EEO

The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is accepting applications for AmeriCorps Environmental Educator positions located throughout Maine for 2009-2010. MCC is dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation and conservation projects, volunteer opportunities, and developing career and leadership skills.

Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, or U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S., a 4-year degree or equivalent experience, good organizational skills, initiative, good communication, writing and public speaking skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, computer skills, a valid Driver’s license from place of residence and a good driving record, and a commitment to environmental issues and community service.

1700 hour (full time) positions receive a living allowance of $11,400 ($253.50/week for 45 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $4,725.00 upon successful completion of the program.

900 hour (full time) positions receive a living allowance of $6,035 ($253.50/week for 24 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $2,362.50 upon successful completion of the program.

Other benefits include health insurance with COBRA benefits at the completion of service, childcare reimbursement if eligible, experiential learning, a wide range of training and networking opportunities and a Maine State Park Pass.

The Maine Conservation Corps application is available to download from our website (log on to www.maine.gov/doc/parks/mcc/ and download our MCC application) OR by contacting the MCC at 207-624-6085 (800-245-5627 in Maine only) or corps.conservation@maine.gov. Send completed applications and reference forms to Brenda Webber, Recruitment Assistant, Maine Conservation Corps, 124 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333-0124.

The Maine Dept. of Conservation provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

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APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR POSITIONS STARTING IN JANUARY is October 31, 2009

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AmeriCorps Environmental Educator Positions

Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, or U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S., a 4-year degree or equivalent experience, good organizational skills, initiative, good communication, writing and public speaking skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, computer skills, a valid Driver’s license from place of residence and a good driving record, and a commitment to environmental issues and community service.

The Maine Dept. of Conservation provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

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APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR POSITIONS STARTING IN JANUARY is October 31, 2009

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

The AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will help develop and deliver environmental and horticultural education programs for youth ages 4-12 in the new Alfond Children’s Garden. They will help develop tour programs for grade school age children and informal drop-in programs for youth and families from May – October 2010. They will also help develop educational materials for youth – including audio podcast tours, brochures and content for our website and outdoor interpretive signage of our garden and natural areas. The emphasis of program content will be on ecological gardening, basic botany, conservation and interpreting the natural ecological features, habitats and plants in our 248-acre site.

Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is developing a 2-acre children’s garden to open in June of 2010.

The garden features a natural woodland area and a 1-acre developed garden area with a pond, growing areas, themed garden areas, treehouse, Abenaki Indian encampment and garden and a number of playful interactive features.

The garden’s themed areas are taken from classic books for children by Maine authors.

Typical tasks within the project include:

help to develop informal educational programs and materials for school groups to tour the garden (and they will help to lead tours) and learn about plants, gardening, composting, recyling and ecological relationships.
develop an audio podcast for kids to use to tour the garden and learn about the books that have inspired the garden and about plants that are important in Maine – like blueberries, potatoes, lupines, pine trees and more.
develop informal ‘discovery cart’ type activities to deliver on specific horticultural and environmental education topics for volunteers to deliver in the new children’s garden
research, write and produce educational signage for the new children’s garden
work with local school groups to produce plants labels for native and non-native plants in the new garden
the intern will assist in planting and maintaining the new garden using organic methods only throughout the summer and early fall months.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

good communication and writing skills
helpful to have a background in environmental education, horticulture, botany or ecology
ability to work independently and collaboratively
willingness to work outdoors
interest in working with youth and families

www.mainegardens.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Department of Environmental Protection, Biological Monitoring Program, Augusta

This position will be working with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s nationally recognized Biological Monitoring Program (BMP) to develop and refine a holistic watershed approach to collect and analyze biological data and determine environmental impacts from human activities in rivers, streams, and wetlands in Maine. The BMP assesses benthic macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects, etc.) and algal communities to evaluate the ecological health of the State’s aquatic resources. Findings of the BMP are used to document existing conditions, identify problems, set water management goals, assess the progress of water resource management measures, and trigger needed remedial actions. The BMP also provides scientific information to interested parties including other State and federal agencies and tribes, the Maine legislature, consultants, non-governmental organizations, universities, school groups and the general public. Data are made available to these groups through various technical reports and a Google Earth site that can be accessed through the Biomonitoring Program web pages.

