Below is a listing of our current positions
AmeriCorps Environmental Educator Positions
The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is accepting applications for AmeriCorps Environmental Educator positions located throughout Maine for 2008-2009. MCC is dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation and conservation projects, volunteer opportunities, and developing career and leadership skills.
Qualifications include a 4-year degree or equivalent experience, good organizational skills, initiative, good communication, writing and public speaking skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, computer skills, a valid Driver’s license, and a commitment to environmental issues and community service.
1700 hour positions receive a living allowance of $11,400 ($253.50/week for 45 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $4,725.00 upon successful completion of the program.
900 hour positions receive a living allowance of $6,035 ($253.50/week for 24 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $2,362.50 upon successful completion of the program.
Other benefits include health insurance, childcare reimbursement if eligible, experiential learning, a wide range of training and networking opportunities and a Maine State Park Pass.
The Maine Dept. of Conservation provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR ALL POSITIONS IS JULY 18, 2008
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 900 hours January - June
Bangor Area Storm Water Communities/University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Orono
This project will continue a highly successful stormwater education and outreach model in seven Maine municipalities in the Bangor, Maine area (Orono, Old Town, Bangor, Brewer, Veazie, Milford, and Hampden). The educator will work collaboratively with school systems and teachers to deliver place-based, experiential learning activities in local schools in the seven municipalities. Through this educational program, students will learn about their watershed, the impacts of stormwater pollution, and personal and community behaviors that can reduce this pollution. The program will be coordinated and delivered by the AmeriCorps educator. The educator will be housed at Cooperative Extension on the University of Maine Orono Campus. Based on the success of the previous three years, we anticipate that the educator will spend a significant amount of his/her time in area schools or working with other youth-based organizations (Scouts, YMCA, YWCA).
Typical tasks within the project include:
The Environmental Educator will work collaboratively with school systems and teachers to deliver place-based, experiential learning activities in local schools in the seven municipalities. Tasks will include working with teachers, scheduling, preparing for teaching sessions, delivering programs in schools and working with other youth groups to deliver stormwater education and outreach programs. Other tasks will include helping to coordinate an annual regional stream clean-up event and oversight of storm drain stenciling projects with local youth groups. Possible additional tasks may include helping to conduct surveys and working in partnership with municipal officials to educate businesses and community groups about stormwater best management practices. The educator will participate in monthly meetings of the regional stormwater group to keep them updated on educational activities and make connections with municipal stormwater coordinators.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Good communication skills – verbal and written
- Knowledge of nonpoint source pollution issues is not necessary, but is helpful
- Experience and comfort when dealing with K – 12 students is essential
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team
- Self-motivation is a key attribute required to make this project successful
- Valid driver’s license is needed, or access to viable alternative transportation options
www.umext.maine.edu/waterquality/Students/Stormwatered.htm
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 900 hours May – October
Baxter State Park, Millinocket
This MCC member will serve with the Information/Education division of Baxter State Park assisting the park naturalist. Responsibilities include foot patrol and public contact on Katahdin and other designated high use areas, training and orientation to the park resources and trails; children’s nature talks and walks; natural resource inventory and monitoring; visitor contact, and information and education projects.
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/2006-AR-Pgs50-64.pdf
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 900 hours January – June
Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District, Presque Isle
The MCC Environmental Educator at Central Aroostook SWCD will be expected to up-date our web page, conduct Stormwatcher Survey of Prestile Stream Watershed and publish monthly cameos (newspaper releases, TV interviews, Conservation Farm tour) of farmers demonstrating good conservation practices. In addition the will conduct a subwatershed survey in the Prestile Stream Watershed.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Bring web page up to date by adding current reports, meeting minutes, and annual report and set up a schedule for events announcement.
- Organize volunteers to provide a stormwatcher survey of the Prestile Stream Watershed, including identifying survey point locations.
- Develop a list of farmers demonstrating high conservation standards, interview each farmer, write a news release for the local weekly paper, arrange TV interviews on farms with farmers, arrange for a bus tour for government officials of best conservation landowners.
- Assist with field survey, identifying non-point sources of pollution for a subwatershed survey in the Prestile Watershed.
