~ The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) was established by Maine's governor and legislature in 1983 and since then has recruited and placed hundreds of members who have accomplished countless natural resource projects all over Maine. ~

• Application Deadline for Positions Starting April 21, 2020 is February 3rd, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as the deadline approaches.
• For general Environmental Stewards duties and functions, visit the MCC Environmental Steward Opportunities page.

All candidates should review details and roles for each Host Site and select the top three sites of interest.  Any housing accommodations are listed on each description, below the location. Most sites do not offer housing; MCC Staff is willing to help with the process of finding local housing options such as an apartment or room for rent.

April 2020 Host Sites include:

• Bradbury Mountain State Park
• Department of Environmental Protection, Portland
• Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
• South Portland Land Trust/City of South Portland
• Maine Board of Pesticides 

Environmental Steward, 900 Hours

Term:  April 21, 2020-October 2, 2020

Bradbury Mountain State Park

 Location: Pownal, ME

Housing: Not Provided

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

Host Site and Position Overview:

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.

Description of Duties:

• Build new trails and rehabilitate existing trails in all seasons and weather conditions including:
  • Build timber structures (bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.)
  • Construct stone and earth structures (reinforced grade dips, retaining walls, causeways, stone steps, etc.)
  • Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)
  • 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:
  • Recruiting volunteers
  • Promoting and leading volunteer events
  • Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan

Essential Functions:

• Willingness and physical ability to work on 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

Site Specific Qualifications:

• 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

Website: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=12

Department of Environmental Protection - Biological Monitoring Program

Location: Portland, ME

Housing: Not Provided

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

Host Site and Position Overview:

The Biological Monitoring Program (BMP) is part of the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The BMP assesses benthic macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects, etc.), algal communities, aquatic plants and fish to evaluate the ecological health of the State’s aquatic resources. Monitoring and assessment results are used to document current conditions, identify causes and sources of pollution, determine if water bodies meet State water quality criteria, and develop protection, management and restoration strategies for State waters.

The MCC Environmental Steward (ES) will assist the BMP with biological monitoring and assessment of Maine wetlands, rivers and streams, focusing in Southern Maine watersheds during the summer of 2020. This will include both field support and data management related to the project. The member will also conduct or participate in education/outreach events and volunteer events.

This position will assist the Biomonitoring Program in evaluating the health of the State’s waters and communicating results to a wide variety of interested parties.  The member will have the opportunity to develop the following skills: 

• Collecting biological samples and water samples from wetlands, rivers and streams
• Operating hand-held water quality meters and GPS unit
• Basic canoe paddling skills
• Managing large data sets using Oracle, Access and Excel database applications
• Preserving, cataloging and identifying aquatic and wetland plant specimens
• Using ArcMap to manage spatial data and create maps
• Conducting education and outreach activities

Description of Duties:

• Collect biological samples (macroinvertebrates, algae, plants, fish) and water samples from wetlands, rivers and streams
• Operate hand-held field meters to measure water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance and pH
• Prepare and maintain sampling equipment and transport equipment in the field
• Contact landowners and reserve managers to obtain access to sampling sites
• Collaborate with DEP staff, partners and volunteers to accomplish monitoring projects
• Operate a 4-wheel drive truck and other state-owned vehicles
• Navigate to sites using road maps, topographic maps and air photos and assist driver by giving directions
• Operate a hand-held GPS unit
• Safely paddle a canoe and use chest waders to sample wetlands, rivers and streams
• Accurately and legibly record data on field forms
• Process and preserve water and biological samples in the field, complete laboratory chain-of-custody forms
• Manage and track samples, transport samples to the lab and/or prepare samples for shipping
• Manage and organize field forms, chain of custody forms, digital photos and laboratory reports
• Enter and manage physical, chemical and biological data related to the project using Oracle, Access and Excel database applications
• Assist with identifying, preserving and cataloging aquatic and wetland plant specimens
• Prepare data for use in reports and presentations
• Manage and analyze GIS data related to the project and create maps using ArcMap
• Use Microsoft Office suite for word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and slide presentations
• Accurately follow detailed Standard Operating Procedures related to Biological Monitoring Program activities including field protocols and data management
• Communicate with other DEP staff and partners in a professional office environment
• Conduct education/outreach and volunteer events

Essential Functions:

• Ability to communicate effectively over the phone, via email, in person and in writing with a wide range of people
• Willing to serve in a professional office environment as well as in the field
• Ability to paddle a canoe
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive truck and other state -owned vehicles
• Ability to hike and wade in rough, uneven, steep or slippery terrain, including wetlands, rivers and streams, while carrying heavy equipment and supplies
• Ability to collaborate with DEP staff, partners and volunteers
• Ability to learn new computer applications as necessary
• Ability to conduct biological and water quality monitoring
• Ability to accurately collect, record and manage data using spreadsheets and relational databases
• Demonstrates outstanding attention to detail
• Demonstrates patience and perseverance
• Demonstrates good judgement and professionalism
• Demonstrates self-motivation
• Demonstrates excellent writing skills
• Demonstrates excellent listening and oral communication skills
• Ability to serve both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once
• Ability to manage time effectively and produce quality results
• Reliable and adaptable

Service Conditions:

• Service is performed indoors and outdoors from May through October.
• 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 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.