As part of this project, the BMP is developing tiered aquatic life criteria for stream algae and wetland aquatic macroinvertebrate and algal communities. The Biomonitoring Program is also adapting the U.S. EPA Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) model for Maine wetlands to allow for comparison of assessment results among different waterbody types (wetlands, rivers and streams) and biological assemblages (aquatic invertebrates, algae). The model will provide a “common language” to integrate monitoring data collected via different methods to produce watershed-level biological assessments. This project will greatly enhance the Department’s ability to consistently interpret and present monitoring results so that data may be more easily used and understood by other programs and the public. It will also facilitate the Department’s ability to fulfill reporting requirements under the federal Clean Water Act.

Typical tasks within the project include:

Organize and present existing data for higher level analysis by Program biologists.
Data management and quality control activities, including data entry.
Prepare GIS maps and assist with analysis of spatial data.
Assist with field work to collect new data from rivers, streams and freshwater wetlands during the 2010 field season (typically June through early September)
Maintain and refine BMP web pages and Google Earth Biological Monitoring site to provide current information to the public.
Assist with producing reports, fact sheets, graphics, slide shows and other BMP materials
Participate in interpretation of biological data based on interest and background
Conduct education and outreach activities as time permits.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

Experience and/or education in environmental science area.
Experience or training in aquatic biology preferred but not necessary.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to be detail-oriented.
Experience with data entry, databases, organization of data, and software knowledge.
Flexibility. The individual will have to be self-motivated, willing to help in many different situations, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
Must have a valid driver’s license from place of residence and good driving record.

http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docmonitoring/biomonitoring

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Department of Environmental Protection Biological Monitoring Program, Portland

Typical tasks within the project include:

Organize and present existing data for higher level analysis by Program biologists.
Data management and quality control activities, including data entry.
Prepare GIS maps and assist with analysis of spatial data.
Assist with field work to collect new data from rivers, streams and freshwater wetlands during the 2010 field season (typically June through early September)
Maintain and refine BMP web pages and Google Earth Biological Monitoring site to provide current information to the public.
Assist with producing reports, fact sheets, graphics, slide shows and other BMP materials
Participate in interpretation of biological data based on interest and background
Conduct education and outreach activities as time permits.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

Experience and/or education in environmental science area.
Experience or training in aquatic biology preferred but not necessary.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to be detail-oriented.
Experience with data entry, databases, organization of data, and software knowledge.
Flexibility. The individual will have to be self-motivated, willing to help in many different situations, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
Must have a valid driver’s license from place of residence and good driving record.

http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docmonitoring/biomonitoring

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Efficiency Maine, Public Utilities Commission, Augusta

Efficiency Maine (EM) is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine's environment. EM is funded by electricity consumers and administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
In the Conservation Act, it states that EM “…shall develop and implement conservation programs to help reduce energy costs for electricity consumers in the State by the maximum amount possible.” The following are EM’s five key objectives: (1) Increase consumer awareness of cost-effective options for conserving energy; (2) Create more favorable market conditions for the increased use of efficient products and services; (3) Promote sustainable economic development and reduced environmental damage; (4) Reduce the price of electricity over time for all consumers by achieving reductions in demand for electricity during peak use periods; and, (5) Reduce total energy costs for electricity consumers in the State by increasing the efficiency with which electricity is consumed.”
The AmeriCorps Environmental Educator would assist EM primarily with the first key objective, “Increase consumer awareness of cost-effective options for conserving energy.” In addition to educating residential and business consumers on conserving energy, the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will work with the EM Program Managers on exiting program implementation and provide support. Furthermore, as EM will be receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for energy efficiency, renewable energy, weatherization and “green” workforce development, this position will aid the EM Program Managers on new program design and implementation, and collaboration with other agencies and organizations across the State.
Typical tasks within the project include:

implement the agency outreach plan
present to various residential, school, civic and business groups regarding ways to conserve energy
applicant is expected to be fluently versed in EM and its partner organization programs. Some of these programs are described at http://www.efficiencymaine.com.
support the EM Program Managers by assisting in existing, energy efficiency program implementation, which may include, but is not limited to the Residential, Solar and Wind Rebate, Business, and the Training and Education Programs.
With the influx of ARRA funds, the member will also provide new program research and design on a variety of categories: weatherization; “green” workforce development; commercial energy audits; and, others.
The member will focus on energy efficiency and clean energy through EM programs, but will also be familiar with solutions such as local foods, no-idling, transportation and other local programs.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

