900-Hour Environmental Steward (Summer)

When you apply, your materials are retained for the next cycle if not interested in the sites available or if not selected for a position. We release Host Site details close to the deadline for each available site, and you get to respond with your Top 3 choices of where you would like to serve, and will be interviewed by the sites directly if they are interested.

For general Environmental Stewards duties and functions, visit the MCC Environmental Steward Opportunities page.

Housing: Not Provided

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Bradbury Mountain State Park is a wonderful place to spend a day or afternoon exploring trails, taking in the magnificent view from the summit, or enjoying a picnic under a canopy of trees. One of the original five state parks, Bradbury Mountain was acquired by the Federal government in 1939.

Situated on Route 9 about halfway between Portland and Lewiston-Auburn, the park attracts visitors who enjoy picnicking, hiking and camping on its 800 acres of forested land. Bradbury Mountain is the only state park in southern Maine to offer shared-use trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers and snowmobilers. Snow shoe rentals are available.

Sculpted by a glacier, Bradbury Mountain is the park's most outstanding natural feature. Today the park's forest is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Fall is a busy time at the park when visitors watch migrating hawks and eagles ride the thermals and enjoy the views of fall foliage from the summit.

This position will focus on trailwork and trail maintenance at Bradbury Mountain State Park. These tasks are completed outside, in all weather conditions. Hand tools, power tools, and other resources are used to complete these tasks. The position will also improve the volunteer program focusing on trail projects and recruiting more volunteers.

·     Build new trails and rehabilitate existing trails in all seasons and weather conditions including:

o Build timber structures (bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.)

o Construct stone and earth structures (reinforced grade dips, retaining walls, causeways, stone steps, etc.)

o Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)

o Other tread way work (crush rock, haul gravel)

·     Monitor use of trails

·     Assist park staff with ongoing trail related park projects

·     Coordinate volunteer activities focused on trails including:

o Recruiting volunteers

o Promoting and leading volunteer events

o Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan

·        Willingness and physical ability to accomplish a variety of conservation projects, which will include using power and hand tools

·        Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds

·        Walking across steep or uneven terrain

·        Serving in extremes of heat or cold, as well as being exposed to biting and stinging insects

·        Ability to hike several 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 on-going training

Service Conditions:

·        Service is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and biting and stinging insects

·        Service involves some physical labor, and hiking with gear and tools over difficult terrain

·        Service involves travel to nearby locations

·        Trail building experience preferred

·        Ability to critically thing and solve problems

·        General ability to serve independently in the field and maintain equipment, as well as an affinity for leading activities and discussions with volunteers

Housing: Not Provided, camping may be available

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Sebago Lake State Park opened to the public in 1938 as one of the five original state parks. This forested lakeside park is situated on the shore of Maine's deepest and second largest lake which provides year-round recreation for thousands of visitors each year. Near the foothills of the White Mountains, the park's 1,400 acres features sandy beaches, extensive woodlands, ponds, bogs a river and diverse habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Swimming, sport fishing, camping and boating are some of the summer activities enjoyed by visitors. The park's 250-site campground is a popular destination for family vacationers and provides lasting memories season after season. Wooded areas offer a respite from the sun and activity on the beaches. Whether hiking on marked trails or bicycling on park roads, visitors find many ways to enjoy the park. The park also operates the historic Songo Lock.

Carved by ancient rivers and scoured by Ice Age glaciers, Sebago Lake fills a basin made of granite that has been weathered for millions of year. Thanks to those glaciers, visitors today an enjoy an array of water sports on Maine's 45 square mile lake.

This position will focus on trailwork and trail maintenance at Sebago Lake State Park. These tasks are completed outside, in all weather conditions. Hand tools, power tools, and other resources are used to complete these tasks. The position will also improve the volunteer program focusing on trail projects and recruiting more volunteers.