- Assist with the 2009 Northern Region Envirothon
- Assist with a watershed demonstration at a “Hooked-on-Fishing” children’s day at Mantle Lake Park in Presque Isle
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Basic computer skills.
- Prefer GIS and GPS skills.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
www.caswcd.org
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR - 1700 hours January – November
Chewonki Foundation, Wiscasset
Four MCC Environmental Educators will teach group challenges, natural history, organic farming and renewable energyat Chewonki's Center for Environmental Education. This is a residential program that provides housing. Winter projects include physical labor such as maintenance and restoration at the Chewonki campus. This programis a unique model in whichteachers andschool chaperones live with their students in small camping groups at shore-side campsites on Chewonki Neck during the summer months.
http://www.chewonki.org/about/default.asp
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October – August
Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, Windham
The MCC Environmental Educator will work to in increase environmental awareness among youth in Cumberland County. Efforts will focus on soil and water education. This goal will be realized through working, both independently and in partnership with the Education Coordinator, on classroom presentations, field trips, and service learning projects. Specific duties will include assisting in the coordination of the Children’s Water Festival, the Envirothon, local agricultural fairs, and working on water and agricultural school education programs in Cumberland County. In addition, the member will assist Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) staff with field work and the statewide YardScaping initiative to give him/her a wider range of experience.
Typical tasks within the project include:
The MCC Environmental Educator will work alongside the Education Coordinator to research, design, prepare and implement engaging environmental education programs, both in and out of the classroom. He/she will communicate with teachers and work both cooperative and independently to prepare and conduct lessons. He/she will help plan the southern regional Envirothon, including recruitment of new teams. He/she will help design and implement educational displays, like at the Cumberland Fair. He/she will serve as a planning committee member for the Children’s Water Festival. He/she will assist CCSWCD staff with the implementation of watershed protection projects (ex. buffer plantings) and the YardScaping program (ex. teaching an adult education class on the benefits of a healthy lawn).
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Knowledge of agricultural and water quality issues
- Enthusiasm for environmental education
- Experience with teaching and/or working with youth
- Interest and ability to learn new things
- Experience with volunteers and/or personal volunteering experiences
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work in a self-directed manner
- Comfortable giving public presentations
- Basic computer skills
- Willingness to work some nights and weekends on specific projects and meetings
www.cumberlandswcd.org
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, Jefferson
- Help to sustain the NPS319-funded Damariscotta Lake Watershed Management Plan Implementation Project (2001-2006) beyond the life of the project. MCC Environmental Educator will do 3 or more of the following:
- Coordinate existing watershed storm event response team (volunteer) to identify and respond to undocumented erosion & sedimentation problems which arise in the watershed. Work with landowners/towns to stabilize sites.
- Work with Maine Stream Team Program and other consultants to continue stewardship of DLWA’s 475 acre West Branch Preserve (DLWA is a land trust).
- Do a local power-point presentation in collaboration with Maine NEMO (Nonpoint Source Education For Municipal Officials)
- Assist in general public education by writing feature articles in (2) issues of DLWA Watershed newsletter distributed to 2000 families in the watershed.
- Assist in the planning & implementation of the 8th annual “Water Wonder Day” for elementary school students in 3 school systems in the watershed.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Work with the DLWA Land Trust Committee and Education Committee to develop and present materials.
- Assist in baseline documentation to support conservation easement development as part of collaborative initiatives with other land trusts.
- Assist in recruiting and training of invasive aquatic plant “courtesy boat inspection” teams at Damariscotta Lake boat launch sites. Coordinate “plant patrol” of Lake shoreline by cottage owners.
