Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: Environmental Steward (900 Hour) - DMR Maine State Aquarium

The Education Division is part of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Its mission is to develop a citizenry that has awareness and appreciation for the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, DMR research, and regional resources. It provides educational services and programs to a wide variety of audiences and manages three facilities - the Maine State Aquarium, Discovery Center (a learning center), and Burnt Island with Education Center. The AmeriCorps Environmental Steward (ES) will collaborate with the Education Division(ED)/Maine State Aquarium (MSA) Director and Department of Marine Resources (DMR) researchers to provide interpretive programs within and outside of the aquarium, build a robust social media presence, and evaluate the design and implementation of new exhibits and programs, and make recommendations for future ones.

Areas of focus and goals:

  • Interpretive Programs-this position will develop interpretive programs through a variety of lenses, as they relate to the local community in Boothbay, indigenous history, DMR research, and citizen science programs. Listening sessions and attending existing meetings to build relationships will be important, with program development and delivery to the public, in person and/or through social media. This will include working with DMR researchers to incorporate research into exhibits and programs.
  • Social Media - this position will develop a coordinated and targeted social media presence for the Aquarium, its exhibits, and its programs. This includes writing content, taking and organizing photos and videos, posting, and creating a social media calendar. This will include working with DMR researchers to incorporate research.
  • Evaluation Program this position will develop an evaluation program of Maine State Aquarium exhibits, in-person programming, and online resources. With the reopening of the Aquarium and resuming of programming in Summer 2023, this is the opportunity to evaluate the design and implementation of new exhibits and programs, and make recommendations for future ones. This position will also evaluate the accessibility and inclusivity of the exhibits and programs for various audiences not previously served by the Aquarium, such as people with differing physical and learning abilities, underserved marginalized youth in Maine, and indigenous communities.

Location:

West Boothbay, ME

Housing:

Partially provided, island-based and alternatives during the off-season. Details will be available if selected for an interview.

Days and Hours of Service:

40-hour week, typically Monday-Friday, with occasional weekends.

Description of Duties:

  • Engage in orientation to DMR and the Education Division, review mission and vision of Education Division and current programming, meet DMR staff, establish relationships with DMR staff connected to project
  • Establish connections within DMR and within the community
  • Develop outreach materials for the project written, potential exhibit signage, website, social media. Materials include educational information, advertising, and promotion, etc.
  • Design and present brief, informative talks within Maine State Aquarium for various audiences
  • Advertise and promote new programs
  • Evaluate programming by researching and evaluating tools used best practices for interpretive programs, and, by collecting information from individuals directly.
  • Specific areas of access should be considered such as ASKJan or other similar resources for accessibility, interpretive program assessment tools for providing information in ways that suit different learning styles, feedback from the indigenous community identifying and addressing colonialism, and other resources including a survey for folks to take who have visited the aquarium for their personal feedback which will ask questions related to how they received the information provided, and hopefully will identify the barriers which face different kinds of people.
  • Make recommendations for next season
  • Collaborate with volunteers and DMR staff.

Essential Functions:

  • General understanding of biology/marine science/environmental education, or some combination thereof. This can include relevant college-level coursework and/or degree and/or work (paid or unpaid) experience in a relevant setting
  • Ability to communicate effectively electronically, telephonically, and in person
  • Research skills online, interviews, articles/journals, etc
  • Capability to plan and organize tasks in an effective and efficient manner
  • Ability to learn new computer applications as necessary
  • Ability to connect with a wide range of individuals
  • Working knowledge of the fundamentals of social media and experience maintaining social media platforms
  • Demonstration of ability to give positive public presentations through relevant public speaking experience, particularly to diverse audience groups
  • Represent MSA and DMR (a state agency) with a commitment to high standards and job quality
  • Serving outdoors as necessary, on docks/piers, hot conditions, hiking on uneven terrain, exposure to bugs
  • Convene meetings with staff, partners, public to review findings, etc.
  • Present data relevant information to partners, stakeholders, and the public
  • If staying in housing on Burnt Island, ability to travel by boat to housing, and on a fixed schedule

Marginal Functions:

  • Assist periodically as needed with the care of aquarium species and maintenance of their exhibit and/or holding areas if the ES is interested in learning about these tasks
  • Assist periodically as needed with the educational offerings and programming related to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, DMR research, and exhibit areas

Service Conditions:

  • Service involves indoor primarily computer-oriented tasks in cubicle space. Tasks include online research writing, posting on social media, etc
  • Service can involve indoor tasks in aquarium or discovery center that can be humid, floors wet, tripping hazards, exposure to cold water, etc.
  • IF housing can be found on Burnt Island, ability to travel by boat to housing, and on a fixed schedule. Ability to walk on uneven terrain, docks, dock ramps, etc. Exposure to bugs including ticks
  • Service involves travel to nearby locations
  • Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties, and may include electronic, telephonic and/or in-person communication
  • Service occurs in all weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, buggy) and can be physically demanding.
  • Service involves wading/accomplishing projects along the rocky and slippery coast of Maine, with unstable footing and during periods of inclement weather or high temperatures.
  • Service includes leading and training volunteers, occasionally during weekday evenings.
  • Service includes traversing uneven terrain.
  • Service includes interaction with a wide variety of program partners and the public.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site

Additional Qualifications:

  • Ability to serve professionally individually and in a team, and as a representative of the Department of Marine Resources (required)
  • Marine Biology coursework and/or experience; good written and oral skills, especially with scientific/technical communication (required)
  • Comfortable in the field (on the island) settings with a willingness to learn small boat handling(required)

Benefits:

  • Weekly living allowance of $400 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
  • AmeriCorps Education Award of $3247.50
  • 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

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will participate in up to five orientation and training days, typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, MCC, Host Sites and You, OnCorps reporting, Goal Setting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, Conflict Resolution, National Incident Management Systems, Leave No Trace, Intro to Trails, Tool Safety, Use and Maintenance, Interpretive Programs. Initial orientation and training will likely include some virtual aspects in 2023.

Job readiness training, such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors and interview skills will be taught throughout the term of service.

Volunteer Engagement

The Environmental Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the sites volunteer program.

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