Community Tree Steward

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: October 23, 2023

Service Term Dates: January 15, 2024 – November 22, 2024

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:

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 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:

• 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
• 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
• Additional skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site

CTS may be enrolled as AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps additionally requires that members:

• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident

Benefits:

• Weekly living allowance of $640 (before taxes) for 45 weeks
• Health insurance, if eligible
• Certifications
• Conferences
• Networking opportunities
• Maine State Park Pass
• A small number of Host Sites also offer housing as part of their position

 CTS may be enrolled as AmeriCorps members. Potential AmeriCorps benefits include:

• AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,895
• Some AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will be provided with an initial orientation to MCC, and extensive training opportunities will be provided during orientation and after. Professional Development trainings will include Wilderness First Aid, Chainsaw Safety Training, Mental Health Education (either Mental Health First Aid or Psychological First Aid), Certificate in Management of Volunteers, Nonviolent Communication and Mediation, the AmeriCorps Member Conference and the Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference.

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. 

Volunteer Engagement

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

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

To Apply: Complete an MCC 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 them to the email above as well.