Join the Maine Conservation Corps

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

The purpose of this position is to fulfill the mission of the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC), which is to accomplish conservation initiatives that inspire people and enhance communities. This is achieved by accomplishing conservation projects, creating pathways to employment, delivering environmental education, and engaging community volunteers.

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 create and implement new interpretive experiences based on the newly designed aquarium, evaluate the design and implementation of new exhibits and programs, and make recommendations for future ones.

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. Building relationships with DMR staff will be important, with program development and delivery to the public, in person and/or through social media. This will include collaborating with DMR researchers to incorporate research into exhibits and programs.

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:

Maine State Aquarium 194 McKown Point Rd. W. Boothbay, ME 04575

Training and orientation typically occur near the MCC office, 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME.

Time Requirement:

Environmental Stewards are expected to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. A regular schedule is determined by the Host Site and will include a minimum of 2 days off per week. Regular schedules may be modified for special events.

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 with possible partners for new programs
  • Develop outreach materials for the project written, potential exhibit signage, and website. Materials include educational information, advertising, promotion, etc.
  • Design and present brief, informative talks within Maine State Aquarium for various audiences about the project
  • Advertise and promote new programs
  • Recruit and train volunteers
  • 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
  • Participate in MCC and AmeriCorps orientations, trainings, 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, and implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan
  • Complete ongoing assignments and required tasks, including: job readiness training, construction of member portfolio, 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:

  • 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 and willingness to serve in a remote field setting
  • Ability to learn new computer applications as necessary
  • 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, in hot conditions, hiking on uneven terrain, exposure to bugs
  • Convene meetings with staff, partners, and the public to review findings, etc.
  • Present data relevant information to partners, stakeholders, and the public
  • If staying in housing on Burnt Island, the ability to travel by boat to housing, and on a fixed schedule
  • Ability to walk on uneven terrain, docks, dock ramps, etc
  • Ability to pass online boat course, participate in First Aid/CPR training
  • Ability to operate a small single-engine boat
  • 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:

  • Assist periodically as needed with the care of aquarium species and maintenance of their exhibit and/or holding areas
  • Basic understanding of aquatic animal husbandry and water quality Both of these skills would add to the ES's ability to understand animal behavior and biology needed to present programs to audiences.

Service Conditions:

The Maine State Aquarium is located at DMRs Boothbay Laboratory at the end of McKown Point Rd in the Boothbay Harbor. The Aquarium and adjacent Learning Lab are public spaces; the rest of the campus consists of restricted research labs. The Education Division has office space for stewards and seasonal staff. Behind the scenes of the Aquarium and the nearby holding space are wet and slippery with potential uneven surfaces and tripping hazards. The Aquarium does not have air conditioning during warm temperatures and can be humid with slippery surfaces.

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
  • Ability to serve professionally individually and in a team, and as a representative of the Department of Marine Resources (required)

Benefits:

  • Weekly living allowance of $480 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
  • AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50
  • Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
  • Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference
  • Networking opportunities
  • Maine State Park Pass
  • Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
  • Housing is not provided on site for this position

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, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, 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 2024.

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 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.