- Work with committee chair to coordinate the volunteer lake water quality monitoring program.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Listening skills
- Asks questions and for help, as needed
- Assertive when required
- Projects a consistently positive attitude
- Enthusiastic
- Able to relate to youth and adults alike
- Leads by example and develops “presence” as confidence increases
- Team Player
http://www.mainelincolncountynews.com/index.cfm?ID=30818
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Department of Environmental Protection, Biological Monitoring Program, Portland
The position will be working with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s nationally recognized Biological Monitoring Program (BMP) to develop a holistic watershed approach to collecting and analyzing biological data to determine environmental impacts from human activities in rivers, streams, and wetlands in Maine. The BMP assesses benthic macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects, etc.) and algal communities to evaluate the ecological health of the State’s aquatic resources. Findings of the BMP are used to document existing conditions, identify problems, set water management goals, assess the progress of water resource management measures, and trigger needed remedial actions. The BMP also provides scientific information to interested parties including other Department programs, non-governmental organizations, universities, school groups and the general public.
As part of this project, the BMP is developing a standardized approach to apply Maine’s tiered aquatic life criteria to stream algae and wetland aquatic macroinvertebrate and algal communities. The Biomonitoring Program is also adapting the U.S. EPA Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) model for Maine wetlands to allow for comparison of assessment results among different waterbody types (wetlands, rivers and streams) and biological assemblages (aquatic invertebrates, algae). The model will provide a “common language” to integrate monitoring data collected via different methods to produce watershed-level biological assessments. This project will greatly enhance the Department’s ability to consistently interpret and present monitoring results so that data may be more easily used and understood by other programs and the public. It will also facilitate the Department’s ability to report on wetland condition as required under federal Clean Water Act.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Organize and present existing data for higher level analysis by Program biologists.
- Data management and quality control activities, including data entry.
- Prepare GIS maps (ArcView and/or ArcInfo) and assist with analysis of spatial data.
- Assist with field work to collect new data from rivers, streams and freshwater wetlands during the 2009 field season (typically June through early September)
- Maintain and refine BMP web pages and Google Earth Biological Monitoring site to provide current information to the public.
- Conduct education and outreach activities.
- Assist with producing reports, fact sheets, graphics, slide shows and other BMP materials
- Participate in interpretation of biological data based on interest and background
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Experience or education in environmental science area.
- Experience or training in aquatic biology preferred but not necessary.
- Good organizational skills and the ability to be detail-oriented.
- Experience with data entry, organization of data, and software knowledge.
- Flexibility. The individual will have to be self-motivated and willing to help in many different situations.
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docmonitoring/biomonitoring/index.htm
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October – August
Department of Environmental Protection Air Bureau, Augusta
The Maine Green Schools project is a program to bring energy and environmental awareness in to Maine schools. The goal is to facilitate the creation of school energy patrols and to encourage energy conservation. The Maine Green Schools project is seeking a Full Time AmeriCorps Volunteer who will be responsible for assisting with and conducting school and community based energy and environmental education programs and will be in schools as many as 2-3 days per week. Work responsibilities include air quality, energy and climate change related topics. Office work will make up the balance of the 40 hours per week position - which requires work with computers on database management, desk top publishing, GIS mapping and other types of programs. Training will be provided but some skills in computers and working with 4-8th graders is most desirable.
The position will include teaching students in 4-12th grades how to measure energy efficiency in schools and homes and assist them to implement an energy or environmental project and a complementary social marketing campaign. The position requires extensive travel statewide with the use of a state vehicle and the candidate must have a valid drivers license with a good driving record. The position is based in the Augusta DEP office and will work with a team of other DEP and MEEP educators to accomplish their work. Work hours require flexibility and often require a very early morning start to get to the schools in time for beginning of school day.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who may be interested in teaching and would like to gain some experience. The ideal candidate would have an environmental science background with a good understanding of energy issues, renewable energy and air quality. Classroom or camp teaching experience working with 4-12th graders would be a plus. The person filling this position will also be responsible to develop a special curriculum project related to energy or environmental topics that will complement our program offerings in the future.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Assisting with the following projects along with other office and classroom duties.
- Bringing energy/environmental related issues to Maine classrooms (mostly 4th -8th graders).
- Visit Maine classrooms developing Energy Patrols by working with Maine teachers and students - training them to do patrols twice/day and following up with the rewards and incentives. Older students will be conducting research projects in their schools and making recommendations to their school officials for implementing energy efficiency steps.
