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Assistant Team Leader

Maine Conservation Corps
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Application Deadline: February 2, 2025

Live, serve, and explore Maine’s wilderness, coast, and mountains with Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). Assistant Team Leaders (ATLs) serve on small teams, typically ranging from 3-6 members, using traditional construction and maintenance skills to enhance recreational trails across the state and engage in other conservation projects aimed at improving habitat and expanding access to treasured natural areas. Discover your leadership potential as you gain experience in conservation project management. You’ll make a difference in the lives of your team and local communities while connecting to nature and your peers. 

START DATE:  June 9, 2025

END DATE:  October 10, 2025

TIME REQUIREMENTS: 675-hour AmeriCorps Term, full-time, 40+ hours a week. It is typical to have a varied schedule, i.e., 9 days on (Monday – Tuesday) followed by 5 days off AND/OR 5 days on (Monday – Friday) with weekends off. Overnights, weekends, training, and service days are required. Commitment to the entire 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 

LEARN: 

Assistant Team Leaders 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 ATLs 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.  ATLs will help facilitate and take part in these trainings.

LEAD AND SERVE:

ATLs will complete conservation projects as part of a team primarily focused on the rehabilitation and construction of recreational trails across Maine. ATLs can expect to serve on physically challenging projects in any kind of weather, gaining hands-on experience in the groundwork of stewardship. ATLs provide logistical and technical support and play a key role in team cohesion.  The ATL position requires a desire to grow as a leader, 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. The position is multi-faceted with many opportunities for growth as a leader and conservationist.  ATLs will:

  • Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
  • Build new trails, rehabilitate existing trails, and complete other conservation projects.
  • Build bridges, boardwalks, bog bridges, and other carpentry projects
  • Construct rock staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, and other erosion control structures
  • 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
  • Promote a culture of safety by modeling appropriate safety practices and PPE, assisting members with packing appropriate gear for project conditions, and upholding all safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with their leader throughout the season to meet project goals.  ATLs provide logistical support to leaders and technical support to members, and they perform ongoing tool maintenance and inventory. 
  • Be a role model for the team.  ATLs promote a positive team environment by listening and respecting all perspectives, maintaining a positive attitude in challenging conditions, and taking part in all joint living tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a healthy basecamp. Joint living tasks are not countable towards AmeriCorps service hours.
  • Take on a leadership role in the absence of the Team Leader or when the team breaks up into small groups to complete multiple tasks. 

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 where 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 
  • Desire to grow as a leader
  • 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 self-motivate, take initiative, and act cooperatively in a group
  • 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:

  • The ability to operate an 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 18 years old
  • Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
  • Must agree to criminal history checks 
  • Committed to MCC through the duration of the term of service

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous conservation corps experience
  • Outdoor living experience
  • Experience working as a part of a team

BENEFITS:

  • Living allowance of $450/week (less taxes)
  • Assistant Team Leaders are 675-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $2,817.14 upon successful completion of the program.
  • AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance 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 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.