Field Team Member (Trails)

~ 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. ~

Position Overview

• We are seeking Field Team Member (Trails)
• Application Deadline: March 22, 2020

Start/End Dates:

• Optional Training: June 8 – 12, 2020
• Member Orientation and Field Season: June 15 – October 16, 2020
• A small number of seasonal positions may be available (8-week summer or fall terms) 

Field Season:

• Full time, 40 hours a week, 7:00am – 4:30pm, for 9 days (Monday – Tuesday), followed by 5 days off OR Monday – Friday with weekends off.
• It is typical to have a mixed schedule, and each team has a unique project and travel schedule. Overnights and weekends required.

General Description

Live, serve, and explore Maine’s wilderness, coast and mountains with Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). Members serve in teams of three to six, using traditional construction and maintenance skills to enhance hiking, biking, skiing, and other types of recreational trails throughout the state. Learn how to highline a 500-pound boulder to construct a stone staircase, build timber structures, or open access to treasured natural areas. You’ll make a difference in local communities, while connecting to nature, peers and yourself.  Build a path, while finding yours. 

Location:

• 54 Independence Dr.
• Augusta, ME 04330
• Training typically takes place in the Augusta area; field projects are conducted throughout Maine.

Time Requirement:

• Field Team Members are 675 Hour AmeriCorps members, with an end date in mid-October.
• A small number of 300 hour AmeriCorps positions may be available starting in June or August

Duties

Field Team Members will participate in job readiness training, covering essential hard and soft skills, and will complete conservation projects as part of a team. You can expect to serve on physically challenging conservation projects in any kind of weather, gaining hands on experience in the groundwork of stewardship.  The Team Member position requires 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.

Team Members will:

• Participate in job readiness training
• Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
• Adhere to the MCC safety rules and guidelines.
• Follow the MCC Code of Conduct, and all guidelines set forth in member agreement and MCC Handbook.
• Adhere to the MCC drug free workplace policy.
• Submit paperwork in a timely manner. Paperwork includes timesheets, job readiness assignments, and other forms required by the MCC.
• Represent the MCC in a professional and supportive manner, to the public and media.
• Live cooperatively with other members during training and service sessions.  Willingly perform joint living tasks, such as cooking and cleaning and maintaining hygiene (Not to be counted as direct service hours).
• Build new trails and rehabilitate existing trails
  • Build bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.
  • Construct rock staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, etc.
  • Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)
  • Other tread way maintenance and construction (crush rock, haul gravel)

Training:

• Attend training, such as: orientation to the MCC and AmeriCorps, Leave No Trace, diversity and inclusivity, introduction to trail tools and safety standards
• Participate in ongoing training such as: resume writing, job search components, and interview skills

Essential Functions

• Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• 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 across 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 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

 Marginal Functions:

• The ability to operate an MCC vehicle to transport members and gear to and from project sites

Service Conditions:

This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including cold, rain, hot, 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.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible for AmeriCorps Education Award
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to criminal history checks

Benefits

Team Members are AmeriCorps members who will receive a weekly living stipend of $270 (less taxes). Other benefits include a wide range of training and networking opportunities, housing during training, pro-deals, a Maine State Park Pass, and an education award of $2,321.90 ($1289.95 for 300 hour members). Some members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement.