Environmental Steward, Dept of Environmental Protection

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

Internship Overview

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.

• Note: This is a general description of MCC ES positions but does not capture the objectives of each host site.
• Location: Individual sites will be posted on the MCC website as they are recruited. Applicants will be sent guidance through the process. 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, 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME.
• Time Requirement: Environmental Stewards are expected to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. A regular schedule is determined by the Host Site and will include a minimum of 2 days off per week.  Regular schedules maybe modified for special events.
• Application Deadline: February 8, 2021
• Service Term Dates: April 12 – September 21, 2021 - this position is 900 hours

General Description

This is a specific position with Department of Environmental Protection - Maine Healthy Beaches. When you apply, you can specify you are only interested in this position or also the 900 hour Environmental Steward positions coming up in June. Once we have details on those Host Sites we will send you clarifying information if you have applied.

Host Site and Position Overview:

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the State agency responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the State's environmental laws. The 900-Hour Environmental Steward, Dept of Environmental Protection position will serve with the Maine Healthy Beaches Program. The Maine Healthy Beaches Program provides the State's only quality-assured, unified structure for monitoring water quality and protecting public health at Maine's coastal beaches. This Program provides important training and support to Maine's citizens regarding water quality and public health/safety.

This Environmental Steward (ES) position will collaborate with Maine Healthy Beaches Program staff, coastal communities, and diverse partners to plan for and conduct volunteer water quality monitoring training for participating Maine coastal communities. The ES will participate in field and logistical support, equipment maintenance and distribution, data management, volunteer recruitment, community education and outreach assistance, and intensified monitoring studies to help communities find, fix, and prevent sources of bacterial pollution. The ES will be based out of the Southern Maine Regional Office in Portland.

The ES will receive training and experience with volunteer management/coordination, volunteer training/communication, field sampling methods, outreach methods, and data management. There will also be opportunities for laboratory training (bacteria, optical brighteners, etc.), GIS training, and networking/cross-training with other DEP office staff based on the Environmental Steward's interests and needs.

Website: www.maine.gov/dep  and www.mainehealthybeaches.org

Responsibilities

Description of Duties:

• Assist with updating monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans
• Assist in planning annual regional beach manager meetings and monitor field training events in participating coastal Maine communities
• Maintain, inventory, and distribute field equipment, supplies, and program materials
• Train volunteer monitors to collect water quality samples at Maine coastal beaches
• Collaborate with and provide technical support to volunteers/local staff to accomplish monitoring objectives
• Follow protocols set forward by Maine Healthy Beaches Program and partner organizations
• Collect water quality samples when routine monitors are unavailable
• Transport field equipment, supplies and program materials to volunteers and laboratories as needed
• Assist municipalities with volunteer recruitment activities as needed
• Conduct and support education/outreach initiatives
• Process samples in a laboratory setting following established protocols
• Communicate with program partners, municipalities, and the public
• Compile and analyze data
• Evaluate and quality control (QC) monitoring data
• Assist with organizing, reviewing and updating MHB program materials
• Assist with meeting reporting requirements to program partners and funding organizations
• Assist with program improvements including feedback from partners
• Partner with Maine Healthy Beaches Program Coordinator and other DEP staff to implement special studies projects
• Conduct bacteria source tracking monitoring for southern Maine special studies projects to identify pollution sources
• Research innovative volunteer recruitment methods and assist municipalities in building local capacity to secure and retain volunteers for future monitoring efforts
• Research, develop and promote effective volunteer engagement and appreciation strategies
• Research additional water quality related issues and applied research partnerships to assess pollution risks at problematic beaches
• Assist DEP staff with new requirements for listing beaches on the Integrated Report Impaired Waters (303{d}) list.
• Assist program staff with assessment of and improvements to communication deficits regarding issues affecting beach waters
• Participate in MCC and AmeriCorps orientations, trainings, 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 portfolio, 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 Host Site Supervisor
• Adhere to the MCC code of conduct, safety rules and guidelines, and drug free workplace, and other policies outlined in 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 coordinate and facilitate meetings and trainings
• Ability to collaborate with municipalities, volunteers, and program partners
• Ability to collect and enter data into various databases
• Ability to synthesize data and generate reports
• Experience developing outreach materials
• Ability to learn new computer applications as necessary
• Ability to drive a vehicle and distribute equipment (coolers, kits, waders, signs etc.)
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Demonstrates good judgement 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 is performed outdoors and indoors. During the beach monitoring season from late May through September service is performed primarily outdoors.
• Service involves teaching established protocols and conducting sampling outdoors in all weather conditions during field season.
• Outdoor service includes training and monitoring at coastal beaches as well as potentially rivers/streams.
• Service includes traversing uneven terrain, sometimes over slippery rocks and through sand
• Service involves travel to other locations within the state (predominantly along southern coastal Maine).
• Service includes distributing sampling equipment including large coolers, kits, waders, signs, etc.
• Service is performed independently and as part of a team.
• Service includes interaction with a wide variety of program partners and the public.
• Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail.
• Service will require the ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or related field
• Experience collecting water quality data or conducting other field assessments
• Experience with data management and quality assurance
• Intermediate computer skills (experience with GIS is helpful)
• Self-motivated and flexible individual willing to help in many different situations
• Willingness to serve some early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• 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

Benefits

• Weekly living allowance of $335.42 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,097.50
• Certifications in the National Incident Management System
• Conferences such as the Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference
• Networking opportunities
• Maine State Park Pass
• Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement

Orientation and Training Topics

Members will participate in up to five orientation and training days, typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, MCC, Host Sites and You, OnCorps reporting, Goal Setting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, Conflict Resolution, National Incident Management Systems. Initial orientation and training will be mostly virtual in 2021.

 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 trainings may be provided by the Host Site.

Volunteer Engagement

• The Environmental Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the site’s volunteer program.
• The MCC ES will also recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish trail projects. The MCC Community Outreach Coordinator will assist these members in identifying potential outreach opportunities, best approaches, and promotion of events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site by using the Essential Volunteer Management Practices. The ES will improve the sustainability of the overall volunteer program as well.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" to go to our website to complete an online application, and  then, email a copy of your resume and a cover letter to conservaton.corps@maine.gov.
• You will then be contacted with further instructions.
• If you have any questions, please direct those to the email above as well.