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Massachusetts Conservation Corps

The Student Conservation Association
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Program Dates: 7/1/24 – 11/22/24

 

About us: 
Are you seeking the chance to learn hand-on conservation skills and give back to the outdoors? The SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps is a 21-week AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development, completing critical conservation service projects, and building a sense of community. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the hard and soft skills of being a conservation leader, come join this community of like-minded, service oriented individuals and help us tackle some of Massachusetts most pressing conservation issues.

The SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps is a partnership between SCA, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), AmeriCorps, and The Massachusetts Service Alliance.


Program Description: 

The Massachusetts Conservation Corps is a 5-month program that runs July 1st through November 22nd, 2024. The program is based out of Hawley, MA, with project sites located throughout Massachusetts. Training and projects aim to address conservation needs on Public Lands in Massachusetts. This position is primarily hands-on and projects can be physically demanding. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to reflect on the concept of Service. This is an AmeriCorps position - not a typical job - and requires a commitment to not only serving in public lands but also committing to the experience of intentional community. Members of the Massachusetts Conservation Corps should expect to meet regularly, reflect on their service, and contribute to the community-building process.


Program Time breakdown:

Orientation: 5%
Wilderness First Aid: 5%
Conservation Work Skills: 5%
Chainsaw: 5%
Conservation Service: 75%
Other Service/Training: 5%

Training Season: The entire corps will begin the program with 4 weeks of training together. Training will include Orientation, Wilderness First Aid (16-hour course), Conservation Trail Skills, Specialty Skills (chainsaw), Leadership development, Non-Violent Communication and Leave No Trace best practices.

 

Field Season:  Hitches will typically be 10 days in length but could vary depending on the location and project needs.  During hitches, crews will be based out of front country tent camps in close proximity to the project site. Crews will complete a variety of projects throughout the state, ranging from the Berkshires to the Cape.  Projects may include, but not limited to: new trail construction, native or dimensional bridges, rock steps/walls, invasive species management, resource monitoring, sign installation and preservation of historical structures.

 

Field-life is often rugged, and while on hitch, members should expect to live with limited access to electricity, cell phone reception and sometimes showers.  Additionally, while on hitch, this program is alcohol and substance free.

 

Member Benefits: 

  • $1200 bi-weekly living allowance, before taxes
  • $3,697.50 Segal Education Award at the end of completed service term
  • SNAP eligibility up to $250 per month plus various discounts available to EBT card holders
  • Childcare assistance available
  • Professional Certifications including Wilderness First Aid, Adult & Child CPR
  • Conservation training in carpentry, rock work, trailside structure restoration, and more!
  • The opportunity to serve in State Parks & Forest throughout Massachusetts
  • Networking opportunities with conservation professionals with state parks, forests, and nonprofits across Massachusetts.

Training Opportunities:

  • Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification
  • SCA Conservation Work Skills
  • Nonviolent Communication Training
  • Chainsaw Safety Training Levels 1 & 2
  • Leadership, resume building, and other professional development opportunities 

Member Qualifications: 
Essential Functions and Position Requirements:

  • Ability to commute to/from Kenneth Dubuque State Forest for trainings and start/end of trail projects
  • Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork
  • Interest in conservation skills that increase access to public spaces
  • Willing to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and tool inventory
  • Willingness to lead a crew on a 10 day trail project, coordinating all project logistics and partner communication.
  • Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to complete projects
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. & walk/hike 2 miles on rugged terrain
  • Must be able to serve in diverse situations and various outdoor environments 
  • Willingness to camp outdoors for 9 consecutive nights for all projects
  • Willingness to take part in community chores (i.e. cooking for crew in the field)
  • All participants must commit to following all program and state mandated Covid-19 safety guidelines. This may include, but is not limited to, wearing a mask for all service and group activities, taking extra time to sanitize tools and equipment, and notifying supervisors when a member is not feeling well
  • Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment
  • Commitment to service in working conditions that will include: extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation

Marginal Functions and optional service activities:

  • Virtual service as make-up hours (i.e. creating land acknowledgements or project site research)
  • Trail clean up and volunteer days

Potential candidates must be able to fulfill the above requirements in order to be considered for this position. In addition, it is recommended that applicants have a strong interest in service, conservation, and community building. No previous conservation experience is required to be considered!

 

Local Western Massachusetts residents are encouraged to apply. Current residency in Western Massachusetts is not required and national applicants are encouraged to research the cost of living in the local area before making the decision to join the Corps. Staff and Program Partners will make every effort to create an inclusive and equitable program experience for all corps members; this includes support in finding resources for housing, food assistance, and commuting resources when available.

 

Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service. Email Program Coordinator bspare@thesca.org if you need to make an accommodation request for the application process or interviews.
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. The organization and this program are firmly committed to maintaining a service atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
Please reach out to Bryce at bspare@thesca.org if you have any questions about the position or application process!

Additional Information:
Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes:  

  • Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; 
  • Being at least 18 years or older; 
  • Having a high school diploma or equivalent; 

Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.