Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: Assistant Team Leader

Time Requirements:

675-hour (full-season term): June 8 - October 9, 2026

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 entire duration of the term is required. It is typical to have a varied schedule, i.e., 9 days on (Monday Tuesday) followed by 5 days off AND/OR 5 days on (Monday Friday) with weekends off. Each team has a unique project and travel schedule.

General Description:

Build a path, while finding yours! Live, serve, and explore Maine's wilderness, coast, and mountains as an Assistant Team Leader (ATL) with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) Field Team Program. ATLs are an integral part of the MCC mission to accomplish conservation initiatives that inspire people and enhance communities. ATLs serve on Field Teams of six to enhance recreational trails throughout Maine, engage in conservation projects to improve habitat, and expand access to treasured natural areas. ATLs play a key role in team function by providing logistical and technical support. This position is multifaceted with opportunities for leadership growth. Discover your leadership potential as you gain experience in conservation project management. You'll make a difference in the lives of your team and local communities while connecting to nature and your peers. This short-term position leads to long-term impacts in communities throughout Maine.
ATLs are AmeriCorps members and receive professional skill development and certifications, team-based service learning, eligibility for pre-apprenticeship programs, the opportunity to live and serve in unique locations, a living allowance, an education award, and more. MCC is a division of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry within the Bureau of Parks and Lands and operates a State AmeriCorps program. MCC engages 100+ AmeriCorps members annually to enrich lives through conservation.

Location:

Orientation will be based out of a summer camp. Field projects after orientation are conducted state-wide in National and State Parks, Public Lands, Municipalities, and non-profit organizations.

MCC Office:

54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330

Learn:

ATLs attend a one-week MCC/AmeriCorps member orientation. Topics include member agreements, MCC handbook, AmeriCorps, member benefits, team building, required events and assignments, timesheets, backcountry wellness, Leave No Trace, and an introduction to trail tools and safety standards. A portion of ATLs participate in Chainsaw Safety Training, depending on project assignments. During the field season, ATLs participate and help facilitate ongoing job readiness training. In addition, MCC is developing pre-apprenticeship opportunities with partners in a variety of fields that members may elect to participate in.

Serve:

ATLs complete conservation projects primarily focused on the rehabilitation and construction of recreational trails across Maine. ATLs gain hands-on experience in the groundwork of stewardship by serving on physically challenging projects in a variety of locations, including remote and backcountry sites. The ATL position requires a desire to grow as a leader, 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. Duties include:

• Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
• Build new trails, rehabilitate existing trails, and complete other conservation projects.
  1. Build bridges, boardwalks, bog bridges, and other carpentry projects*
  2. Construct stone staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, and other erosion control structures*
  3. Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps)*
  4. Other treadway maintenance and construction (crush rock, haul gravel, bench cutting, drainage ditches)*
  5. Habitat Restoration, such as invasive plant removal and forest management*
• Follow MCCs Code of Conduct and all guidelines outlined in the Member Agreement and MCC Handbook
• Promote a culture of safety by modeling appropriate safety practices and use of PPE, assisting members with packing appropriate gear for project conditions, and upholding all safety and sanitation policies and procedures
• Participate in job readiness training and volunteer/education events
• Collaborate with Team Leaders throughout the season to meet project goals, provide logistical and technical support, and perform ongoing tool maintenance and inventory
• Be a role model for the team by promoting a positive team atmosphere, actively listening, maintaining a positive attitude in challenging conditions, and taking part in all joint living tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a healthy basecamp. Joint living tasks are not countable towards AmeriCorps service hours
• Take on a leadership role in the absence of the Team Leader or when the team breaks into small groups to complete multiple tasks
• Uphold a high standard of professional conduct and personal responsibility as a representative of MCC

Service Conditions:

This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including heat and humidity, cold, rain, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with tools and gear over difficult terrain, and sleeping in tents with limited access to cellular service and internet. This position is an AmeriCorps term of service and should not be viewed as a traditional job. Extended time away from home, often in remote locations, is to be expected.

Essential Functions

• Desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• Eagerness to grow as a leader
• Willingness and physical ability to serve on a variety of conservation projects that require the use of hand and power tools
• Capable of heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Ability to hike 3-12 miles per day on rugged terrain to complete projects in remote locations
• Ability and willingness to complete projects, cook, and tent camp in all weather conditions, including extremes of heat or cold, and exposure to biting and stinging insects
• Demonstrates good judgment and professionalism
• Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility
• Interest in personal growth and professional development
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to get along with others and be respectful and approachable
• Desire to serve 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 18 years old
• Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Must agree to criminal history checks
• Committed to MCC through the duration of the term of service

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous Corps experience
• Outdoor living experience
• Experience working as part of a team

Benefits:

• Living allowance of $500/week (less taxes)
• Assistant Team Leaders are 675-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $2,817.14 upon successful completion of the program.
• AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement.
• Other benefits include a Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, certifications, and a wide range of networking opportunities.

Housing:

Will be provided during orientation. 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. 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.