education and/or familiarity with energy resources; energy efficiency, global warming, and climate change,
be a fluent public speaker,
be able to impart detailed information in an engaging way
must be computer literate, which includes utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel and some Access; querying databases; and, conducting on-line research.
valid driver’s license from place of residence and good driving record

http://www.efficiencymaine.com

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

MaineHousing, Augusta

Due to global warming threats and escalating energy costs, Mainers are challenged more than ever to conserve. Education related to energy conservation, weatherization interventions and proactive planning are keys to mitigating energy emergencies throughout Maine’s cold winters and reducing our carbon footprint long-term. In response, MaineHousing plans to develop and implement an energy efficiency education program focused on low-income tenants and homeowners. Working closely with MaineHousing’s Energy and Housing Services staff, the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will assist in the design and implementation this important component of our weatherization program initiatives.

As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009, MaineHousing is working in partnership with the state’s 10 Community Action Agencies to expand home weatherization for low-income Mainers. In addition to the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator’s focus on energy efficiency education initiatives, they will assist in MaineHousing’s ARRA training and technical assistance efforts related to the ARRA weatherization program.

Typical tasks within the project include:

work under the direction of MaineHousing’s Special Projects Administrator to assist MaineHousing’s Energy and Housing Service Team in monitoring and overseeing the training activities and technical assistance requirements of the ARRA Department of Energy (DOE) weatherization program expansion.
provide assistance in the development and implementation of a new energy efficiency education program targeted to low income tenants and homeowners in Maine.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Facilitation skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to multitask
Ability to mobilize diverse groups to a common goal

www.mainehousing.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP), August

Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP) seeks an AmeriCorps member who will visit schools across Maine to assist teachers with their energy curricula with hands-on activities. Topics we cover include how electricity is made, pros and cons of various energy sources, energy efficiency, climate change, air quality and transportation. MEEP focuses on making students aware of their energy use, giving them skills to learn how energy is used and wasted, and empowering them to take action to improve their energy consumption. The end result we strive for is for students to feel like they can make a difference in energy use in their schools, homes, and communities.

Typical tasks within the project include:

preparing for classroom presentations
traveling to schools across Maine
interacting with teachers and students by presenting MEEP’s energy, climate change and Green Schools curricula
assisting Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance in supporting teachers as they use the new PowerSleuth energy curriculum
reporting accomplishments on a regular basis
assisting with Junior Solar Sprint and other special events
planning an Energy Summer Camp for 2010
organizing a Summer Teachers’ Tour
improving MEEP’s educational kits with updated information and new supplies
attending conferences and professional development workshops
doing necessary office tasks

The member will also have the opportunity to pursue special projects and develop new classroom activities as the need or inspiration arises. The MEEP team is highly collaborative and often works with the Maine DEP and other like-minded organizations.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

punctual, organized, dependable and self-motivated
experience working with children is important
science background is a plus, but a zest for learning new information is a necessity
be comfortable with working in an office environment 2-3 days per week
using computers and a willingness to learn how to use software such as Publisher, GIS, Access and Excel.
work both independently and collaboratively
not afraid to ask questions as they arise
early mornings and weekend work may occur

www.meepnews.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Maine Rivers, Yarmouth

Maine Rivers is a 501(c)(3) environmental membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration and enhancement of the ecological health of Maine’s river systems. We work in a variety of watersheds to create and empower a critical mass of citizens and scientists to evaluate and improve water quality and habitat conditions in damaged ecosystems so that they will once again support healthy runs of anadromous fish. If funded, our AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will be working largely with citizens in the Mousam and Kennebunk watersheds, and scientists from the nearby Wells Reserve to promote improvement in these ecosystems.

Typical tasks within the project include:

organizing outreach opportunities and activities to promote local watershed protection
assist with recruiting volunteers
connect with local community organizations
prepare educational materials on the values of healthy river ecosystems
investigate barriers and challenges facing local watersheds

this may include investigating historic documents and images relating to the watersheds, and conducting research on discharges into the rivers.

In some cases she/he will work with Maine Rivers staff and board and local citizens toward the goal of establishing a watershed protection organization.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

basic writing skills (writing sample appreciated)
friendly, helpful, positive demeanor
While not required, the following training and expertise would all be extremely useful

water quality monitoring training and experience
grassroots organizing experience
familiarity with computerized database systems and geographic information systems (GIS)
experience with office systems and procedures, e.g., Word, Excel, Pagemaker, etc.

www.mainerivers.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Medomak Valley Land Trust, Waldoboro

The Environmental Educator will work with Medomak Valley Land Trust to raise awareness of the Medomak River through education programs, stewardship projects and a partnership with the Alewife Enhancement project.

The primary role of the AmeriCorps Member will be to increase the visibility and effectiveness of MVLT’s conservation outreach and education programs. The Member will work to raise awareness and knowledge of the Medomak River through educational programs and outreach activities – coordinating a Conservation Forum, working with schools, continuing presentations of “Wings over the Watershed,” organizing trail work, and developing outreach materials. 30 percent of the Member’s time will be devoted to working with the Alewife Restoration Project which is working to develop and maintain a healthy alewife run in the Medomak River.

Typical tasks within the project include:

Orientation – meet volunteers, community partners and more
Plan and implement place-based projects with local schools
Work with Outreach Committee to develop an engaging talks, treks and workshop series
Work with community partners on collaborative conservation projects
Manage and recruit volunteers
Coordinate presentations and volunteer activities related to the Alewife run and habitat restoration efforts
Coordinate major outreach events – Conservation forum, National Trails Day, Town Days, Annual Membership Picnic, education component of River Festival, Coastal Clean-up week
Coordinate trail work days and other stewardship activities
Coordinate tri-annual newsletter and monthly e-updates and maintain website

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

Academic background in land protection, conservation planning, or natural resource management. BA/BS required
Good communications skills and comfort with public speaking.
Interest in outdoor and hands-on work – trail maintenance, leading hikes, fishway maintenance
Proficiency with computers and current office software (experience with GPS, GIS, web design and Adobe software preferred but not required)
Flexibility in regards to work schedule and work duties, as befitting a small organization. Some evening and weekend meetings and site visits required.

www.medomakvalley.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Merryspring Nature Center, Camden

The AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will employ his/her knowledge, skill, and experience to provide professional coordination of the education program of Merryspring Nature Center. The work covers a broad range of activities including planning, program development, scheduling, teaching, writing, publicity, materials management, grant writing, budgeting, record keeping, and interaction with the public.

Typical tasks within the project include:

Work with the Supervisor to develop and implement:

Goals for the various components of MNC educational outreach (programs, publications, collections, and merchandise)
Educational capital budgets addressing spatial, equipment, and materials needs
Educational funding sources
An annual educational schedule including year-round, age-appropriate educational programming for children and school visits and weekly educational programs, lecture series, classes, and workshops of interest to adults,
Education related publicity
A volunteer corps to assist in educational programming

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

A minimum of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree or experience commensurate with the needs of the position. A degree in natural sciences is preferred
Compliance with State of Maine statutes applicable to persons working with children
A valid driver’s license and use of a motor vehicle with evidence of insurability
A working knowledge of the MNC mission and an interest in the success of MNC in meeting its goals
A strong working knowledge of and interest in horticulture, natural history, ecology, and conservation and the ability and initiative to research and learn about new areas
Organizational skills for creating program and event schedules and budgets
Supervisory abilities for managing volunteers
Effective written and verbal communication skills for writing publicity and teaching
A strong commitment to communicating the MNC mission and the knowledge of horticulture, natural history, ecology, and conservation to both adults and children
Interpersonal skills of tact, patience, diplomacy, flexibility, humor and a pleasant manner for interacting with the public (including children), the Board, and other staff, and the ability to adjust to changes in scheduling and priorities
Physical capabilities necessary to work outdoors on varied terrain in all seasons

www.merryspring.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Pemaquid Watershed Association, Damariscotta

For approx. 50% of the appointment time, the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will implement Pemaquid Watershed Associations’ (PWA) environmental education program. This will involve being a liaison with teachers; developing and presenting in-school activities, interpretive workshops, and hikes; recruiting and coordinating volunteers, developing and disseminating educational materials, organizing and leading 10 days of youth summer camp, and staffing Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center at Pemaquid Beach Park. For approx. 40% of the time, the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will focus on stewardship projects, including water quality testing, helping to coordinate our work to prevent invasive aquatic plants and to educate property owners about best management practices, and exploring initiation of a Stream Team. S/he also will organize fundraising events up to the maximum time allowable by the MCC program (10%). Once on board, the PWA Executive Director will work with the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator to develop a detailed and specific allocation of time, duties, and expectations as a guide for the appointment.

