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Community Tree Stewards

Complete urban and community forestry projects

Do you have a background in forestry and want to gain practical experience in the field? The Community Tree Stewards program offers opportunities for individuals to lead resiliency projects that engage residents in underserved communities. Initiatives are developed based on local needs and may include:

• Completing a Street Tree Inventory, including documenting and mapping trees
• Developing a strategic plan for a community forest program
• Collaborating with a licensed forester to develop or revise a forest management plan
• Developing and implementing a forest pest response plan
• Planting and maintaining trees

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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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Resources: Environmental Steward FAQs (DOC)

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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! Resources: Field Team FAQs (PDF)

Job Overview

Service Term Dates: June 10, 2024 – November 22, 2024

General Description:

Do you have a background in forestry and want to gain practical experience in the field? The Community Tree Steward (CTS) program offers opportunities for individuals to lead resiliency projects that engage residents in underserved communities.

Initiatives are developed based on local needs and may include:

• Completing a Street Tree Inventory, including documenting and mapping trees
• Developing a strategic plan for a community forest program
• Collaborating with a licensed forester to develop or revise a forest management plan
• Developing and implementing a forest pest response plan
• Planting and maintaining trees

Live, learn, and explore Maine’s conservation pockets with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As a Community Tree Steward (CTS), you will connect with a community to better understand their aspirations for tree health and make them a reality. During orientation and throughout the term, you will earn certifications, engage in educational opportunities, and attend conferences that will advance your conservation career. Gain experience and an adventure while making a difference.

2024 Host Sites include:

• Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District
• ReTreeUS Lewiston/Auburn

See our website for specific Host Site details.

Location:

Individual sites will be posted on the MCC website as they are recruited. Applicants will be sent guidance through the process. Projects are restricted to underserved communicates and may occur in a regional area.  Training and orientation typically occur near the MCC office in Augusta, Maine.

Time Requirement:

CTS are expected to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. A regular schedule is determined by the Host Site and will include a minimum of 2 days off per week. Regular schedules may be modified for special events.

Description of Duties:

• Duties related to urban and community forestry projects will be defined by the host site
• Participate in MCC orientation, training, events, and conferences
• Assist with pre-approved and allowable fundraising activities
• Engage in volunteer management activities including:
  • Recruiting volunteers
  • Promoting and leading volunteer events
  • Collecting and submitting Volunteer Assignment Agreements to MCC
  • Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan

• Complete ongoing assignments and required tasks, including job readiness training, construction of member portfolios, weekly timesheets, and quarterly reports.
• Participate in a Site Visit with MCC staff
• Maintain regular communication with MCC, including checking email no less than weekly
• Participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations with the Host Site Supervisor
• Adhere to the MCC code of conduct, safety rules and guidelines, drug-free workplace, and other policies outlined in the MCC Handbook and Member Agreement
• Represent MCC and host site in a professional and supportive manner to the public and media

Essential Functions:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Demonstrates good judgment and professionalism
• Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility
• Ability to serve both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage time effectively and produce quality results with attention to detail
• Demonstrates a desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference

Service Conditions:

• Service involves frequent communication with multiple parties, and may include electronic, telephonic, and/or in-person communication
• Service conditions vary by site, but all CTSs should expect a portion of service to be outdoors, and a portion spent connecting with the community to engage them in stewardship and education

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will participate in up to five orientation and training days, typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, MCC, Host Sites and You, OnCorps reporting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, National Incident Management Systems, Leave No Trace, Intro to Trails, Tool Safety, Use and Maintenance, Interpretive Programs. Initial orientation and training will likely include some virtual aspects in 2024.

The Host Site and/or Maine Forestry Service will provide additional forestry-based training to accomplish specific projects as they relate to grant outcomes and organizational needs.

Members will receive FEMA Training FEMA IS-700B for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and FEMA IS-244B for Developing and Managing Volunteers.

Job readiness training will also be provided, such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors, and interview skills. Some topics are explicit lessons, and some will be learned throughout the term of service.

Job readiness training, such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors, and interview skills will be taught throughout the term of service.  Additional training may be provided by the Host Site.

Volunteer Engagement

The CTS will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the host site’s volunteer program.

The CTS will also recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish projects. The MCC will assist CTS in identifying potential outreach opportunities and promoting events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site by using Essential Volunteer Management Practices. The CTS will improve the sustainability of the overall volunteer program.

To Apply:

Go to our website to complete an online application and send a copy of your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. You will be contacted with further instructions.

Special Benefits

• Weekly living allowance of $640 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50
• Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
• Conferences such as the Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference
• Networking opportunities
• Maine State Park Pass
• Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
• A small number of Host Sites also offer housing as part of their position

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• Forestry degree, or equivalent experience in the forestry and natural resource conservation field
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to a criminal history check
• All positions at State sites require a valid driver’s license with a good 5-year driving record
• Passion for community service and the environment
• Commitment to complete the full term of service
• Skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site