Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: 900 HR Environmental Steward - Maine Conservation Corps

General Description:

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 Environmental Steward will serve in collaboration with MCC Field Team Manager and Director to strengthen and support MCC monitoring and reporting of project sites and results. The Steward will have two primary activities.

  1. Lead the collection of data on MCC 2026 projects. Data will provide both qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of trail construction and maintenance interventions; identify possible future rehabilitation needs; and write summaries for internal and reporting use, as well as developing web and printed materials to inform the public of MCC activities. The Environmental Steward will be the primary collector of data, which will entail backpacking and hiking throughout Maine parks and public lands to reach MCC project sites in 2026. The Steward will use an established system and means for assessing the pre and post project conditions, qualities, and structures of MCC Field Team project sites by utilizing Survey123, ArcGIS, and other relevant tools and techniques.
  2. Review data collected and MCC project files to create 'stories of select current and past MCC projects that can be converted to story maps or other means for sharing MCC results publicly via the MCC website, social media, relevant newsletters, and/or publications.

The Environmental Steward will be provided training in effective data collection, use of measurement instruments and tools, and MCC. Depending on selected candidates current certifications and skills, training may also be provided in First Aid/CPR, Leave No Trace, backpacking, and introduction to trails. Based on results and feedback, the data collection surveys, methods, and focus of the project may be modified throughout the season. The onset of the term will include refining data collection practices, data management, logistical coordination, and training.

This project is critical to provide foundation and direction for future and ongoing MCC monitoring, evaluation and learning for project sites and partner reporting.

Location:

Augusta, ME.

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:

  • Collaborate with MCC Field Team Manager and Director to create a logistical approach for field season data collection
  • Establish connections and communication with Team Leaders throughout Maine for logistical support and trail updates prior to field visits
  • Collect information on current Field Team project sites, including intended user groups, total miles of trail system, connectivity, access points, general terrain, and rate of annual usage
  • Conduct standardized and quality data collection on MCC project sites utilizing iPad, Survey 123, photos/videos and other measurement tools.
  • Ensure efficiency and accuracy of collection utilizing appropriate measuring devices..
  • Transmit data to MCC staff in timely manner with Survey123, ArcGIS, and Excel.
  • Assist with analysis for reports and data extraction
  • Create accessible summaries for web and print-based public communication.
  • Make GIS maps and display data
  • Establish emergency response plans and abide by safety policies of MCC
  • Maintain check-in schedule with Host Site Supervisor during field assessments
  • 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:

  • Can serve and live in outdoor setting, including the desire to explore and assess some of Maines most beautiful recreation sites
  • Ability to hike off-trail in remote areas carrying a 15 pound backpack. Field data collection will include traveling long distances, at times to remote regions; hiking long distances with measurement tools; camping, as well as backpacking as needed
  • Tolerance of biting insects, heat, rain and ability to maintain professional demeanor while serving in inclement conditions.
  • Capacity to plan and organize tasks in effective and efficient manner
  • Must possess mobility to function in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to serve in the field including traversing uneven terrain, to operate a motor vehicle, and use of measuring tools and equipment.
  • Basic ability to use ESRI ArcGIS systems including ArcPro and AGOL to create, visualize, and edit spatial data. Vision to inspect assigned areas, read printed materials, and a computer screen
  • Attention to detail for data collection, data editing, and data entry. Conservation science requires precision.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with host site supervisor and other members of the MCC, to keep each other appraised of progress, changes in plans, needs for information, logistics coordination, and more. Comfort with uncertainty when plans can change at the last minute due to field site conditions, weather, or partner needs.
  • Walk and/or hike up to 10 miles or more per day to conduct assessments, often over rugged terrain with tools and gear
  • Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 35 pounds
  • 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

Service Conditions:

Field tasks will include exposure to cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather, road hazards, and other environmental challenges (poisonous plants, allergens, insects). While in the field, camping (in a tent), hiking, and preparing meals outdoors will be daily activities. Running water, cellular service and internet access should not be expected. This position should be viewed not as a 9-5 job, but as an experience where long hours and extended time away from home, often in remote locations, are to be expected.

  • Service is performed frequently outdoors from June through November.
  • Service involves some physical labor
  • Service involves travel to nearby location
  • Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties
  • 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
  • Experience camping, backpacking and long distance hiking
  • Familiarity with outdoor ethics and safety
  • Ability to interpret maps and navigation skills
  • Experience with data collection and management, including tools and methods
  • Experience with programs similar to ArcGIS, Survey 123, and Excel
  • Experience with trail construction and maintenance highly 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 Environmental Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the sites volunteer program.

The MCC ES will recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish projects. The MCC will assist members in identifying potential outreach opportunities, best approaches, and promotion of events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site. 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. 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.