Clean Air Zone Project - The volunteer will be asked to help facilitate and mentor college Interns and/or high/middle school students to accomplish project goals including assisting with Clean Air Zone school workshops that introduce students to the transportation related no-idling social marketing project, where local communities initiate a no-idling campaign at school. He/she will assist to conduct classroom presentations, coordinate and implement an observational survey and special poster campaign as well as coordinate driver intervention days and follow up surveys in interested school/communities. The volunteer will probably be asked to assist in coordinating and overseeing the work of some service learning interns that are expected to become part of local projects in the coming year.
Maine Plant Watch - The Volunteer will be expected to assist in projects to maintain and promote the Maine Plant Watch project and help to grow it to a regional New England level by collaborating with other organizations, including the Maine DEP, New England Science Center Collaborative and Clean Air Cool Planet. In this project the volunteer will need to update spring maps and web pages of the climate Indicators selected for inclusion in each project and create a report of the Plant Watch project using both publication and website outreach media (with assistance from DEP supervisor).
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Ability to work independently and in an office environment.
- Be able to travel a lot and take on a classroom full of middle school students that might require behavior management skills.
- Creativity
- Ability to collaborate with partners and take leadership to follow through on projects as necessary.
- Solid environmental science background.
- Willingness to learn a lot of new computer skills or have them already.
- Ability to search out solutions to challenges and seek advice or feedback when needed.
- Ability to research a topic and then present it in an effective way to young people and serve as a mentor to them.
- Must have a driver’s license and good driving record.
http://www.efficiencymaine.com/PDF/Fall2007.pdf
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October – August
Department of Environmental Protection, Lakes and Watershed, Augusta
There are two primary tasks. First, this position will be promoting environmental education with a focus on lakes and streams and the surrounding watershed. The target audiences will be primarily lake or stream/river associations and school children with a goal of promoting service learning projects for students with community associations. This will involve presentations, preparation of printed educational materials, organizing meetings or training sessions and posting information to the DEP lakes web site. This AmeriCorps Member will collaborate with the MCC members in the Portland office of DEP. See timeline for specific activities.
Second, this position will assist with the stormwater outreach campaign. The campaign promotes phosphorus–free fertilizer and other environmentally friendly lawn practices as part of a DEP, Stormwater Regulated communities and New England Cooperative Extension project. The target audiences are staff at hardware stores, nurseries and department stores that sell lawn care products, and homeowners. The position will also assist with other stormwater outreach on urban impaired streams. See timeline for specific activities.
A secondary focus will be working on the ongoing projects such as Lake Days, LakeSmart and aquatic invasive species prevention. Lake Days involves working with lake and watershed associations to host educational events for the public, incorporating fun and educational activities and exhibits. LakeSmart involves working with landowners interested in landscaping their property with an eye to protecting water quality. The AmeriCorps Member may assist in many aspects of educating boaters to remove all plant material from their boats upon leaving a lake.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Initiate water quality education program in schools and make presentations to classes
- Work with teachers, lake associations and other community groups to organize service learning programs. Oversee the implementation of service learning projects including classroom presentations, planning projects, budgets, and work days
- Assist with phosphorus–free fertilizer outreach to retailers, distributers, and general public
- Assist with LakeSmart program: promoting program with lake associations and landowners, doing property evaluations, updating web site, training evaluators.
- Assist lake/river associations in outreach to their watershed, help organize Lake Days
- Assist with development and implementation of outreach campaign on urban impaired streams
- Review, update and add new material to DEP web site
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- We will require someone with strong computer skills. Preference will be given to applicants that have experience in Microsoft programs such as Word, Access (database), and PowerPoint. Experience in Web page development will be helpful.
- The individual will have to be self-motivated and willing to help in many different situations.
- They’ll be required to do public speaking, for groups of 10-20 and occasionally more. It’s important that they be comfortable talking and working with all age groups.
- Experience or willingness to prepare and deliver hands-on educational programs to school age children and stimulating presentations to adult groups.
- An understanding of lake ecology, nonpoint source pollution and watershed issues is also helpful though they will receive training and background reading on these subjects.
