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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

Application Deadline: January 2, 2024 or Until Filled

Location:

MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330

Field work is conducted throughout Maine.

Time Requirement:

• January 2024 – December 27, 2024
• 40+ hours a week
• Monday-Friday during training and orientation weeks
• Flex schedule possible during the field season (e.g. four 10-hour days); overnights and some weekends required; flexibility required to meet the needs of MCC members

General Description:

The mission of Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is to accomplish conservation projects that inspire individuals and enhance communities.  As an AmeriCorps program, MCC is dedicated to accomplishing outdoor recreation and conservation projects for the public, promoting and managing volunteer opportunities, providing education, and building self-esteem, leadership, and skill sets to strengthen the future opportunities of members.

The MCC Training Coordinator is responsible for creating, coordinating, and teaching a wide range of curricula for a total of 16 weeks to approximately 90 AmeriCorps members annually, including MCC Environmental and Community Tree Stewards, Team Leaders, Assistant Team Leaders and Field Team Members. Training environments include classrooms, online, outdoor workshops, and collaborative opportunities.

Topics may change depending on need, compliance with AmeriCorps, and grants specifications.  Past topics have included: Soft Skill Development (diversity, leadership, professionalism, nonviolent communication); Job Readiness Objectives (career exploration, interview skills, goal setting, resume and cover letter writing); Certification Programs (Chainsaw Training, Advanced First Aid, National Incident Management Systems, Mental Health First Aid); Outdoor Skills (Leave No Trace, Backcountry Skills/Camp Life, Hygiene and Sanitation); Technical Skills (Sustainable Trail Design and Construction, Erosion and Sediment Control, Griphoist/Rigging Operations, Carpentry, Stonework, Safety and PPE Standards); Volunteer Engagement (Essential Practices of Volunteer Management, Recruitment, Reporting); Reporting Requirements (timesheets, project reports – utilizing ArcGIS and Survey123, quarterly reports).

Beyond the intensive training periods, the role of Training Coordinator becomes multi-faceted. Investigating training resources; understanding AmeriCorps requirements and compliance; collecting high-quality data; planning AmeriCorps and program events (9/11 Day of Service, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Life After AmeriCorps, Recognition); building relationships with host sites and partners; recruiting members and host sites; providing field supervision and ongoing training throughout the primary field season (late June to mid-November); and supporting the growth of the Steward and Field Team programs. Occasionally, this position may also participate in tool maintenance, trail assessment, and other operational support.

The Training Coordinator reports directly to the MCC Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create, conduct, and coordinate a wide variety of training for AmeriCorps members both personally, and in collaboration with MCC staff, partners, and external contractors.
• Teach principles and best practices of trail construction and maintenance
• Teach job readiness skills such as resume writing, career exploration, and interview skills
• Spearhead DEI initiatives for the corps to enhance recruitment, outreach, programming, and training practices
• Collect and record high-quality data related to training effectiveness, volunteerism, job readiness initiatives, program evaluation, and AmeriCorps compliance
• Draft and execute contracts and lodging agreements for training and facilities delivered from outside sources
• Effectively communicate with outside instructors to schedule workshops, manage logistics, and procure necessary training resources
• Coordinate housing, project sites, and logistics for a successful training period – includes weekly reporting, food procurement, ongoing monitoring of facilities, and communication with partners
• Assist AmeriCorps members and staff with recruitment, events, and projects, such as:
  • Assist in the screening, interviewing, and selection of AmeriCorps members
  • Engage in recruitment initiatives, including building connections with a variety of individuals, particularly underserved/underrepresented populations
  • Attend outreach events and give presentations to promote the MCC
  • Lead MCC recruitment efforts through career fairs, school, and community presentations
  • Plan and execute annual AmeriCorps and MCC service events
  • Provide ongoing support, training, and monitoring to members and partners during the field season
• Collaborate with MCC Director and Program Managers to achieve programmatic goals and continually improve MCC operations
• Act as an emergency contact for members, which will involve being on-call during nights/weekends on a rotational basis with other staff
• Document incidents and behaviors related to policy violations per MCC policies.
• Follow and uphold all policies, protocols, and safety requirements

Working Conditions:

This position will involve a mixture of working in an office and field setting and will involve travel, sometimes overnight. Training and fieldwork require time outside in all weather conditions, including cold, rain, heat, and humidity, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with all tools and gear over difficult terrain, and occasionally sleeping in tents. Office duties will involve regular use of a computer, electronic and telephonic communication.

Essential Functions

• Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• Interest in serving with and mentoring a diverse group of people
• Ability to teach trail construction, as well as outdoor and environmental skills and workshops
• Periodic heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• High level of comfort in living and working outdoors in all weather conditions, including the potential for long-distance hiking
• Ability to perform tasks as part of a cooperative team and independently
• Non-judgmental attitude, sensitivity to others, approachable
• Responsible and reliable
• Must be able to work independently and be prepared to deal with difficult situations
• Possesses motivation and initiative
• Excellent communication skills and organization skills
• Willingness to follow and uphold heightened health and safety protocols
• Excellent work ethic

Special Benefits

• Stipend of $740-$820/week based on number of years in the Training Coordinator position (less taxes)
• Health Insurance, including dental and vision
• Maine State Park Pass
• Paid training (i.e. Chainsaw safety training, AmeriCorps Conferences, WFA)
• Paid vacation and leave time
• A wide range of networking and professional development opportunities

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must submit to criminal history check
• Must be approved to drive State vehicles by the Risk Management Division (clean driving record)
• Three seasons of experience in a leadership role or key staff position with a Conservation Corps and/or AmeriCorps program
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Experience with group facilitation and training
• Experience with volunteer management practices
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs

Preferred qualification:

• Post-secondary degree
• Experience with operation and maintenance of power tools, chainsaws, and rigging equipment
• Background in trail construction and maintenance
• Experience with ArcGIS applications