AmeriCorps Environmental Steward

Gain meaningful experience exploring Maine through the lens of an individual conservation organization! Have you been waiting for a chance to learn about how a land trust operates? How a federal wildlife refuge creates and conserves habitat? How citizen science projects are created and accomplished?

Live, learn, and explore Maine’s conservation pockets with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an MCC AmeriCorps Environmental Steward, you can make an impact within an organization and the community by achieving specific Host Site goals as unique as each placement.

Environmental Stewards (ES) accomplish a wide variety of conservation projects ranging from water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, mobilizing volunteers to maintain hiking trails, banding and gathering data on songbirds, restoring eelgrass, teaching school kids about shellfisheries, mapping invasive species, and more. Gain experience and an adventure while making a difference.

This general description of MCC ES positions does not capture each host site's objectives. 

Location:

Individual sites will be posted on the MCC website as they are recruited. Applicants will be sent guidance through the process, and one application will enable you to choose up to 3 sites you with to be considered for. All corners of Maine have been sites in the past, and exciting new opportunities present themselves each year. Training and orientation typically occur near the MCC office in Augusta, Maine. 

Time Requirement: 

Environmental Stewards are expected to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. The Host Site determines a regular schedule, and it will include a minimum of 2 days off per week.  Regular schedules may be modified for special events. 

Description of Duties:

• Participate in MCC and AmeriCorps orientations, training, events, and conferences
• Assist with pre-approved and allowable fundraising activities
• Engage in volunteer management activities including:
• Recruiting volunteers
• Promoting and leading volunteer events
• Collecting and submitting Volunteer Assignment Agreements to MCC
• Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan
• Complete ongoing assignments and required tasks, including job readiness training, construction of member portfolios, weekly timesheets, and quarterly reports.
• Participate in a Site Visit with MCC staff
• Maintain regular communication with MCC, including checking email no less than weekly
• Participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations with the Host Site Supervisor 
• Adhere to the MCC code of conduct, safety rules and guidelines, drug-free workplace, and other policies outlined in the MCC Handbook and AmeriCorps Member Agreement
• Represent MCC and host site in a professional and supportive manner to the public and media

Essential Functions:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively 
• Demonstrates good judgment and professionalism
• Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility
• Ability to serve both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage time effectively and produce quality results with attention to detail 
• Demonstrates a desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference

Service Conditions: 

• Service involves frequent communication with multiple parties, and may include electronic, telephonic, and/or in-person communication
• Service conditions vary by site, but all Environmental Stewards should expect a portion of service, if not all to be outdoors

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to a criminal history check
• All positions at State sites require a valid driver’s license with a good 5-year driving record
• Passion for community service and the environment
• Commitment to complete the full term of service
• Skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site

Benefits: 

• Weekly living allowance of $525 (before taxes) for 45 weeks 
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395
• Health insurance, if eligible
• Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members (determined by Host Site need) will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
• Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference and Volunteer Leadership Conference
• Networking opportunities 
• Maine State Park Pass 
• Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
• A small number of Host Sites also offer housing as part of their position

Orientation and Training Topics: 

Members will participate in up to five orientation days. Typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, MCC, Host Sites and You, OnCorps reporting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, National Incident Management Systems, Leave No Trace, Intro to Trails, and Safety. Orientation and training will be primarily in person.

Job readiness training, such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors, and interview skills will be taught throughout the term of service. Additional training may be provided by the Host Site.

Volunteer Engagement

The Environmental Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the host site’s volunteer program.

The MCC Environmental Steward will also recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish projects. The MCC will assist members in identifying potential outreach opportunities and promoting events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site by using the Essential Volunteer Management Practices. The Environmental Steward will improve the sustainability of the overall volunteer program. 

To Apply: Complete an MCC Application and email a copy of your resume and a cover letter to corps.conservation@maine.gov. You will then be contacted with further instructions. If you have any questions, please direct them to the email above as well.