Location:
MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
Fieldwork is conducted throughout Maine.
Time Requirement:
General Description:
The mission of the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is to accomplish conservation projects that inspire individuals and enhance communities. As an AmeriCorps program MCC is dedicated to accomplishing outdoor recreation and conservation projects for the public, promoting and managing volunteer opportunities, providing education, and building self-esteem, leadership, and skill sets to strengthen the future opportunities of members.
The Field Coordinator will provide support and training to field teams as assigned by the Field Team Program Manager. Field Teams are engaged in trail construction and maintenance and other conservation projects. Members contribute their service, earn AmeriCorps education awards, and receive relevant job experience. The Field Coordinator’s primary role is to provide field support, training, and leadership, monitor a portion of the field teams, assist with maintaining the vehicle fleet, tools, and equipment, and assist with office operations such as member recruitment and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
· Coordinate and lead training projects during Team Leader Training and Assistant Team Leader Training.
· Collaborate with Team Leaders and the Program Manager to facilitate a one-week member orientation
· Provide support, training, and supervision to a subset of MCC Field Teams (up to 4 teams)
· Assist leaders with project logistics including pre-service site visits, tool and gear sign-out, required paperwork, electronic reports, and effective time management to meet project goals.
· Help facilitate and maintain communications and coordination between the MCC office, partners, and teams.
· Train members in all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
· Assist with maintenance and inventory of MCC leased vehicles, chainsaws, power equipment, rigging equipment, hand tools, safety gear, and camping equipment before, during, and after the field season.
· Help collect, monitor, and report on paperwork & assignments from Field Teams including but not limited to evaluating Emergency Response Plans, monitoring daily project reports, reviewing and approving timesheets, and tracking the progress of multiple member surveys.
· Co-lead MCC teams with less experienced leaders until they become more competent at their assigned tasks.
· Assume a leadership role when a Team Leader unexpectedly leaves the program.
· Maintain a personal cell phone for communications with the office.
· Camp in tents and live cooperatively with members of the team during service sessions and training.
· Monitor residential sites or other lodging facilities leased for use by MCC members.
· Document incidents and behaviors related to policy violations.
· Follow and uphold all safety, and sanitation policies and procedures, including heightened COVID-19 protocols.
During training and the field season, MCC Field Coordinators will be assigned 3-4 teams each to monitor and provide training and support. Assignments will be made based on skills and experience. Beyond technical support, Field Coordinators will provide mentorship to leaders and members. Teams are in the field 5 or 9 days at a time, and Field Coordinators should expect to be called upon during time off to problem-solve projects, mediate team dynamics, and respond to emergencies. The anticipated 2023 Field Team projects are as follows:
· Backcountry Stonework on the Appalachian Trail: 1 team will focus on Appalachian Trail rehabilitation projects in the backcountry. These projects will involve carrying food, tools, and gear between 1 and 4 miles to a backcountry base camp. Projects include the construction of stone staircases, stepping stones, and other erosion control structures. The Field Coordinator assigned to these teams must have previous backcountry leadership experience and stonework and rigging experience.
Working Conditions:
This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including cold, rain, heat and humidity, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with all tools and gear over difficult terrain, and sleeping in tents. This position should be viewed not as a traditional job, but as an experience where long hours and extended time away from home, often in remote locations, are to be expected.
Essential Functions
Qualifications:
Preferred qualification:
Benefits:
· Stipend of $640-$720 per week based on the number of years as an MCC Field Coordinator (less taxes)
· Health Insurance, including dental and vision
· Maine State Park Pass
· Prodeals – discounts on outdoor gear
· Paid training (i.e. Chainsaw safety training, AmeriCorps Conferences, WFA)
· Paid vacation and leave time
· A wide range of networking and professional development opportunities
To Apply: By March 24th 2023, submit an MCC Application and send a copy of your resume to [email protected]. You will be contacted with further instructions. You may direct questions to the same email above.
Established in 1983, the Maine Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps Program made up of dedicated members, staff, partners, and volunteers serving the community and environment of Maine. MCC builds upon the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's by providing people of all backgrounds with structured service opportunities. Our placements promote leadership and personal development through a strong tradition of conservation and natural resource stewardship.
MCC members are a diverse group of people that commit to serving anywhere from 3 to 11 months. Many are students, recent graduates, or career changers looking to give back and gain experience in the field of natural resources. All are united in service to the State of Maine, its communities, and the conservation and preservation of our environment.