Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: Environmental Steward (1700 Hour)

General Description:

Live, learn, and explore Maine's conservation pockets with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an MCC Environmental Steward, you can make an impact!

Live, learn, and explore Maines conservation pockets with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an MCC AmeriCorps Environmental Steward, you can impact an organization and the community by achieving specific Host Site goals as unique as each placement.

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.

This general description of MCC ES positions does not capture each host site's objectives.

Location:

Individual sites will be posted on the MCC website as they are recruited. Applicants will be sent guidance through the process, and one application will enable you to choose up to 3 sites you wish to be considered for. 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 in Augusta, Maine.

Start and End Date

January 12, 2026 to November 20, 2026

Time Requirement:

Environmental Stewards are expected to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. The Host Site determines a regular schedule, and it will include a minimum of 2 days off per week. Regular schedules may be modified for special events.

Description of Duties:

  • Each Host Site will have specific duties. More information will be provided when applicants are asked for their Host Site choices
  • Engage in volunteer management activities including: recruiting volunteers; promoting and leading volunteer events; implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan
  • Participate in MCC and AmeriCorps orientations, trainings, events and conferences including job readiness training
  • Assist with pre-approved and allowable fundraising activities
  • Participate in a Site Visit and a Field Visit
  • Complete quarterly reporting and timesheets
  • Complete a member portfolio
  • Check email regularly
  • Participate in mid-term and end of term evaluations
  • 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 in a professional and supportive manner to the public and media

Essential Functions:

  • 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

Service Conditions:

Service will be completed outdoors in all conditions, with a mix of field and office tasks. When service begins it will be in the middle of winter in Maine, so proper inclement weather clothing is necessary (warm layers, winter jacket, insulated winter boots with warm socks etc). Outdoor spaces could be snowy, icy, wet, muddy, etc. During the summer months the temperatures can vary from cool in the morning to hot in the afternoons, increased humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Proper layering, and rain gear, is recommended.

  • Service is performed primarily outdoors
  • Service involves some physical labor
  • Service involves travel to nearby locations
  • 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
  • Skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site

Benefits:

  • Weekly living allowance of $535 (before taxes) for 45 weeks
  • AmeriCorps Education Award of $7395
  • Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive a MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
  • Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference
  • Networking opportunities
  • Maine State Park Pass
  • Health insurance, if eligible
  • Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
  • A small number of Host Sites also offer housing as part of their position

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will participate in a total of five orientation and training 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, Leave No Trace, Intro to Trails, Tool Safety. Initial orientation and training will primarily be 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 trainings will be provided by the Host Site.

Volunteer Engagement

The Environmental Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the sites volunteer program.

The MCC ES will also recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish 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: 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. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. 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.