Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: Environmental Steward - The Nature Conservancy

Gain meaningful experience exploring Maine through the lens of an individual conservation organization! Have you been waiting for a chance to learn about how a land trust operates? How a federal wildlife refuge creates and conserves habitat? How citizen science projects are created and accomplished?

Live, learn, and explore Maine's conservation pockets with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an MCC AmeriCorps Environmental Steward, you can make an impact within an organization and the community by achieving specific Host Site goals as unique as each placement.

Environmental Stewards (ES) accomplish a wide variety of conservation projects ranging from water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, mobilizing volunteers to maintain hiking trails, banding and gathering data on songbirds, restoring eelgrass, teaching school kids about shellfisheries, mapping invasive species, and more. Gain experience and an adventure while making a difference.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global non-profit that has been active in Maine since 1956, conducting vital conservation and restoration work to mitigate the effects of climate change and connect people to the natural world around them.

Time outdoors is important for the wellbeing of all. In an effort to provide greater outdoor access to people of all ability levels and to meet the Department of Justices amendment implementing Title III of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act regarding Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs), TNC Maine is completing an assessment of our preserve trails. The primary responsibility of this member position will be conducting these assessments

This AmeriCorps ES members deliverables will allow TNC to provide recreators with updated and accurate information for the trails around them. By focused immersion on this project, the member will learn to recognize accessibility concerns and brainstorm solutions, as well as have the opportunity to work in beautiful locations around the state. This project is critical to provide foundation and direction for future and ongoing TNC accessibility efforts.

This position will primarily be responsible for writing OPDMD assessments for TNC preserves across the state. The member will visit some preserves with a High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) machine to gather data such as GPS location, trail width, grade, distance, surface firmness, slope, etc. They will use this data to write OPDMD assessments for internal and legal use, as well as developing web and printed materials to inform public access. When the HETAP machine is not able to be used on the trail, other tools will be utilized to gather this data.

Location:

Brunswick, ME

Time Requirement:

Environmental Stewards 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:

  • Collect information on current trail systems, including intended user groups, total miles of trail system, connectivity, access points, general terrain, and rate of annual usage for trails where counters are present
  • Data collection with HETAP machine, GPS, iPad, and TRAFx
  • OPDMD report writing
  • Preserve accessibility summaries for web and print-based public communication.
  • GIS map making and data display
  • Establish emergency response plans and abide by safety policies of TNC
  • Maintain check-in schedule with Host Site Supervisor during field assessments
  • 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:

  • The ability to work independently outside, sometimes in adverse weather conditions (heat, rain, bugs).
  • Must be able to travel over rugged terrain for long distances
  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs (weight of HETAP machine)
  • Attention to detail, accurate notetaking/data collection.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing
  • Ability to work well on a team
  • Willingness to travel throughout Maine over extensive periods of time, occasionally working evenings.
  • Valid drivers license.
  • Possesses the ability to manage volunteers
  • 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

Marginal Functions:

  • Experience with GIS
  • Ability to navigate in the field with map and compass

Service Conditions:

ES will serve on TNC preserves throughout the state. Preserves range from remote, rugged mountains to nearby parks with large parking lots and graded trails. ES will travel via TNC vehicle to reach preserves throughout the state and may be expected to book travel via boat for certain locations. ES can expect to prepare for the elements-heat, cold, rain, and stormsand be equipped to serve independently in these settings and make appropriate safety judgements. Proper layering, sturdy footwear, and rain gear, is recommended.

  • Service is performed primarily outdoors
  • Service involves some physical labor
  • Service involves travel to nearby locations
  • Service is performed independently and as part of a team
  • Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties
  • Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail
  • Service will require the ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively

Qualifications

  • 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 drivers license with a good 5-year driving record
  • Passion for community service and the environment
  • Commitment to complete the full term of service
  • Ability to serve independently in rugged outdoor settings (required)
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person (required)
  • Ability to record data accurately with attention to detail (required)

Benefits:

  • Weekly living allowance of $525 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
  • AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
  • Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members (determined by Host Site need) will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
  • Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference and Volunteer Leadership Conference
  • Networking opportunities
  • Maine State Park Pass
  • This Host Site can provide a room in a shared house with stewardship field staff. House located on River Rd in Brunswick, a 30 min walk to the office

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will participate in up to five orientation days. Typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, Wilderness First Aid, Chainsaw Safety Training, Mental Health Education, Nonviolent Communication and Mediation, Professional Communication, and Leave No Trace. Members will also receive FEMA Training FEMA IS-700B for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and FEMA IS-244B for Developing and Managing Volunteers.

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.

Job readiness training will also be provided, such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors, and interview skills.

Additional training events: The AmeriCorps Member Conference, the Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference, and Life After AmeriCorps.

Volunteer Engagement

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

To Apply: submit an MCC Application, resume, and cover letter. Please email Corps.Conservation@maine.gov for questions and information.

Unemployed, underemployed, minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply

The Maine Conservation Corps provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Accommodation arrangements must be requested in advance by contacting MCC staff.