- Enjoy working with community members and volunteers who do watershed protection.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
http://www.maine.gov/dep//blwq/docteacher/cwf/
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Department of Environmental Protection, Stream Team, Portland
The MCC Environmental Educator will be working for the Maine Stream Team Program (MSTP) of the Maine DEP (Portland office). The purpose of the MSTP is to foster the development of locally-based “stream team” stewardship groups (citizens and/or students interested in learning about and protecting their local stream resources) and maintain a strong, statewide network that links and assists these groups. The MSTP provides educational materials, and occasionally offers presentations, on watershed, stream, and pollution issues to interested groups (including schools). The MSTP produces a newsletter that helps keep groups around the state up-to-date regarding the activities of stream teams and opportunities to get involved. The MSTP sponsors and organizes workshops on stream study design, sampling and monitoring techniques, habitat surveys, as well as an event called the Maine Stream Summit (usually occurs every other year), which brings volunteers and students from around the state together to share and learn about stream monitoring and protection efforts being done by others. Field work is often a component of many of these workshops.
Typical tasks within the project include:
Rapid stream corridor survey workshop development and implementation constitute a major focus of MSTP efforts since they promote the gathering of a large amount of habitat/geomorphology condition and potential pollution or ecosystem stress information that otherwise may not be collected on a number of streams in the state. Other potential projects may include organizing activities such as litter pick-up, streamside buffer (tree) planting, and storm-drain stenciling events, as well as assisting other stream- and river-oriented organizations with their volunteer recruitment and management activities. Recently, a new major focus of MSTP efforts has been to develop a Volunteer River Monitoring Program (VRMP). It is expected that this activity will require approximately 25 % of the MCC Environmental Educator’s time during their service term. Duties related to this program likely will include attending steering committee meetings; assisting with networking, education, and outreach efforts; and assisting volunteer VRMP volunteer certification workshops and data collection efforts.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
The most important skills/qualities needed for this position are being enthusiastic, people-person-oriented, and able to work well in teams. Some ecology field work, especially in streams, rivers, or lakes/wetlands is preferred, but not necessary. It is necessary that the applicant have some basic computer skills (i.e., word-processing, Internet browsing, e-mail, etc.). Computer spreadsheet and database skills are very useful, but they can be taught by the site supervisor if necessary. Also, it is important that the MCC Environmental Educator member volunteer be somewhat flexible time-wise because stream team meetings and events occasionally occur in the evening or on weekends.
http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dep/blwq/newslet/mstpnews.pdf
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Department of Environmental Protection, Watershed Stewardship, Portland
This position involves assisting DEP with many projects and creating some of their own educational and stewardship projects. Most of the time will involve organizing citizen volunteers to promote and develop watershed stewardship activities such as lake, stream, and estuarine watershed surveys.
http://www.maine.gov/dep//blwq/docteacher/cwf/
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October – August
Efficiency Maine/Carbon Free Homes/Public Utilities Commission, Augusta
Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine's environment. Efficiency Maine is funded by electricity consumers and administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
In the Conservation Act, it states that Efficiency Maine “…shall develop and implement conservation programs to help reduce energy costs for electricity consumers in the State by the maximum amount possible.” The following are Efficiency Maine’s five key objectives: (1) Increase consumer awareness of cost-effective options for conserving energy; (2) Create more favorable market conditions for the increased use of efficient products and services; (3) Promote sustainable economic development and reduced environmental damage; (4) Reduce the price of electricity over time for all consumers by achieving reductions in demand for electricity during peak use periods; and, (5) Reduce total energy costs for electricity consumers in the State by increasing the efficiency with which electricity is consumed.”
The MCC Environmental Educator would assist Efficiency Maine with the first key objective, “Increase consumer awareness of cost-effective options for conserving energy.” In addition to working with business and municipal efficiency efforts, the Educator will work with the Carbon Free Homes project. Carbon Free Homes educates residents about energy efficiency options and the availability of clean electricity. Efficiency Maine and Carbon Free Homes collaborate with other agencies and organizations in order to most effectively reach Maine residents through grassroots social marketing. Partner organizations include the Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Interfaith Power and Light, and the Maine Partners for Cool Communities-a coalition of non-profit organizations working with over forty communities across the state to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Typical tasks within the project include:
The MCC Environmental Educator will implement the agency outreach plan, presenting to various residential, school, civic and business groups regarding ways to save energy. The individual is expected to be fluently versed in Efficiency Maine and its partner organization programs. Some of these programs are described at www.efficiencymaine.com.