·     Build new trails and rehabilitate existing trails in all seasons and weather conditions including:

o Build timber structures (bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.)

o Construct stone and earth structures (reinforced grade dips, retaining walls, causeways, stone steps, etc.)

o Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)

o Other tread way work (crush rock, haul gravel)

·     Monitor use of trails

·     Assist park staff with ongoing trail related park projects

·     Coordinate volunteer activities focused on trails including:

o Recruiting volunteers

o Promoting and leading volunteer events

o Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan

·        Willingness and physical ability to accomplish a variety of conservation projects, which will include using power and hand tools

·        Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds

·        Walking across steep or uneven terrain

·        Serving in extremes of heat or cold, as well as being exposed to biting and stinging insects

·        Ability to hike several 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 on-going training

Service Conditions:

·        Service is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and biting and stinging insects

·        Service involves some physical labor, and hiking with gear and tools over difficult terrain

·        Service involves travel to nearby locations

·        Trail building experience preferred

·        Ability to critically thing and solve problems

·        General ability to serve independently in the field and maintain equipment, as well as an affinity for leading activities and discussions with volunteers

Housing: Tent/camping situation provided

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Lily Bay State Park is a public recreation area in the town of Greenville, Piscataquis County, Maine. The state park occupies 924 acres on the southeast shore of Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in New England. It was established in 1961 on woodland primarily donated by the Scott Paper Company in 1959. The park offers camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and snowmobiling. There is a two-mile trail used for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing that follows the shore of the lake.

Peaks-Kenny State Park lies on the shores of Sebec Lake, offering day visitors and campers a peaceful, wooded setting in which to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and picnicking. With 56 sites set among stately trees and large glacial boulders near the lake, the campground fosters quiet and private enjoyment of a beautiful natural setting. The 839-acre park lies in the Central Maine Highlands, an area renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities with Moosehead Lake, the Appalachian Trail, the southern end of Baxter State Park and other outdoor destinations all within a morning's drive. Ten miles of gentle hiking trails within the park offer visitors of all ages and skill levels a chance to enjoy old-growth hardwood forests, hemlock and pines.

This is a dual placement position, meaning there will be 2 Environmental Stewards (ESs) at this site which will collaborate for projects. The ESs will focus on trailwork and trail maintenance at Lily Bay State Park and Peaks Kenny State Park. These tasks are completed outside, in all weather conditions. Hand tools, power tools, and other resources are used to complete these tasks. The position will also improve the volunteer program focusing on trail projects and recruiting more volunteers.

·     Build new trails and rehabilitate existing trails in all seasons and weather conditions including:

o Build timber structures (bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.)

o Construct stone and earth structures (reinforced grade dips, retaining walls, causeways, stone steps, etc.)

o Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)

o Other tread way work (crush rock, haul gravel)

·     Monitor use of trails

·     Assist park staff with ongoing trail related park projects

·     Coordinate volunteer activities focused on trails including:

o Recruiting volunteers

o Promoting and leading volunteer events

o Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan

·        Willingness and physical ability to accomplish a variety of conservation projects, which will include using power and hand tools

·        Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds

·        Walking across steep or uneven terrain

·        Serving in extremes of heat or cold, as well as being exposed to biting and stinging insects

·        Ability to hike several 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 on-going training

Service Conditions:

·        Service is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and biting and stinging insects

·        Service involves some physical labor, and hiking with gear and tools over difficult terrain

·        Service involves travel to nearby locations

·        Trail building experience preferred

·        Ability to critically thing and solve problems

·        General ability to serve independently in the field and maintain equipment, as well as an affinity for leading activities and discussions with volunteers

Housing: Not Provided

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include occasional evenings or weekends

·        Complete training in DEP’s data management and ArcGIS (if needed or interested)

·        Proof and upload field-collected and application data to the DEP database

·        Assist with preparations for and organization of Erosion and Sedimentation Control training sessions

·        Assist at Nonpoint Source training sessions

·        Prepare supporting materials for training sessions

·        Assist with fieldwork data collection and culvert assessments

·        Organize and present stream crossing data from submitted projects for higher level analysis

·        Assist with producing reports, graphics and other technical and/or educational materials

·        Conduct environmental education/outreach activities through the Nonpoint Source Training Center

·        Review select awarded projects for QA/QC

·        Computer skills and ability to learn DEP computer applications (GIS skills a plus)

·        Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities

·        Ability to focus and be detail-oriented

·        Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and be outgoing

·        Comfort with public speaking and/or willingness to improve public speaking skills

·        Ability to perform tasks independently as well as part of a team

·        Physically able to complete field work including negotiating slopes and over river/stream terrain

·        Reliable and responsible

·        Positive attitude

·        Ability to get along with others and be respectful

·        Possession of a valid Maine Driver’s license

Additional functions that the ES could complete will depend on the ES interests. There is significant opportunity to do more with environmental education for municipal officials and contractors (ie. help with requests that DEP staff do not have time to do). The ES could also use or learn skills (e.g GIS, stream crossing design, engineering plan reading) that could improve the efficiency and enhance Nonpoint Source Education and Stream Crossing programs.