Additional Qualifications:

• Education or experience in aquatic biology or environmental science preferred
• 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
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to accurately follow complex written and verbal directions
• Able and willing to work long days under physically demanding field conditions as well as in a professional office setting
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive State of Maine vehicle

 Website: http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/monitoring/biomonitoring/index.html

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Location: Rangeley, ME

Housing: Provided

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

Host Site and Position Overview:

This Environmental Steward (ES) position focusing on volunteer coordination and water quality monitoring. The ES will develop the skills to lead volunteers, develop water quality monitoring and invasive species identification, and educate and communicate with the public individually and with local government.

The ES will:

• Coordinate a one-day watershed/lakes education conference for the region
• Coordinate and support water quality and invasive plant patrollers on regional waterbodies
• Create and provide educational programs within the community to/for all ages
• Coordinate boat inspectors and recruit volunteers for the program’s continued success

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust conserves and stewards land and water in the Upper Androscoggin Watershed, for the benefit of the community and future generations. Since 1991, we have worked to conserve land that is critical to the protection of our waters, that provides recreational opportunities year-round and conserves our cultural heritage. We work within the Rangeley Lakes Region and are proud to partner with local municipalities, state governments, non-profit organizations, landowners and groups within our community to protect our environment and to increase recreational opportunities. This position will increase volunteer capacity and support ongoing water quality monitoring objectives.

 Description of Duties:

• Coordinate Headwaters Conference, one day event
• Attend training for Secchi Disc: one day
• Attend training for Invasive Plant Patrol: one day
• Coordinate a meet & greet with returning volunteers
• Visit boat launches regularly to collect paperwork or specimens
• Provide office hours
• Maintain program equipment (DO meters, view scopes, etc.)
• Mail reports and specimens
• Provide on-the-water support for Invasive Plant Patrollers
• Paddle high-potential areas that are unassigned.
• Create hands-on programs for the community
• Attend Festivals representing RLHT
• Attend local municipality meetings to educate voters
• Create education materials (press releases, mailers, Facebook posts, handouts, etc.) to educate the public.
• Continually educate themselves about RLHT, ecotourism, and conservation in the region.
• Collect water quality data on smaller waterbodies
• Solo kayaking or canoeing

Essential Functions:

• Can serve and live in outdoor setting, including the desire to explore and assess some of Maine’s most beautiful recreation sites
• Ability to communicate effectively electronically, telephonically and in person
• Capability to plan and organize tasks in effective and efficient manner
• Proficiency with paddle (preferably kayak)
• Ability to engage with the public in a warm, friendly manner
• Some knowledge of watersheds and freshwater aquatic plants is preferred
• Must possess mobility to function in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to serve in the field including traversing uneven terrain, to operate a motor vehicle, and use of measuring tools and equipment
• Vision to inspect assigned areas, read printed materials, and a computer screen
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 35 pounds
• Ability to perform tasks as part of a cooperative team
• Responsible and reliable

Service Conditions:

• Service includes being in an office environment about half of the time, with their own desk and computer .
• Service involves being outside in the summer months monitoring wetlands, streams and rivers and doing outreach and education. 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

Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Friendly, confident personality
• Experience collecting water quality data or conducting other field assessments
• Experience with data management and quality assurance
• Intermediate computer skills
• Self-motivated and flexible individual willing to help in many different situations
• Willingness to serve some early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to accurately follow complex written and verbal directions
• Able and willing to work long days under physically demanding field conditions as well as in a professional office setting

Website: www.rlht.org   

South Portland Land Trust and City of South Portland

Location: South Portland, ME

Housing: Not Provided, but the Host Site can offer guidance and support to an Environmental Steward in search of housing in or near South Portland.  

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

Host Site and Position Overview:

This is a split position, between South Portland Land Trust and the City of South Portland.

The Environmental Steward will split time between the SPLT and the Parks Department as a trail coordinator, a position that will combine office and field duties. They will be responsible for monitoring existing trail usage and condition, performing light maintenance duties (clipping and marking existing trails, removing litter) and identifying and conveying the needs for tackling larger initiatives (bog bridge construction, erosion control, etc.). Working with SPLT staff and volunteers, and Parks Department staff, the Environmental Steward will develop proposed action plans and budgets for getting projects done. In addition to field and office tasks, they will be expected to communicate with officers of the SPLT and various City employees as part of their daily duties.

While oversight of the Environmental Steward (ES) will be split between the SPLT and the Parks Department, they will often be accomplishing projects that provide mutual benefit to both organizations.