The Educator will support our outreach work with Maine Partners for Cool Communities, which will target business and neighborhood groups in 2008-09 that are key audiences for our educational outreach. The Educator will be trained to assess energy use and emissions and connect communities with programs that help to reduce emissions. The Educator will focus on energy efficiency and clean energy through Efficiency Maine programs, Maine Home Performance, Carbon Free Homes, Maine Energy Education Programs and the Governor’s Carbon Challenge, but will also be familiar with solutions such as local foods, no-idling, transportation and local programs.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
The applicant should have education and/or familiarity with energy, energy efficiency, global warming, and climate change, be a fluent public speaker, and have the ability to impart detailed information in an engaging way. He/she must be computer literate, which includes Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. The applicant will also need a valid driver’s license.
www.efficiencymaine.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Herring Gut Learning Center (HGLC), Port Clyde
The Herring Gut Learning Center (HGLC), an independent, non-profit organization in the fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine has been providing educational services in Knox County since 1999. To date, our initiatives have included the construction of a state-of-the-art marine science school and the development of an innovative curriculum for alternative education students in grades 6-12. During the academic year, students from five mid-coast communities travel to the learning center to receive educational instruction that is based upon the marine environment. Our on-site programs are multi-disciplinary and designed to be challenging, instructive and enjoyable for students who have struggled in the traditional classroom.
HGLC also achieves its mission by providing school and community outreach programs designed to educate, involve, and improve the public’s understanding and appreciation of the marine environment and the value of aquaculture in protecting ocean resources and preserving the fishing traditions of our coastal communities. In 2001 we began to offer one hour interactive programs on marine science to schools and community groups and summer field-based camps for K-8 students. Although we have always been open informally to visitors interested in seeing our facility, and learning more about the work we do with local children, our long term goal is to provide a more comprehensive, interactive experience for our guests consisting of marine science, aquaculture and historical displays and exhibits. Public programs include tours led by volunteers, touch tanks, lectures, and family activities all designed to foster public awareness and improve marine environmental literacy among local citizens, summer residents, and the many tourists who visit Port Clyde each year.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Act as a representative of our organization in the community, to increase both the number of students served by our programs and those who participate as volunteers either at the center or as assistants in our school outreach and field-based programs.
- Develop innovative school and community outreach curriculum.
- Instruct in our school outreach and summer programs.
- Assist in the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of our marine systems, bringing new ideas and talents to improve their efficiency.
- Live in our community and getting to know the students who attend our programs.
- Become a mentor, providing these children with friendship, support and a real-life example of what academic success can bring.
- Work with school districts to develop independent study projects and school-to-work programs.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Strong marine science background or a willingness to learn
- Strong interest in teaching students of different ages; our programs are open to multiple age groups
- Ability to switch gears and readjust their programs or curriculum to meet the needs of the students
http://www.herringgut.org/newsletterupdateforweb0308.pdf
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October – August
MaineHousing, Augusta
Due to global warming threats to the environment and escalating energy costs, Mainers are challenged more than ever to conserve. Education on energy conservation, weatherization and proactive planning are keys to mitigating energy emergencies throughout Maine’s cold winters and reducing our carbon footprint long-term. As part of the Governor’s Pre-Emergency Energy Task Force, MaineHousing, along with our housing, business, and service partners, is promoting the creation of energy response teams in local communities. These proactive volunteer groups will assess local resources and needs and formulate plans for education, communication and response to energy issues and emergencies. The teams’ responses might include: community weatherization projects, fund development initiatives to support local energy needs and resident emergencies, and energy conservation education opportunities through schools and community events, among others.
