900-HR Community Tree Steward

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.

This general description of MCC CTS positions does not capture each host site's objectives.

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:

• Service Term Dates: June 10-November 22, 2024
• 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 and AmeriCorps orientations, trainings, 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 portfolio, 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 AmeriCorps 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

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

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

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 Community Tree Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the site’s volunteer program.

The MCC CTS will also recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish trail projects. The MCC will assist members in identifying potential outreach opportunities, best approaches, and promotion of events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site by using the 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 email a copy of your resume and a cover letter to corps.conservation@maine.gov. You will then be contacted with further instructions. If you have any questions, please direct those to the email above as well.