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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

Live, serve, and explore Maine’s wilderness, coast, and mountains with Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an AmeriCorps member, you’ll get paid for 6 weeks of leadership and technical skills training and then practice those skills while serving and supporting a team leader in managing a crew to enhance hiking, biking, skiing, and other types of recreational trails throughout the state. Gain experience in leadership while opening and improving access to treasured natural areas.  You’ll make a difference in the lives of your team and local communities while connecting to nature and your peers.

Start Date:  Monday, June 10, 2024

End Date:  Friday, October 11, 2024

Assistant Team Leaders (ATLs) are 675-hour AmeriCorps members. Commitment to service for the duration of the term is of utmost importance.

LOCATION: Orientation will be based at a summer camp. Field projects during the training period and the field season will occur throughout Maine.

MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330

TIME REQUIREMENTS: 675-hour AmeriCorps Term, full-time, 40+ hours a week.  It is typical to have a varied schedule.  Overnights, weekends, training, and service days are required.

LEARN:

Assistant Team Leaders will attend a one-week member orientation to MCC and AmeriCorps. Topics will include backcountry wellness, Leave No Trace ethics, diversity and inclusivity, and an introduction to trail tools and safety standards. A portion of Assistant Team Leaders will undergo Chainsaw Safety Training, depending on assigned projects. During the field season, members will participate in ongoing job readiness training including career research, resume and cover letter writing, interview tips, self-reflection, and goal setting.  Assistant Team Leaders will help facilitate and take part in these trainings.

LEAD AND SERVE:

You can expect to serve on physically challenging conservation projects gaining hands-on experience in the groundwork of stewardship.  MCC Assistant Team Leaders provide logistical and technical support and play a key role in team cohesion.  The ATL position requires a desire to grow as a leader, a positive attitude, a 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.  The position is multi-faceted with many opportunities for growth as a leader and conservationist.  Assistant Team Leaders will:

• Promote a culture of safety by modeling appropriate safety practices and PPE, assisting members with packing appropriate gear for project conditions, and upholding all safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with their Leader throughout the season to meet project goals. ATLs provide logistical support to leaders and technical support to members, and they perform ongoing tool maintenance and inventory.
• Be a role model for the team. ATLs promote a positive team environment by listening and respecting all perspectives, maintaining a positive attitude in challenging conditions, and taking 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.
• Take on a leadership role in the absence of the Team Leader or when the team breaks up into small groups to complete multiple tasks.

 SERVICE CONDITIONS:

This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including cold, rain, heat and humidity, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with all tools and gear over difficult terrain, and sleeping in tents. This position should be viewed not as a traditional job, but as an experience where long hours and extended time away from home, often in remote locations, are to be expected.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• Desire to grow as a leader
• Willingness and physical ability to serve on a variety of conservation projects, which will include using power and hand tools
• Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Serving on trails across steep or uneven terrain
• Serving in extremes of heat or cold, as well as being exposed to biting and stinging insects
• Serving, eating, and camping outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to hike 3-12 miles per day in rugged terrain, often carrying heavy gear and tools
• Ability to self-motivate, take initiative, and act cooperatively in a group
• Ability to perform tasks as part of a cooperative team
• Non-judgmental attitude, sensitivity to others, approachable
• Responsible and reliable
• Interest in personal growth and in participating in ongoing training
• Interest in serving with a diverse group of people
• Willingness to follow health and safety protocols

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• The ability to operate an MCC vehicle to transport members and gear to and from project sites.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be eligible for AmeriCorps
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to criminal history checks
• Committed to MCC through the duration of the term of service

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous conservation corps experience
• Outdoor living experience
• Experience working as a part of a team

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 $415/week (less taxes)
• Assistant Team Leaders are 675-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $2,626.27 upon successful completion of the program.
• AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement.
• Other benefits include a Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, and a wide range of networking opportunities.