·        Service is performed indoors (about 60%) and outdoors (inspecting previously granted stream crossing projects) from June through November.

·        Service involves physical labor, including but not limited to moving tools and equipment between vehicles and service sites, carrying monitoring equipment to sampling sites, and putting watercraft in the water and taking it out.

·        Service involves completing tasks outside in inclement weather and with biting insects.

·        Service involves travel to other locations within the state.

·        Service is performed independently and as part of a team.

·        Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties.

·        Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail.

·        Service will require the ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively.

Housing: NOT provided, but the Host Site is wiling to assist a member in finding reasonable accommodations

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

The Downeast Coastal Conservancy is responsible for the stewardship and protection of 6,275 acres and more than 62 miles of shoreline in Downeast Maine.

The region’s vast forests, abundant lakes and rivers, rugged headlands, and traditional saltwater farms offer exceptional wildlife habitat, unmatched scenic beauty and diverse opportunities for public access and recreation. The Downeast Coastal Region includes the same geographic areas and communities historically served by Great Auk Land Trust and Quoddy Regional Land Trust. We also work in close partnership with other conservation partners such as Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Downeast Salmon Federation and the Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation to achieve conservation at the community and regional landscape level.

This position will assist the Stewardship Director in stewardship related activities, such as trail design and building, trail and grounds maintenance, helping coordinate volunteer groups, and assisting with annual property monitoring requirements for over 80 properties. The member will gain a better understanding of how a land trust operates, trail building and design, land management, community outreach, and other facets of non-profit operations. They will have a chance to network with professionals here in Washington County.

·        Assist in trail building, signage installation, and other tasks necessary to help bring a new DCC Preserve online

·        Assist in monitoring DCC’s 80+ preserves and Easements across Washington County

·        Assist in trail and preserve maintenance on DCC’s Public Access Preserves

·        Assist with outreach and educational programs offered by DCC, including, if desired, developing programs for schools, community members and/or DCC’s members

·        Work with volunteers to complete tasks necessary for DCC to meet our stewardship and property maintenance requirements, set forth by the Land Trust Alliance and DCC’s internal work plan

·        Attend meetings with DCC’s Stewardship Committee and Outreach Committee as necessary

·        Write and file reports as necessary

·        The ability to work outdoors with equipment, most typically, but not limited to: brush mower, brush trimmer, chainsaw, hand tools, and must be able to do this in all conditions

·        Excellent written and communication skills

·        Ability to work with and manage volunteers

·        Ability to work independently and as a team

·        Ability to use a GPS and map and compass comfortably in the field (or woods, as it were)

·        Understanding of non-profits, especially land trusts

·        Knowledge of the purpose and importance of environmental and community conservation

·        Good organizational skills

It would be great to have someone who has some understanding of how to manage use on a property that has developed public access (parking, trails, multiple attracting features, etc). We are going to be opening a new preserve in 2020, and want to be thinking about its use, carrying capacity, user management, signage, etc.

It would also be great to have someone with experience working with youth and youth programming.

·        Washington County is a rugged rural coastal community with varying landscapes, including rugged coast to marsh, upland rolling terrain, thick woods, and remote settings

·        Service includes being in an office setting some of the time

·        Service includes some properties which will require long days in the field

·        Service involves being outside in the summer months monitoring properties. Terrain can be uneven and challenging to traverse.

·        Service includes some longer days and uncomfortable weather conditions including but not limited to rain, heat and humidity, sleet and freezing rain, biting insects, and more

·        Service involves travel to other locations within the state

·        Service is performed independently and as part of a team

·        Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties

·        Running water, cellular service and internet access should not be expected

Housing: Not Provided

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week may include evenings, weekends and holidays

Within the State of Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Maine Natural Areas Program works to ensure the maintenance of Maine's natural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. MNAP serves Maine's citizens as the most comprehensive source on the State's important natural features, and provides objective information to help land managers make informed decisions. This includes a strong program on terrestrial and wetland invasive plants.