Primary duties will include maintenance of existing trails and help with the design and construction of new ones. The ES will also conduct field and desk-based research to inventory existing signage on and around trails throughout South Portland, as well as existing plans to update signage, and make recommendations to improve signage quality and consistency.

The Environmental Steward will also have the opportunity to work with the SPLT’s staff, board, and volunteer committee

members on the planning and execution of community engagement activities and events including the SPLT’s signature

Earth Week festival, National Trails Day, and National Public Lands Day.

Description of Duties:

• Provide ongoing assessment of walking trails in South Portland, identifying areas in need of maintenance
• Provide light maintenance when possible or propose plans for upgrades (assess needed materials and volunteers)
• Be involved in larger maintenance projects and new trail development, attending site walks and helping to coordinate
• trail building teams and volunteers
• Coordinate an inventory of existing trail signage and make recommendations to increase signage quality and
• consistency, including a project timeline and budget
• Assist the SPLT Program Manager and Deputy Director of the South Portland Parks Department with the planning and execution of public events and programs
• Engage in public outreach using a variety of outlets including in-person meetings, tabling, email communications and social media
• Track accomplishments and compile activity reports

Essential Functions:

• Interest in developing and maintaining trails as a public resource
• Basic mapping skills or willingness to learn them
• Ability to communicate well with team members and volunteers
• Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of New England weather conditions
• Willingness to work some weekends and evenings as needed

Service Conditions:

• Service will be a combination of field and desk time
• Service occurs in all weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, buggy) and can be physically demanding.
• Service includes traversing uneven terrain.
• Service involves an urban setting, often within reasonable range of goods and services such as materials, restaurants and public bathrooms
• Service includes moving materials and tools for projects
• 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

Additional Qualifications:

• Interest in trailbuilding
• Highly motivated and organized
• Facilities and trails restoration, general maintenance skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personalities
• Experience with outreach-comfortable building partnerships and reaching out to individuals through phone calls, emails, and letters
• Strong verbal skills
• Leadership aptitude

 Website: www.southportlandlandtrust.org and

www.southportland.org/departments/parks-recreation-aquaticspool/parksdepartment/

Maine Board of Pesticides

Location: Augusta, ME

Housing: Not Provided

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

Host Site and Position Overview:

The Maine Board of Pesticides is the State entity responsible for the regulation of pesticides and certification of pesticide applicators.  The AmeriCorps Environmental Steward (ES) will help with researching, reviewing and editing manuals utilized for applicator certification training.  The applicant will also review exams associated with each manual. Staff have recognized the need to globally update manuals and exams; this position presents an opportunity to better incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) scenarios and philosophy into these important tools by which we educate applicators.  The ES will be responsible for developing outreach materials that promote proper and prudent use of pesticides. The focus will be on implementing IPM to potentially reduce pesticide reliance. The Maine community values the wild and pristine nature of Maine and we are one of the state entities that help maintain this status. This position is a combination of computer-based work, travel throughout the state, and interacting with the public.

This ES position will  allow the Maine Board of Pesticides to get Integrated Pest Management (IPM) information out and into the public dialogue. The ES will be helping the public understand IPM and the many non-pesticide approaches involved with proper pest management. The ES will be synthesizing scientific literature and policy to create engaging and meaningful learning opportunities across all media types.  By researching new manuals for applicator certification, the steward will gain  knowledge how the different active ingredients work along with the affects these chemicals could have in our environment if not used properly.

Description of Duties:

• Synthesize complex, technical, and controversial topics
• Contribute to Maine’s IPM community
• Edit & proofread technical and general outreach publications
• Produce novel written content for the pesticide applicator community and general audiences
• Data entry related to the project
• Develop exam questions that will test an applicators knowledge base.
• Create outreach materials geared toward the general public and pesticide applicators
• Create attractive web resources (web pages, videos, infographics, etc.)
• Present throughout the state at our outreach events
• Survey our audiences to determine future outreach directions

Essential Functions:

• Ability to communicate clearly
• Computer skills and ability to learn new software quickly
• Knowledge of common software (we use the Windows 10 platform, and Microsoft’s PowerPoint, Publisher, & Word)
• Knowledge of common graphic design elements and open source software
• Willingness to travel within Maine
• Aptitude for public engagement via appealing presentations
• Comprehension of approaches to public engagement

Service Conditions:

• Service is performed primarily indoors at a desk and includes some occasional day travel
• Service involves cubicle space
• Service involves a steep learning curve related pesticides as a topic, and continuous learning opportunities will be presented
• 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

Additional Qualifications:

• Interest in researching and reviewing manuals developed from universities and extensions throughout the country
• Ability to glean documents such as previous presentations and materials to update or synthesize new materials
• Ability to critically thing and solve problems
• Aptitude and comfortability with computers, specifically the ability and interest to create multimedia outreach materials
• Understanding of communicating with the public

 Website: www.thinkfirstspraylast.org