Field Team Member (Trails)

Build a path, while finding yours! Live, serve, and explore Maine’s wilderness, coast, and mountains with Maine Conservation Corps (MCC).  Members serve in teams of three to six, using traditional construction and maintenance skills to enhance hiking, biking, skiing, and other types of recreational trails throughout the state.  Learn how to highline a 500-pound boulder to construct a stone staircase, build timber structures, or open access to treasured natural areas.  You’ll make a difference in local communities, while connecting to nature, peers, and yourself. 

• START DATE: Monday, June 10, 2024
• END DATE: Friday, October 11, 2024
• Team Members are 675-hour AmeriCorps members. Commitment to service for the duration of the term is of utmost importance.
• LOCATION: Orientation will be based out of a summer camp. Field projects after orientation 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: 675-hour AmeriCorps Term, Full-time, 40 hours per week. It is typical to have a varied schedule, i.e., 9 days on (Monday – Tuesday), followed by 5 days off (Wednesday – Sunday) and/or Monday – Friday with weekends off. Each team has a unique project and travel schedule. Overnights, weekends, training days, and service events are required.

LEARN:

Field Team Members will attend a one-week member orientation to MCC and AmeriCorps. Topics will include backcountry wellness, Leave No Trace ethics, diversity and inclusivity, and an introduction to trail tools and safety standards. A portion of Field Team Members will undergo Chainsaw Safety Training, depending on assigned projects. During the field season, members will participate in ongoing job readiness training including career research, resume and cover letter writing, interview tips, self-reflection, and goal setting.

SERVE:

Field Team Members will complete conservation projects as part of a team primarily focused on the rehabilitation and construction of recreational trails across Maine. Team Members can expect to serve on physically challenging projects in any kind of weather, gaining hands-on experience in the groundwork of stewardship.  The Team Member position requires a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, the ability to live and serve collaboratively in a team setting, and the physical ability to carry out the essential functions of the position. Team Members will:

• Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
• Build new trails, rehabilitate existing trails, and complete other conservation projects.
  • Build bridges, boardwalks, wooden ladders, etc.
  • Construct rock staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, etc.
  • Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)
  • Other treadway maintenance and construction (crush rock, haul gravel)
  • Habitat Restoration, such as invasive plant removal
• Participate in job readiness training.
• Adhere to the MCC safety rules and guidelines.
• Follow the MCC Code of Conduct, and all guidelines set forth in the member agreement and MCC Handbook.
• Adhere to the MCC drug-free workplace policy.
• Submit paperwork in a timely manner. Paperwork includes timesheets, job readiness assignments, and other forms required by the MCC.
• Represent the MCC in a professional and supportive manner, to the public and media.
• Live cooperatively with other members during training and service sessions.  Willingly perform joint living tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining hygiene (not to be counted as direct service hours).

SERVICE 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. 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
• 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 across 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
• Interest in personal growth and in participating in ongoing training
• Interest in serving with a diverse group of people
• Willingness to follow health and safety protocols

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to operate a MCC vehicle to transport members and gear to and from project sites.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be eligible for AmeriCorps
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to criminal history checks

BENEFITS:

• Living allowance of $375/week (less taxes)
• Team Members are 675-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $2,626.27 upon successful completion of the program.
• AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement.
• Other benefits include a Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, and a wide range of networking opportunities.

HOUSING: Will be provided during the orientation. During the field season, teams will camp at their project site and will return to an assigned basecamp or the MCC Office for 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.