Typical tasks within the project include:
The MCC Environmental Educator will work under the direction of MaineHousing’s Special Projects Administrator in facilitating the creation and mobilization of these locally based volunteer teams, helping to formulate, facilitate and coordinate a consistent plan for the education, communication and response aspects of their local efforts.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Facilitation skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to multitask
Ability to mobilize diverse volunteer groups to a common goal
http://www.mainehousing.org/ABOUTGreenMaineHousing.aspx
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October – August
Maine PETE NEMO Program, South Portland
The Maine NEMO Environmental Educator educates municipal officials on stormwater issues and planning techniques to improve stormwater quality. NEMO provides customized presentations to town planning boards and other municipal officials on the connection between land use and water quality.
http://www.usawaterquality.org/newengland/Success/NEMO.pdf
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Merryspring Nature Center, Camden
This Environmental Educator will employ his/her knowledge, skill and experience to provide professional coordination of the education program of Merryspring Nature Center. The work covers a broad range of activities including planning, program development, scheduling, teaching, writing, materials management, grant writing, budgeting, record keeping, and interaction with the public.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Work with the supervisor or Education Committee Chair to develop long-range goals for the various components of MNC educational outreach: programs, publications, collections and merchandise
- Work with the supervisor or Education Committee Chair and Treasurer to develop long-range educational capital budgets addressing spatial, equipment, and materials needs
- Work with the supervisor or Education Committee Chair to develop long-range educational funding sources
- Work with the supervisor or Education Committee Chair to create an annual educational schedule far enough in advance so that the Administrative Manager can mail and post events in a timely fashion and avoid scheduling conflicts
- Develop and implement year-round, age-appropriate educational programming for children and school visits
- Develop and implement weekly educational programs, lecture series, classes and workshops of interest to adults
- Make necessary arrangements for guest lecturers
- Provide the Administrative Manager with the necessary descriptive text for press releases and informational membership mailings
- Enlist volunteers to set up the lecture/workshop/classroom space, provide refreshments, collect fees, and clean up at educational events
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- A minimum of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree or experience commensurate with the needs of the position. A degree in natural sciences is preferred
- Compliance with State of Maine statutes applicable to persons working with children
- (A license for the collection of wildlife specimens)
- A valid driver’s license and use of a motor vehicle with evidence of insurability
- A working knowledge of the MNC mission and an interest in the success of MNC in meeting its goals
- A strong working knowledge of and interest in horticulture, forestry, natural history, ecology, and conservation and the ability and initiative to research and learn about new areas
- Organizational skills for creating program and event schedules and budgets
- Supervisory abilities for managing volunteers
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for writing educational pieces and teaching
- A strong commitment to communicating the MNC mission and the knowledge of horticulture, forestry, and natural history to both adults and children
- Interpersonal skills of tact, patience, diplomacy, flexibility, humor and a pleasant manner for interacting with the public (including children), the Board, and other staff, and the ability to adjust to changes in scheduling and priorities
- Physical capabilities necessary to work outdoors on varied terrain in all seasons
http://www.merryspring.org/
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January – November
Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District, Oxford
Upper Saco River Invasive Mapping Project: This is a three-year project that will survey and map infestations of invasive plants, focusing on 10 terrestrial species. The study area encompasses approximately 20,000 acres of highly vulnerable river floodplain areas and associated bogs, ponds, wetlands, tributary brooks and the old course of the Saco River, focusing on the floodplain + an additional 250’ of adjacent upland.
Conservation Education: Our Education program covers an array of different educational events throughout the year. Each year we host an Envirothon which is a natural resource problem-solving competition for grades 9-12 along with Agricultural Education Day and a booth at the Fryeburg Fair. We will also be hosting several workshops such as: Lakesmart, septic social, farm pond, etc.