Typical tasks within the project include:

Develop and implement environmental education programs and exhibits in local schools and leading special environmental education projects.
plan and direct PWA’s Watershed Kids 2-week Nature Day Camp held in July.
be responsible for writing press releases and newsletter articles and coordinating and attending outreach functions in order to further the education of the general public and to promote PWA’s stewardship message.
coordinate and train volunteers needed for educational programs
assist with staffing our Nature Center in July and August, including management of a weekly touch tank.
may be asked to take water quality samples at specific pond locations (no experience necessary) and to assist our Lands Stewardship Committee

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

We are looking for someone who has a natural resource or environmental background with

experience developing and delivering educational programming to youth and adult audiences.

adaptability,
positive attitude
reliability
excellent organizational and computer skills
a willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather
must be able to work well with children and enjoy doing it.
Initiative and imagination are also desired qualities
Because this person will be, in many ways, an ambassador for PWA, excellent

communication skills and professionalism are required

Expertise or interest in water quality and land stewardship is a plus

www. pemaquidwatershed.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells

Two AmeriCorps Environmental Educators will help with a broad range of duties in conjunction with the care and maintenance of the refuge. They will assist Refuge Biologist and Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist with locating and monitoring salt marsh sharp-tailed sparrows and Nelson’s salt marsh sparrows and nests on Rachel Carson NWR. Both positions include coordination internally and with Maine Audubon, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and NGOs and other organizations and individuals in assisting in managing and protecting other nesting sites in southern Maine. They will also work closely with the refuge’s permanent maintenance worker. Both positions may assist with all aspects of refuge field work and operations including areas such as: resource management, maintenance, scientific data collection, perform technical work in support of management, conservation, development, utilization and protection of refuge habitats.

Typical tasks within the project include:

provide visitors with information about refuge regulations, activities, wildlife and recreational opportunities
landscaping with native stock
mowing
road maintenance
trail maintenance such as clearing brush, felling of trees
minor electrical and plumbing repairs
rehabilitation of buildings
preparing and maintaining field equipment and vehicles
perform routine preventive maintenance of motor vehicles; this includes but is not limited to inspecting and replacing items as needed, lubrication, lights, oil and filter changes, and batteries
mechanical work on small motors and vehicles, etc
may also include maintaining specialized fire suppression equipment
collect and record data on wildlife and habitat resources using proprietary database program Kiosk assembly and placement
perform fence repair, boundary posting, loading and unloading of materials and supplies
Signage, boundary posting and similar public use activities
cleaning and maintenance of ground areas and other facilities as needed
operate passenger vehicles and pick up trucks
may be called upon to perform tasks involving wildlife trapping, banding, and outreach

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Sandy River Land Trust, Phillips

The Sandy River Land Trust in partnership with the High Peaks Alliance has created a project that ties our goals and interests together. These two non-profit community organizations are in need of an MCC Environmental Educator to help increase presence within and outside of our region. Our new project celebrates a local hero, Cornelia or Fly Rod Crosby, who was born in Phillips and buried in Strong and worked her trade as a guide in the Rangeley area.

Typical tasks within the project include:

The MCC Environmental Educator would be involved in both development of the SRLT and HPA organizations and the development of the Fly Rod Crosby trail. More specifically the two-fold project for this AmeriCorps position would assist the HPA/SRLT organizations with the following:

Community organizing/leadership development. The MCC Environmental Educator would organize meetings and events that reach out to the local/regional public organizations within and outside of the HPA/SRLT headwaters communities.. Activities would include: attending and organizing meetings and events, developing materials about the Organizations, and presenting information at places like the Common Ground Fair and the annual Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Land Trust Alliance meetings.
The Fly Rod Crosby Footpath. The MCC Environmental Educator would enlist support for the development of the trail with local stakeholders and be involved in the preliminary field work by: organizing meetings and events to reach out to local/regional organizations, organizing volunteers for trail visioning, trail fundraising, and preliminary trail construction, and developing HPA/SRLT trails/facilities/access/materials,

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

Knowledge of the HPA/SRLT region including the local communities’ organizations, schools and outdoor recreational opportunities. Experience living in the area is preferred.
Ability to work with people.
Previous volunteer work in conservation and/or recreation, preferably in trail construction.
Undergraduate degree (major is not specified) with some (one)coursework in the following: understanding how communities work (social sciences) and environmental science.
Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills.
Interest in gaining environmental experience in working with non-profit conservation organizations.

http://sandyriverlandturst.googlepages.com (Sandy River Land Trust)

www.highpeaksalliance.wordpress.com (High Peaks Alliance)

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January 5, 2010 thru November 12, 2010

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells

The position will continue to support and develop the Reserve’s efforts to protect watersheds in Southern Maine.

