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.

Apply to be an MCC Field Team Leader today! Team Leaders receive professional skills development and certifications, team-based service learning, opportunities to live and serve in unique locations, a modest living allowance, money for college, and more!

START DATE: Monday, March 13, 2023

Includes an extensive 12-week Team Leader Training program designed to prepare Team Leaders for success in all aspects of leading a field team on conservation projects. This 12-week training program is a 450-hour AmeriCorps position.

• Highly qualified applicants may have the option of a later start date of Tuesday, April 18, 2023, and would receive a shorter 7-week hard skills based training. This shorter training program is not an AmeriCorps position, although you’d be learning and working alongside AmeriCorps members.
• END DATE: Friday, October 13, 2023 /Commitment to the end date is of utmost importance for all Team Leaders.

LOCATION: The training facility will be based in Raymond, ME.  Service project during training will be held at other locations, such as Camden Hills State Park. 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: Full-time, 40+ hours per week. It is typical to have a varied schedule.  Overnights, weekends, training days, and occasional service events are required.

GET PAID TO LEARN:

Develop leadership and project management skills through formal training and field-based learning that are transferable to a wide variety of careers. Training topics include:

• Wilderness First Aid
• Psychological First Aid
• 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
• Volunteer Management
• Conservation Project Management
• Volunteer Management
• Job Readiness Training
• Networking opportunities

GET PAID TO LEAD:

Upon demonstration of essential competencies, Team Leaders will receive an increase in their living stipend for the remainder of the season (June 12 through October 13) when they assume the roles and responsibilities of leading a team of AmeriCorps members on various outdoor conservation projects. This position should not be viewed 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.

• Mentor, guide, and teach members in all aspects of the field team experience, including technical skills development, MCC and AmeriCorps policies, service learning, and team dynamics.
• Plan, prepare, and execute 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, manage multi-week conservation projects, communicate project goals and needs with staff and project liaisons, and document 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 on-going training
• Interest in serving with and mentoring a diverse group of people
• Willingness to follow heightened health and safety protocols due to COVID-19.

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 or project management experience
• Committed to MCC through the duration of the term of service

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:

• Team Leaders starting in March are 450-hour AmeriCorps members during the 12-week training period and will receive an education award of $1,718.25 upon successful completion.
• AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement.
• All leaders will receive a weekly living allowance of $400 (less taxes) during training.
• Upon successful completion of training living allowances increase to $500 per week, and Leaders will be eligible for health insurance.
• Other benefits include a Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, paid training, 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 a base camp near their project site and will return to an assigned basecamp during 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.