Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: 900 HR Environmental Steward - Viles Arboretum

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.

Viles Arboretum was established in 1982 in conjunction with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to provide educational, recreational, and inspirational opportunities to the public through the cultivation of trees and other woody plants from around the world.

Our mission is: "To provide educational, recreational, and inspirational opportunities through the conservation of our natural environment in Augusta, Maine."

Located in Maines Capital City, the Arboretum welcomes thousands of people annually to its free, easily accessible, 224-acre botanical garden that features miles of trails, sprawling stands of unique and interesting trees, a full-service visitor center, an assortment of programs & events, demonstrative research, and a variety of habitats that are home to flora and fauna of Statewide importance.

The Arboretum is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation supported by charitable giving, grants, and earned income.

The Environmental Steward hosted at Viles will focus on the following objectives:

Engage with a diverse community of visitors in a variety of settings to inform the public about conservation related issues and subject matter.
Assist with the implementation of place-based programs and events that support environmental education and research.
Enhance the visitor experience by improving signage, trail accessibility, and the overall aesthetic condition of the facility.
Maintain or improve the ecological condition of botanical collections/ habitats and their ecological health.

Location

Augusta, ME

Start and End Date

January 13, 2025 to November 21, 2025

Time requirements

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:

Conservation Projects - Assist in the implementation of special (typically grant funded) land conservation projects, including integrated pest management, reforestation, tree care, etc.
Trail Infrastructure - Work to develop new trails or rehabilitate existing trails to improve accessibility; install new signs, bridging, benching, or other structures as needed.
Communications - Effectively use technology to inform the public about topics relating to conservation and the environment.
Education - In conjunction with staff, develop and implement new programs and events that help inform the public on topics relating to conservation and the environment.
Volunteer/Intern Leadership - In conjunction with staff, develop new programs and activities that increase volunteer involvement, through active solicitation/leadership/training of volunteers in the field.
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:

Must be able to, or willing to learn how to operate essential equipment and tools, and have a basic understanding of them, including their basic care and maintenance.
Ability to work in a variety of terrains and landscapes carrying up to 20 pounds.
A willingness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions, independently or in a group setting.
Ability to manage a large and diverse project load, complete assignments, meet deadlines and work within established budgets.
Ability to utilize technology to achieve various outcomes.
Must be willing to have fun!
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

Marginal Functions:

Experience in horticulture, botany, forestry, ecology, landscaping, agriculture, recreation, or related fields and demonstrated relevant work experience in similar or related areas.
Strong interest in conservation, ecological management, plants and their proper culture and care.
Curiosity about nature and a passion for learning.

Service Conditions:

We are a small, very dedicated staff that manages wide and diverse workloads. We are supported by an enthusiastic board of directors and many long-time volunteers. The Stewards will feel welcomed and consider themselves a strong part of the team. We work hard but have lots of fun doing it.

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 in the summer.

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
Strong work ethic, capable of working independently, safely, operating tools/equipment in a highly hands-on position (Required)
Familiarity with or a passion to learn about technology and environmental issues to effectively support research and education activities. (Required)
Great attitude and the ability to get along with others. (Required)
We want MCC stewards to have skills, of course, but also, they should possess a willingness and eagerness to learn new things. If your attitude is 'my way or the highway this probably isnt the best fit for you. We discuss nearly everything as a team.

Benefits:

Weekly living allowance of $535 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
AmeriCorps Education Award of $3697.50
Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
Conferences such as the Volunteer Leadership Conference
Networking opportunities
Maine State Park Pass
Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
Reduced cost housing comes with this position

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.

Maine.gov

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry