Field Coordinator

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

Location:

• MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
• Field work is conducted throughout Maine.

Time Requirement:

• February 7 – October 28, 2022 (38 Weeks)
• 40+ hours a week
• Monday-Friday during training and orientation weeks
• Flex schedule possible during the field season (e.g. four 10-hour days); overnights and some weekends required; flexibility required to meet the needs of MCC members

General Description

The Field Coordinator will provide support and training to field teams as assigned by the Field Team Program Manager.  Field Teams are engaged in trail construction and maintenance and other conservation projects.  Members contribute their service, earn AmeriCorps education awards, and receive relevant job experience.  The Field Coordinator’s primary role is to provide field support, training, and leadership, monitor a portion of the field teams, assist with maintaining the vehicle fleet, tools, and equipment, and assist with office operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the recruitment, screening, interviewing, and selection of Members.
• Coordinate and lead training projects during Team Leader Training and Assistant Team Leader Training.
• Collaborate with Team Leaders and the Program Manager to facilitate a 4-day member orientation
• Provide support, training, and supervision to a region of MCC Field Teams (up to 4 teams)
• Assist leaders with project logistics including pre-service site visits, tool and gear sign-out, required paperwork, and effective time management to meet project goals.
• Help facilitate and maintain communications and coordination between the MCC office, partners, and teams.
• Train members in all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
• Assist with maintenance and inventory of MCC leased vehicles, chainsaws, power equipment, rigging equipment, hand tools, safety gear and camping equipment before, during and after the field season.
• Help collect, monitor, and report on paperwork & assignments from Field Teams including but not limited to evaluating Emergency Response Plans, monitoring daily project reports, reviewing and approving timesheets, and tracking the progress of multiple member surveys.
• Co-lead MCC teams with less experienced leaders until they become more competent at their assigned task.
• Assume a leadership role when a Team Leader unexpectedly leaves the program.
• Maintain a personal cell phone for communications with the office.
• Camp in tents and live cooperatively with members of the team during service sessions and training.
• Monitor residential sites
• Document incidents and behaviors related to policy violations.
• Follow and uphold all safety, and sanitation policies and procedures, including heightened COVID-19 protocols.

During training and the field season MCC Field Coordinators will be assigned 4-5 teams each to monitor and provide training and support.  Assignments will be made based on skills and experience.  The anticipated 2022 Field Team projects are as follows:

• Backcountry Stonework on the Appalachian Trail: up to 2 teams will focus on Appalachian Trail rehabilitation projects in the backcountry. These projects will involve carrying food, tools, and gear between 1 and 4 miles to a backcountry basecamp. Projects include construction of stone staircases, stepping stones, and other erosion control structures.  The Field Coordinator assigned these teams must have previous backcountry leadership experience and stonework and rigging experience
• Traveling Stonework Team:  This team will focus on stonework projects and other trail projects in both front and backcountry settings across Maine.  The Field Coordinator assigned this team must have previous stonework and rigging experience.  Previous backcountry leadership experience is preferred
• Sustainable Community Trail Building:  Up to 2 teams will travel to communities throughout Maine focusing on a variety of trail building and maintenance task including bridge construction and new trail construction as well as other conservation projects.  The Field Coordinator assigned these teams must have previous chainsaw experiences.  Previous carpentry experience is preferred
• Public Lands Maintenance Team: Up to 2 teams will focus on general maintenance of Maine’s public land units in both front country and backcountry settings.  Projects include, corridor maintenance, blowdown removal, bog bridge construction, and more.  The Field Coordinator assigned these teams must have previous chainsaw experiences. 
• Mini-Team:  MCC anticipates having one Mini Team consisting of 1 leader and 2 members focusing on a variety of trail and conservation projects including stonework, bridge construction, and general trail maintenance and construction.  The Field Coordinator assigned this team must have previous chainsaw experience.  Stonework experience is preferred

Working Conditions:

This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including cold, rain, heat and humidity, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with all tools and gear over difficult terrain, and sleeping in tents. This position should be viewed not as a traditional job, but as an experience where long hours and extended time away from home, often in remote locations, are to be expected.

Essential Functions:

• Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• Interest in serving with and mentoring a diverse group of people
• Have the ability to live and perform strenuous work outdoors under challenging conditions
• Ability to travel and camp on a weekly basis
• Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Ability to hike 3-12 miles per day in rugged terrain, often carrying heavy gear and tools
• 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 perform tasks as part of a cooperative team and independently
• Non-judgmental attitude, sensitivity to others, approachable
• Responsible and reliable
• Interest in personal growth and in participating in on-going training
• Must be able to work independently and be prepared to deal with difficult situations
• Ability to teach trail skills
• Possesses motivation and initiative 
• Excellent communication skills and organization skills
• High level of comfort in the outdoors
• Willingness to follow and uphold heightened health and safety protocols due to COVID-19 during service sessions and during time off.
• Excellent work ethic

Qualifications 

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must submit to criminal history check
• Must be approved to drive State vehicles by the Risk Management Division (clean driving record)
• Minimum of 5 months of experience in a leadership role with a Conservation Corps or similar program
• Experience with operation and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, and rigging equipment

Preferred qualification:

• Knowledge of sustainable trail layout and design
• Experience with group facilitation and training
• Experience with ArcGIS applications

Benefits

• Stipend of $600-$680 per week based on number of years as Field Coordinator (less taxes)
• Health Insurance, including dental and vision
• Maine State Park Pass
• Paid training (i.e. Chainsaw safety training, AmeriCorps Conferences, WFA)
• Paid vacation and leave time
• A wide range of networking and professional development opportunities

To Apply

Please apply by December 6, 2021.

• Submit a 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.