Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: 900 HR Environmental Steward - Maine DEP Marine Unit

Gain meaningful, hands-on experience exploring Maine through the lens of a conservation organization.

Are you looking for a real-world opportunity to:

  • See how a land trust protects and stewards land?
  • Learn how a national wildlife refuge creates and conserves habitat?
  • Understand how citizen science projects are designed, implemented, and shared?

Live, learn, and explore Maine's wild and scenic landscapes with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an MCC AmeriCorps Environmental Steward, youll make a tangible impact within a host organization and its community-advancing conservation goals that are as unique as each placement.

Environmental Stewards (ES) support a wide range of conservation projects, which may include:

  • Monitoring water quality in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas
  • Restoring wildlife habitat and sensitive ecosystems
  • Mobilizing and leading volunteers to maintain hiking trails
  • Collecting data on songbirds and other wildlife
  • Restoring eelgrass and other critical marine habitats
  • Teaching students about Maines shellfisheries and coastal ecology
  • Mapping and managing invasive species

Build your skills, expand your network, and experience Maines conservation landscapewhile making a real difference.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the state's environmental laws. The Department is also directed to protect and enhance the public's right to use and enjoy the State's natural resources. The Department administers programs, educates and makes regulatory decisions that contribute to the achievement of this mission.

The position will serve as a field assistant for monitoring in Maines estuaries and marine environment as well as streams designated as salmon habitat as part of the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program (MEMP) and Salmon Habitat Monitoring Program (SHMP), respectively. Field studies generally involve water quality and biological monitoring, but also data management, with the intent to enable characterization of ambient waters, assessment of the sources and fates of contaminants, and assessment of habitat suitability for native flora and fauna. The geographic area of focus in 2026 is the Downeast region for estuarine and marine monitoring and central and Downeast Maine for salmon stream monitoring.

MEMP field studies occur from the start of the term through October, with three subsequent days of monitoring every three weeks. Field studies for the SHMP are conducted between MEMP sampling events on a similar timeline. Sample handling, deliveries and shipping as well as data management will occur throughout the term of service . At the start of the term, the ES will receive training on boating safety, and how to calibrate and prepare field equipment, conduct pertinent field methods, and process and handle samples. The member will begin monitoring with the MEMP and SHMP immediately after training and will gain comfort conducting field studies aboard a small vessel on exposed estuaries and coastal waters, and in streams in remote areas of the state. Extensive travel within Maine is anticipated to conduct field studies, including several overnight stays for up to three nights every three weeks. Data management training will occur as the season progresses. Training for and participation in other program field activities within the Division of Environmental Assessment will occur as time allows, largely during the second half of the term.

Location:

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 may be modified for special events.

Description of Duties:

  • Prepare and pack equipment, supplies and safety gear for monitoring events
  • Assist with implementation of field monitoring from small boats on estuarine and marine waters, on foot in streams, and rarely on rocky intertidal shorelines and mudflats. Monitoring may include use of water quality sondes, light meters, Secchi disks, tablets and relevant apps, and collection of surface and bottom grab samples.
  • Unpack and rinse equipment, process and preserve samples using established protocols, and facilitate delivery or courier pick up of samples
  • Upload to the State server, quality check, and collate data into Electronic Data Deliverable files to upload to the Departments database
  • Conduct and support education/outreach initiatives
  • Meet weekly with supervisor to assess how goals are being met, challenges, and opportunities with other programs.
  • Participate in MCC and AmeriCorps orientations, training, 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 portfolios, 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 the Host Site Supervisor
  • Adhere to the MCC code of conduct, safety rules and guidelines, drug-free workplace, and other policies outlined in the 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 communicate effectively electronically, telephonically, and in person
  • Capability to plan and organize tasks in an effective and efficient manner
  • Must possess mobility to function in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer
  • Must possess mobility to embark, monitor from, and disembark from a small boat
  • Develop comfort monitoring from small boats on estuarine and marine waters
  • Be able to walk up to a quarter mile on uneven surfaces while carrying equipment and supplies, operate a full size truck, and use tools
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 lbs
  • Vision to inspect assigned areas, read printed materials, and a computer screen.
  • Develop skills with various field methods and scientific equipment
  • Ability to learn new computer and tablet applications
  • Possess excellent attention to detail with data management
  • Gain proficiency with the Departments database, the Environmental and Geographic Analysis Database (EGAD)
  • Contribute as part of a team during multiple and long days in the field, sometimes during inclement weather
  • Ability to manage volunteers
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
  • Demonstrates good judgment 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

Marginal Functions:

  • Prior experience conducting field studies from small, motorized boats
  • Ability to trailer a small boat
  • Ability to SCUBA dive and conduct data collection in shallow marine waters with low visibility
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel and data manipulation
  • Experience with R software and/or graphic display and statistical analysis

Service Conditions:

The ES will spend approximately of the term in the field, and in an office setting. The ES will split time approximately evenly between field efforts on small boats (21 ft in length) with open decks on estuarine and marine waters, and on foot in and near salmon streams. Field studies may occur during inclement weather including rain and wind, and along exposed areas of the coastline as well as in salmon streams, which requires walking short-moderate distances with heavy packs and equipment through forest and along streambanks, often with exposure to biting insects. Long days in the sun and in a rocking boat should be expected. Travel to and from the field sites entails riding in a full-size truck with other field team members, and overnight stays in hotels are anticipated periodically for the duration of the term. Volunteer opportunities within the Division of Environmental Assessment may take the ES to rocky shorelines with uneven footing, onto intertidal mudflats with deep mud, and on small motorized and unmotorized boats on lakes. When in the office, tasks will be conducted from a laptop computer at a cubicle in the Ray Building.

  • Service is performed primarily outdoors
  • Service involves some physical labor
  • Service involves travel to a variety of locations, including overnight stays for no more than three subsequent nights
  • 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

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 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 drivers license with a good 5-year driving record
  • Passion for community service and the environment
  • Commitment to complete the full term of service
  • Valid drivers license with a good 5-year driving record (required)
  • Adventurous spirit and willingness to get involved when help is needed (required)
  • Experience aboard small boats and with trailering (preferred)
  • Experience operating water quality equipment and/or collecting and handling bottle samples (preferred)
  • Experience with SCUBA diving in marine environments (preferred)

Benefits:

  • Weekly living allowance of $535 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
  • AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
  • Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members (determined by Host Site need) will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
  • Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference and Volunteer Leadership Conference
  • Networking opportunities
  • Maine State Park Pass
  • Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
  • This position does not come with housing

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will participate in up to five orientation days. Typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, MCC, Host Sites and You, OnCorps reporting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, National Incident Management Systems, and Safety. Orientation and training will be primarily in person.

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 training may be provided by the Host Site.

Volunteer Engagement

The ES will also recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish projects. The MCC will assist ES in identifying potential outreach opportunities and promoting events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site by using Essential Volunteer Management Practices. The ES will improve the sustainability of the overall volunteer program.

To Apply: submit an MCC Application, resume, and cover letter. Please email Corps.Conservation@maine.gov for questions and information.

Unemployed, underemployed, minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply

The Maine Conservation Corps provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Accommodation arrangements must be requested in advance by contacting MCC staff.