The Environmental Steward (ES) will play a key role in invasive plant survey efforts on state lands, and will also participate in targeted invasive plant management efforts. The ES will conduct field surveys to search out and map infestations of terrestrial and wetland invasive plant species, visit previously-treated sites to monitor and document plant conditions, document treatments and surveys in an online database, undertake treatment/control projects, assess sites and create management recommendations for land managers, and coordinate or assist with volunteer service days with local partners. The ES will first serve alongside MNAP staff to become trained in invasive plant identification, mapping, survey, and control techniques, including mapping protocols using the online mapping tool iMapInvasives. In addition, the ES will study for their pesticide applicator’s license. The ES will assist with writing of invasive plant management recommendations reports and survey summaries. GIS skills will also be taught and modeled so the ES can learn the skills needed to make more complex maps. After a training period, the ES may then work more independently, potentially surveying on their own or with a seasonal staff member. Cross-training will also be provided within or beyond DACF, for example with the Maine Forest Service – Forest Health and Monitoring Program, or other programs, depending on the interests of the ES.

Timeline:

June-July: Training with MCC and MNAP. Training with MNAP to include: advanced invasive plant ID; search methods including data record-keeping; use of GPS unit and software/ArcGIS skills; iMapInvasives online mapping tool; herbicide use/safety and pesticide applicator’s exam; and invasive plant control/documentation methods. Practice computer skills and field site visits with MNAP staff in mentoring role. First site visits/surveys. Based on field visits/surveys, practice writing invasive plant management recommendation reports with guidance from MNAP staff. Meet with key partners (BPL, MNAP staff) and begin planning/coordinating the field schedule. Prepare field gear, field maps, etc.

July-September: Perform field surveys statewide, collecting/documenting invasive plant data according to established protocols, monitoring/documenting sites previously treated and making recommendations for follow-up treatments as necessary, coordinating with MNAP, and BPL staff. Field survey on other topics such as rare plant survey, ecological monitoring sites, natural community mapping, wetland survey and evaluation in coordination with MNAP Ecologists. Conduct small-scale control projects as needed while surveying. Participate as needed in larger control efforts, including herbicide use. Enter and manage data in iMapInvasives. Create management recommendations specific to each site, in consultation with MNAP staff as needed. Share immediate needs with key field staff to address urgent early detection infestations. Coordinate/assist with volunteer service days at appropriate field sites. Operate safely and sometimes independently in remote areas, coordinate camping as needed, check in with MNAP staff as required.

October-November:  Wrap up iMapInvasives data entry. Create final-quality maps using ArcGIS software. Complete remaining summary reports with management recommendations for each site. Communicate with key partners regarding findings, produce list of sites to be revisited in 2021 for treatment follow-up. Coordinate/assist with volunteer service days at appropriate field sites. Assist with other projects as directed by MNAP staff. Final reporting on project success, reflection, de-brief. 

·        Participate in MNAP-provided training and skill-building sessions

·        Plan and coordinate invasive species survey and monitoring including plant ID, mapping, and control

·        Collect accurate data following established methods, mostly using iMapInvasives

·        Create site specific maps and management recommendations reports

·        Safely control invasive plants using manual, mechanical, and herbicide tools

·        Complete rigorous outdoor surveys and treatments including some long days on foot carrying equipment

·        Maintain detailed logs of activities at each site, keeping logs up to date and providing sufficient information to ensure continuity

·        Identify sites suitable for volunteer invasive plant service days

·        Assist with other MNAP projects such as invasive plant trainings and outreach, natural community surveys, forest inventory plots, wetland community survey and evaluation

·        Plant identification skills with the flora of New England (trees, shrubs, wildflowers), especially invasive plants

·        Knowledge of invasive plant prioritization and control strategies

·        Knowledge of safe practices for herbicide use and rules and regulations related to herbicide use

·        Ability to record data with good attention to detail

·        Data summary and interpretation skills

·        ArcGIS skills to make maps and use online tools built on an ArcGIS Online platform

·        Ability to travel to other locations within the state and work closely with others, sometimes camping overnight

·        Good communication skills to coordinate with supervisor, colleagues, and partners

·        Ability to manage time effectively and complete tasks with attention to detail

·        The ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively

·        Skills in volunteer leadership and recruitment to bring people out for invasive plant service days

Marginal Functions:

·        Experience with statistical and graphing software e.g., R would be a bonus

·        Native plant identification skills beyond woody trees and shrubs are a bonus

·        Service is performed both indoors and outdoors

·        Service involves indoor primarily computer-oriented tasks in cubicle space. Tasks include data entry in direct support of the project, map-making, photo management, recordkeeping (logs of the site visit details), and report writing.

