONDITIONS:

This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including heat and humidity, cold, rain, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with tools and gear over difficult terrain, and sleeping in tents with limited access to cellular service and internet. This position is an AmeriCorps term of service and should not be viewed as a traditional job. Extended time away from home, often in remote locations, is to be expected.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• Willingness and physical ability to serve on a variety of conservation projects that require the use of hand and power tools
• Capable of heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Ability to hike 3-12 miles per day on rugged terrain to complete projects in remote locations
• Ability and willingness to complete projects, cook, and tent camp in all weather conditions, including extremes of heat or cold, and exposure to biting and stinging insects
• Demonstrates good judgment and professionalism
• Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility
• Interest in personal growth and professional development
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to get along with others and be respectful and approachable
• Desire to serve with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Willingness to follow health and safety protocols

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to operate an MCC vehicle to transport members and gear to and from project sites

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to criminal history checks

HOUSING: Housing will be provided during member orientation. During the field season, teams will camp at project sites and return to either an assigned MCC basecamp or their own means of housing for time off. Basecamps will vary from rustic cabins to tent sites.

TO APPLY: Submit an MCC Application and send a copy of your resume to [email protected]. You will be contacted with further instructions.  You may direct questions to the same email above.

Special Benefits

• Living allowance of $475/week (less taxes)
• TMs are 675-hour or 300-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $2,817.14 (675-hour) or $1,565.08 (300-hour) upon successful completion of the program.
• AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement.
• Eligibility for pre-apprenticeship programs
• Other benefits include a Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, and a wide range of networking opportunities.

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