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Join the Maine Conservation Corps
Position Available: Field Team Member
Time requirements:
- 675-hour (full-season term): June 8 - October 9, 2026
- 300-hour (summer-only term): June 8 August 7, 2026
- 300-hour (fall-only term): August 10 October 9, 2026
All AmeriCorps terms are 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 a Team Member (TM) with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) Field Team Program. TMs are an integral part of the MCC mission to accomplish conservation initiatives that inspire people and enhance communities. TMs serve on Field Teams of three or six to enhance recreational trails throughout Maine, engage in conservation projects to improve habitat, and expand access to treasured natural areas. This short-term position leads to long-term impacts in communities throughout Maine. Youll make a difference in local communities while connecting to nature, peers, and yourself. TMs are AmeriCorps members and receive professional skill development and certifications, team-based service learning, access to 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 is based at a summer camp. After orientation, projects are completed state-wide with federal, state, municipal, and non-profit organizations. The MCC Office is located at 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04333.
Learn:
Team Members 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 TMs participate in Chainsaw Safety Training, depending on project assignments. During the field season, TMs participate in 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:
Team Members complete conservation projects primarily focused on the rehabilitation and construction of recreational trails across Maine. Team Members 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 Team Member position requires a positive attitude, 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.
- Build bridges, boardwalks, wooden ladders, etc.
- Construct rock staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, etc.
- Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)
- Other treadway maintenance and construction (crush rock, haul gravel)
- Habitat Restoration, such as invasive plant removal
- Follow MCCs Code of Conduct and all guidelines outlined in the Member Agreement and MCC Handbook
- Follow all MCC safety procedures and practices, including PPE guidelines, proper tool and gear use, and drug-free workplace policy
- Participate in job readiness training and volunteer/education events
- Collaborate with Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders throughout the season to meet project goals and maintain tools, gear, and equipment
- Take 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
- 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
- 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 17 years old
- Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
- Must agree to criminal history checks
Benefits:
- Living allowance of $475/week (less taxes)
- TMs are 675-hour or 300-hour AmeriCorps members and will receive an education award of $2,817.14 (675-hour) or $1,565.08 (300-hour) upon successful completion of the program.
- AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement.
- Eligibility for pre-apprenticeship programs
- Other benefits include a Maine State Park Pass, discounts on outdoor gear, and a wide range of networking opportunities.
Housing:
Will be provided during the 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. 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.