Two aspects of the program are:

“Protecting Our Children’s Water” which brings together town staff, municipal board members, conservation commissioners, water district staff, community groups, and others interested in addressing issues surrounding water supply and quality using social marketing strategies and ecosystem based management tools. Local Workgroups are formed to prioritize and act upon key issues affecting their watershed based on their interests, positions, and expertise.

Their activities include efforts to:

Reduce or eliminate pollution sites due to erosion and dump sites
Improve shoreland buffers
Improve storm water treatment and compliance with EPA rules
Reduce bacterial contamination
Improve damaged recreation trail sites
Restore stream flow where blockages are occurring
Restore critical habitats and coordinate with regional land conservation programs

The “Seacoast Watershed Information Manager” (swim.wellsreserve.org) is a website that provides the tools and information needed by coastal decision-makers to guide sustainable management of their community’s water resources. The site offers watershed- and town-specific information to help 34 communities accomplish their watershed conservation work more efficiently. The SWIM website features primers on watershed issues, a database of key materials (e.g., publications, websites, maps, reports, etc), mapping options, a full-featured events calendar, and an integrated web-based community forum. This position will work as part of a team to maintain, update, and expand this web based resource.

Typical tasks within the project include:

work with the Stewardship, Research, and Education staffs at the Reserve to advance watershed projects

For “Protecting Our Children’s Waters” the member will:

initiate and organize meetings with stakeholders
support the identification and completion of nonpoint source pollution projects

For the SWIM website the member will:

continue to organize, update, and create content
assist in integrating the website into other Reserve programs such as “Protecting Our Children’s Waters”

While those two projects will be the primary tasks, there will be other responsibilities and opportunities.

Examples from the current positions (since January 09) include:

attending conferences (Maine Water Conference, Maine Beaches Conference, Mousam Rivers Conference, Salmon Habitat Restoration)
attending trainings (Community Planning /Community Viz, Marine Invasive Monitoring, Invasive Collaborative, Species Removal, YSI Datalogger )
participating in research (systemwide water monitoring, beach profiling, andronomous fish in the Kennebunk and Mousam Rivers)
giving presentations.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

willing to become comfortable in collaborative settings with a variety of stakeholders from local, state, and federal government, conservation groups, and diverse members of local communities
strong organizational skills
an ability to move from task to task readily
a strong interest in water resource issues
have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
be comfortable with consumer technology (computer, digital projector, digital camera)
website experience would be helpful but not required

www.wellsreserve.org

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APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR POSITIONS STARTING IN APRIL and MAY is March 7, 2010

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 900 hours April 27, 2010 thru October 8, 2010

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Swan Island, Richmond

The AmeriCorps Environmental Educator will meet and transport visitors and camping equipment from mainland boat landing across the Kennebec River to Swan Island, assign camping sites, maintain campground and other facilities and equipment, conduct interpretive tours and educational programs, and oversee the welfare of visitors. Other duties include assisting in reservations and collection of fees, trail maintenance, habitat management activities, etc

Typical tasks within the project include:

transporting visitors and their supplies in a large boat and specially designed truck
giving interpretive tours about the islands wildlife and history
assisting in nature presentations to school groups
frequent interaction with the public in relation to inquiries about the island and natural resources
maintaining the campground and other island facilities including mowing, cleaning, restocking supplies
maintenance of equipment including light mechanical work
schedule and maintain records of reservations and fee collection
assisting in volunteer direction
trail maintenance
mowing of fields
habitat management activities

Desired skills, experience, and qualities:

motivated and personable
must be able to get along well with others
confident interaction with the public is necessary
must have a valid driver’s license from place of residence and a clean driving record
experience operating watercraft and various machinery is desired but not necessary
mechanical skills
knowledge of wildlife habitat and management
being organized
good work ethic

www.mefishwildlife.com

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Download MCC Application (.pdf)

Download MCC Reference Form (.doc)

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