·        Service involves field surveys and treatments in all kinds of weather conditions including but not limited to: hot, humid, bugs, rain, cold, and long hiking days over rough terrain carrying heavy equipment.

·        Service time is estimated to be approximately 2/3 field based and 1/3 office based, but this will vary from week to week and be somewhat weather dependent. Schedules needs to be flexible to accommodate last minute field trips. A significant amount of driving is needed to reach many field sites.

·        Service is performed independently and as part of a team

·        Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties

·        Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail

·        Service will require the ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively

Housing: Provided 

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust, located in Camden, Maine, works to permanently conserve land for the benefit of the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay region. Since 1986, the organization has protected over 12,000 acres of land, built over 45 miles of trails, and maintains 35+ preserves for the enjoyment of the community.

The purpose of this position is assist the Land Trust with its outreach and community event programming. This Environmental Steward (ES) position will assist large community and trails events, educational walks and talks, and work with groups, partner organizations and volunteers interested in engaging with the outdoors. The ES will develop the skills needed for future positions in visitor engagement, event management, marketing and nature interpretation.

·        Articulate in public and possessing a pleasant personality featuring tact, patience, diplomacy, flexibility, and helpfulness 

·        Strong writing skills

·        Ability and willingness to work with children

·        Ability to perform tasks as part of a team

·        Well-organized work style and capability to conduct multiple tasks concurrently

·        Working knowledge of the issues important to the mission of the Land Trust

·        Experience with computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite

·        Possesses rigorous standards of discretion and confidentiality

Housing: Provided 

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) is a nationally accredited, nonprofit, land conservation organization. Now in our 30th year of operation, we have protected nearly 7,000 acres in 12 towns and townships, through conservation easements or FBC-owned preserves. Our conserved lands protect a broad variety of ecosystems and traditional land uses, including forest, wetlands, coastline, mountains, an organic farm, a working woodlot, blueberry fields, and waterfront along a wild and scenic river. Frenchman Bay Conservancy maintains more than 25 miles of year-round public access hiking trails for nature observation, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hunting. We protect access for the public to enjoy scenic vistas, sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and mudflats for recreation and commercial access including clam and worm harvesting.

The ES will be involved with trail building and recruiting volunteers to build trails mostly. In addition, trail maintenance, GPS trail mapping, and leading community volunteers in trail building events.

FBC is constantly protecting new lands and creating new Preserves that need public access enhancements. We have over 25 miles of trail to maintain in addition to the new lands we are opening to the public. Last year our MCC Environmental Steward coalesced a great group of community volunteers, and they are excited to come back for another season of work. But, our need for volunteers has also grown with more projects to do this summer! If we have more volunteers, we can get more work done! And we rely entirely on volunteers for our stewardship work.

The purpose of this position is to engage community in conservation by providing opportunity to volunteer on our Preserves, or simply visit a Preserve and experience time in nature. Trails serve as a link between the general public and valuing conservation lands. This Environmental Steward provides FBC with the capacity to engage with community, give them an opportunity to feel a sense of ownership of these public lands, and help FBC keep up with the growing demand for new trails and improvements on existing trails.

Skills a member will develop:

Outreach – engage community members to recruit a lasting volunteer stewardship group for Day Ridges Preserve in Gouldsboro.

Leadership – working alongside and teaching volunteers basic trail building skills.

Trail Building- experience in new trail construction, building trail structures such as bog bridging, stepping stones, dimensional bridging construction.

Project Management – The LS will work under guidance of FBC’s Land Protection Manager and Stewardship Committee to plan out and schedule materials needed, volunteers needed, tools needed and time needed to complete projects.

GPS Mapping – If the Land Steward doesn’t already have skills using GPS, we will teach them to navigate and track for the purposes of creating new maps and keeping a work log of volunteer group accomplishments.

An ES at Frenchman Bay Conservancy would have the opportunity for personal fulfillment and professional growth - through accomplishing multiple facets of land conservation. The ES will be involved in planning and leading periodic volunteer service days, conducting trail stewardship tasks clearing trails, blazing trails, installing bog bridging, tracking trail usage via hiker registration boxes and engaging our members through various outreach events, such as group hikes, educational activities and fundraising events.

