Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: Field Team Leader

Team Leaders are an integral part of the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) mission to accomplish conservation projects that inspire people and enhance communities. As a Team Leader, you will expand outdoor recreational opportunities to Maine's woods, waters, and mountains, while protecting these precious natural resources. Additionally, you will receive professional skill development and certifications, team-based service learning, the opportunity to live and serve in unique locations, a living allowance, an education award, and more! Apply to be an MCC Field Team Leader today!

Location:

Training will be based out of a summer camp. Service projects during training will be held at other locations, such as Maine State Parks or Public Lands. Field projects after training are conducted state-wide in National and State Parks, Public Lands, Municipalities, and non-profit organizations.

MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330

Start Date: May 12, 2025

End Date: October 24, 2025

Time requirements:

900-hour AmeriCorps Term; Full-time, 40+ hours per week. It is typical to have a varied schedule. Overnights, weekends, training days, and service events are required. Commitment to the end date is of utmost importance for all Team Leaders.

LEARN:

The initial part of the term of service will focus on developing leadership and conservation skills through formal training and field-based learning that are transferable to a wide variety of careers. Training topics include:

  • Leave No Trace
  • Mental Health Education
  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Chainsaw Safety
  • Camping and Backpacking
  • FEMA Courses
  • Conservation Project Management
  • Volunteer Management
  • Hand and power tools
  • Job Readiness Training
  • Technical trail building with stone and timber
  • Networking opportunities
  • Communication and Mediation

LEAD AND SERVE:

Upon demonstration of essential competencies, Team Leaders will assume the roles and responsibilities of leading a team of AmeriCorps members on various outdoor conservation projects (June - October). Select leaders may serve as "roving leaders," supporting multiple teams and co-leading on rotating team assignments. This position should not be viewed as a traditional job but as a volunteer experience. Camping, extended time away from home, often in remote locations, are to be expected. Leaders will:

  • Safety: Team Leaders will ensure that the crew is adequately equipped and prepared for projects and living conditions, including serving in inclement weather and serving and living in backcountry settings. Leaders will follow and uphold all safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
  • Conservation Project Management: Team Leaders will conduct a pre-service site visit at each project site. Leaders will be responsible for preparing and packing appropriate tools and gear for each project, developing an emergency response plan, communicating regularly with project partners, and effectively leading the team to meet project goals.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Teams must record service outcomes in a thorough and timely manner, including project reports, submission of timesheets, vehicle mileage logs, and other forms required by the MCC. Leaders are expected to proactively communicate with field staff about crew dynamics and project progress.
  • Crew Member Mentorship: MCC Team Leaders are teachers and mentors. They train members in all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation, and guide and support the team to ensure safety procedures are followed. Leaders will participate in and facilitate job readiness training workshops and promote professional skill development.

Working Conditions:

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

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 with 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
  • Respectful and approachable attitude; ability to work well with others
  • Responsible and reliable
  • High level of comfort in the outdoors
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Interest in personal growth and in participating in ongoing training
  • Interest in serving with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
  • Willingness to follow health and safety protocols

Marginal Functions

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

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Must be at least 21 years old at the start of the field season (mid-June)
  • Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
  • Must agree to criminal history checks
  • Previous experience with outdoor leadership, conservation project management, and/or conservation corps
  • Committed to MCC through the duration of the term of service

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Driver's license and clean driving record
  • Previous trail construction experience
  • Experience with GPS and GIS
  • Backcountry living experience
  • Experience with power and hand tools including chainsaws and rigging equipment

Benefits:

  • A weekly living allowance of $550/week (less taxes)
  • Team Leaders are 900-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion.
  • AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement.
  • Other benefits include Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, training, certifications, and a wide range of networking opportunities

Housing: Will be provided during the training period. Housing varies from rustic cabins to tent camping. Expect to move locations throughout training. During the field season, teams will camp at their project site and will return to an assigned basecamp or the MCC Office for off time. Basecamps will vary from rustic cabins to tent sites.

To Apply: Submit an MCC Application and send a copy of your resume to Corps.Conservation@maine.gov. You will be contacted with further instructions, and may direct questions to the same email above.

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 to perform essential functions. Accommodation arrangements must be requested by contacting MCC staff.