1200-Hour Field Team Leader

The mission of the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is to accomplish conservation projects that inspire individuals and enhance communities. As an AmeriCorps program MCC is dedicated to accomplishing 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.

• Application Deadline: Monday, January 15, 2024

Team Leaders are an integral part of the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) mission to accomplish conservation projects that inspire people and enhance communities. As a Team Leader, you will expand outdoor recreational opportunities to Maine’s woods, waters, and mountains, while protecting these precious natural resources. Additionally, you will receive professional skill development and certifications, team-based service learning, the opportunity to live and serve in unique locations, a living allowance, an education award, and more! Apply to be an MCC Field Team Leader today!

• START DATE: Monday, March 18, 2024
• END DATE: Friday, October 25, 2024
• Team Leaders are 1200-hour AmeriCorps members. Commitment to service for the duration of the term is of utmost importance.
• LOCATION: Training will be based out of a summer camp.  Service projects during training will be held at other locations, such as Maine State Parks or Public Lands. Field projects after training are conducted state-wide in National and State Parks, Public Lands, Municipalities, and non-profit organizations.

MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330

TIME REQUIREMENTS: 1200-hour AmeriCorps Term; Full-time, 40+ hours per week. It is typical to have a varied schedule.  Overnights, weekends, training days, and service events are required.

LEARN:

The initial part of the term of service will focus on developing leadership and conservation skills through formal training and field-based learning that are transferable to a wide variety of careers. Training topics include:

• Wilderness First Aid
• Mental Health Education
• Chainsaw Safety
• FEMA Courses
• Nonviolent Communication
• Hand and Power Tools
• Technical trail building with stone and timber
• Leave No Trace
• Outdoor Leadership
• Camping and Backpacking
• Conservation Project Management
• Volunteer Management
• Job Readiness Training
• Networking Opportunities

LEAD AND SERVE:

Upon demonstration of essential competencies, Team Leaders will assume the roles and responsibilities of leading a team of AmeriCorps members on various outdoor conservation projects (June - October). This position should not be viewed as a traditional job but as a volunteer experience. Camping, extended time away from home, often in remote locations, are to be expected. Leaders will:

• Mentor, guide, and teach members in all aspects of the field team experience, including technical skills development, service learning, outdoor skills, and team dynamics.
• Plan, prepare, and accomplish conservation projects, i.e., meal planning, equipment and tool packing and maintenance, vehicle and trailer arrangements, travel and camping logistics, etc.
• Promote a culture of safety, achieve multi-week conservation projects, communicate project goals and needs with MCC and project liaisons, and record project accomplishments.
• Lead team members through adverse weather conditions, including heat and humidity, cold, rain, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with tools and gear over difficult terrain, and sleeping in tents with limited access to cellular service and internet, often in remote locations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• 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 with 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 perform tasks as part of a cooperative team
• Non-judgmental attitude, sensitivity to others, approachable
• Responsible and reliable
• High level of comfort in the outdoors
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Interest in personal growth and in participating in ongoing training
• Ability to serve with and to mentor a diverse group of people
• Ability to create a culture of respect and inclusivity
• Willingness to follow health and safety protocols

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to criminal history checks
• Previous outdoor leadership and conservation corps experience
• Commitment to the duration of the service term

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Driver’s license and clean driving record
• Previous trail construction experience
• Backcountry living experience
• Experience with GPS/GIS
• Experience with power tools and hand tools including chainsaws, and rigging equipment

BENEFITS:

• Living allowance of $515/week (less taxes)
• Team Leaders are 1200-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $4,826.50 upon successful completion.
• 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, training, certifications, and a wide range of networking opportunities

HOUSING: Will be provided during the training period.  Housing varies from rustic cabins to tent camping.  Expect to move locations throughout training.  During the field season, teams will camp at their project site and will return to an assigned basecamp or the MCC Office for off time.  Basecamps will vary from rustic cabins to tent sites. 

To Apply:

Submit an MCC Application, and send a copy of your resume to  Corps.Conservation@maine.gov.  You will be contacted with further instructions.  You may direct questions to the same email above.