Typical tasks within the project include:
This person will be responsible for working with volunteers to implement conservation projects. They will assist in the survey and mapping of the invasive species. They will be responsible for writing educational articles and submitting reports on the progress of the project to the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. They will also be responsible for meeting with eight municipalities to provide an overview of the progress of the project. They will work closely with the following partners on this project: The Nature Conservancy, Saco River Recreation Council, and The Saco River Corridor Commission on this project. They will also be assisting the District with their Regional Envirothon, Agricultural Education Day and the districts educational booth at the Fryeburg Fair. By making contacts to schools, other districts and volunteers to attend and/or assist in staffing and organizing the events. They will also assist the Executive Director in updating the data base, completing bulk mailings and general office tasks.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- The member should have skills in public speaking
- a technical background
- the ability to work well with others
- a valid driver’s license
- the ability to occasionally attend meetings in the evening or on weekends
no website at this time
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours October - August
Pemaquid Watershed Association, Damariscotta
The MCC Environmental Educator will be responsible for coordinating PWA’s Earthways Environmental Education Program to refine ways of providing environmental education to the children and adults of the Pemaquid Peninsula. This will involve being a liaison with teachers; developing and presenting in-school activities, interpretive workshops, and hikes; recruiting and coordinating volunteers, developing and disseminating educational materials, and updating existing information. S/he also will organize fundraising events up to the maximum time allowable by the MCC program.
Typical tasks within the project include: Supporting the initiatives of the Education Committee and planning and directing PWA’s Watershed Kids 2-week Nature Day Camp held in July. S/he will be responsible for writing press releases and newsletter articles and coordinating and attending outreach functions in order to further the education of the general public and to promote PWA’s stewardship message. S/he will coordinate and train volunteers needed for educational programs and will assist with staffing our Beachcombers’ Rest Nature Center in July and August, including management of a weekly touch tank.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- a natural resource or environmental background with experience developing and delivering educational programming to youth and adult audiences.
- adaptability
- positive attitude
- reliability
- excellent organizational and computer skills
- a willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather
- be able to enjoy and work well with children
- initiative
- imagination
- excellent communication skills and professionalism
http://www.pemaquidwatershed.org/
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – 1700 hours January - October
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - Wells
Two MCC Environmental Educators help with a broad range of duties in conjunction with the care and maintenance of the refuge. They assist Refuge Biologist and Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist with locating and monitoring salt marsh sharp-tailed sparrows and Nelson’s salt marsh sparrows and nests on Rachel Carson NWR.
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR - 1700 hours January – November
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells
“Protecting Our Children’s Water” brings together town staff, municipal board members, conservation commissioners, water district staff, community groups, and others interested in addressing issues surrounding water supply and quality using social marketing strategies and ecosystem based management tools. Local Workgroups are formed to prioritize and act upon key issues affecting their watershed based on their interests, positions, and expertise.
Their activities include efforts to:
- Reduce or eliminate pollution sites due to erosion and dump sites
- Improve shoreland buffers
- Improve storm water treatment and compliance with EPA rules
- Reduce bacterial contamination
- Improve damaged recreation trail sites
- Restore stream flow where blockages are occurring
- Restore critical habitats and coordinate with regional land conservation programs
The “Seacoast Watershed Information Manager” (swim.wellsreserve.org) is a website that provides the tools and information needed by coastal decision-makers to guide sustainable management of their community’s water resources. The site offers watershed- and town-specific information to help 34 communities accomplish their watershed conservation work more efficiently. The SWIM website features primers on watershed issues, a database of key materials (e.g., publications, websites, maps, reports, etc), mapping options, a full-featured events calendar, and an integrated web-based community forum. The Environmental Educator will work as part of a team to maintain, update, and expand this web based resource.
Typical tasks within the project include:
- Work with the Stewardship, Research, and Education staffs at the Reserve to advance the two projects.
- Initiate and organize meetings For “Protecting Our Children’s Waters” with stakeholders, and support the identification and completion of nonpoint source pollution projects.
- Organize, update, and create content for the SWIM website.
- Assist in integrating the website into other Reserve programs such as “Protecting Our Children’s Waters”.
- Attend conferences (Maine Water Conference, Maine Land Trust Conference), trainings (GIS Arc9.2, Limited Impact Developments, Coastal Community Planning and Development).
- Participate in research (Coastal Vegetation Response to Sea Level Rise)
- Give presentations.
Desired skills, experience, and qualities:
- Comfortable in collaborative settings with a variety of stakeholders from local, state, and federal government, conservation groups, and diverse members of local communities.
- Strong organizational skills.
- An ability to move from task to task readily,
- Strong interest in water resource issues,
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Comfortable with consumer technology (computer, digital projector, digital camera).
- Website experience would be helpful but not required.
http://swim.wellsreserve.org/
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