·        Collaborate with FBC Stewardship Committee and Land Protection Manager to layout new trails

·        Serve independently to maintain trail corridor, drainage structures and any other trail maintenance as required.

·        Recruit Community Volunteers to form ‘Friends of..’ groups for FBC to maintain

·        Plan and implement volunteer trail building events

·        Lead volunteers on trail projects in the field

·        Maintain FBC tool cache

·        Provide data entry and create work log data to maintain up to date trail stewardship database

·        Planning field days including preparing equipment and supplies and determining the tasks/projects to be completed

·        Leading safe and productive volunteer service days

·        Knowledge and understanding of basic trail building practices and ability to implement these practices

·        Knowledge and understanding of basic carpentry skills

·        Recruiting and retaining volunteers

·        Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with FBC staff, volunteers, board members, local partners, and members of the public.

Marginal Functions:

·        Support ongoing FBC Stewardship projects as needed

·        Support FBC Community Outreach Events as needed

·        Service is performed primarily outdoors from May through October.

·        Service involves physical labor in isolated outdoor locations on difficult terrain in variable weather conditions, including but not limited to moving tools and equipment between vehicles and service sites and moving lumber and other materials to service sites and installing them.

·        Service involves travel to locations throughout Hancock County.

·        Service is performed both independently and in collaboration with stewardship volunteers; some volunteers will be inexperienced and require basic training.

·        Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties.

·        Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail.

·        Service will require the ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively.

Housing: Not Provided

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week may include evenings, weekends and holidays

The Nature Conservancy is an international non-profit with a business unit in Maine. Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. We own and manage almost 300,000 acres of conservation land in Maine. We also have active freshwater, marine, and climate programs with partners across the state.

The Environmental Steward will help TNC to assess lands that have been protected using the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP), a program that provides funding for wetland restoration and preservation projects. MNRCP receives funds through the state and federal permitting process (the Maine In Lieu Fee Program) as a way to offset the impacts from development. The ES will perform site visits to protected natural areas, review management plans, and document whether protected areas are complying with the terms of the plans.

The objective of the position is to monitor the long-term preservation sites to make sure they are in compliance with project agreements and long-term management plans and are satisfying state and federal mitigation policies as well as meeting the intended goals of the MNRCP program. The ES will need to review existing plans, contact current landowners/land managers, and perform field visits to the project sites to document conditions on the ground. Site visits will be performed to protected natural areas all over the state, giving the ES an opportunity to see a wide variety of sites and habitats across Maine.

·        Work with TNC MNRCP team to identify sites for assessment and points of contact.

·        Work with MNRCP team and TNC stewardship staff to refine a monitoring protocol and data collection standards.

·        Reach out to the current landowners (usually land trusts, municipalities, or state agencies) to coordinate site visits.

·        Review management plans and project agreements prior to site visits.

·        Perform field visits to protected natural areas located all over the state of Maine (e.g., land trust properties, state wildlife management areas, and town-owned natural areas).

·        Collect data in the field using digital technology (e.g., iPad, camera) documenting compliance with the plans. If there are violations and/or problems found during site visits, the ES will only be responsible for reporting those issues to TNC and will not be responsible for enforcement activity with landowners.

·        Compile collected data and prepare a final written summary report of site conditions and MNRCP program alignment.

·        Outdoor field work and data collection experience preferred

·        Use of GPS or other mobile mapping platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Collector, Survey 123, etc.)

·        Good communications skills and ability to positively represent MNRCP and TNC with partners and landowners

·        Good organizational and writing skills and ability to work independently

·        Ability to compile collected information into a clear, comprehensive report

·        Ability to navigate solo in the woods in potentially difficult conditions

·        Knowledge of wetlands and streams a plus

·        Knowledge of invasive plant species a plus

·        Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive potentially long distances alone

·        Ability to use personal vehicle for site visits preferred, but not required

·        Limited overnight travel may be required

·        Knowledge of Microsoft Office

·        Knowledge of GIS may be useful in this position but is not required, and there may be opportunities to learn if the ES is interested

·        High quality photographs of the preserves, for potential use in promotional/communication materials, would be great, but not required.