AmeriCorps Environmental Steward

General Description:

Live, learn and explore Maine’s conservation pockets with Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an individual placement member, you can make in impact within an organization and the community through 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.

This is a general description of MCC ES positions but does not capture the objectives of each host site.

Location:

Individual sites will be posted on the MCC website as they are recruited. Applicants will be sent guidance through the process. All corners of Maine have been sites in the past, and exciting new opportunities present themselves each year. Training and orientation typically occur near the MCC office, 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME, but also may be virtual depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

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 maybe modified for special events.

Description of Duties:

• 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 Host Site Supervisor
• Adhere to the MCC code of conduct, safety rules and guidelines, and drug free workplace, and other policies outlined in 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 judgement 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 to multiple parties, and may include electronic, telephonic and/or in-person communication
• Service conditions vary by site, but all Environmental Stewards should expect a portion of service, if not most to be outdoors

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a US Citizen
• 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 $364 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,172.50
• Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
• Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member 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, Goal Setting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, Conflict Resolution, 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 2022. 

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 trainings may be provided by the Host Site. 

Volunteer Engagement

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

The MCC ES 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 ES 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 conservation.corps@maine.gov. You will then be contacted with further instructions. If you have any questions, please direct those to the email above as well.