675 Hour Environmental Steward

675 Hour Term: June 5, 2023 – October 6, 2023

Housing: Provided

Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings and occasional weekends.

Additional Training Provided: Chainsaw Safety Training

Purpose:

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 Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global non-profit with a business unit in Maine. Our mission is to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. We own and manage almost 300,000 acres in Maine, and have actives programs focused on freshwater, ocean, climate, and community resources across the state.

This AmeriCorps member position will support The Nature Conservancy in the implementation of a collaborative grant with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) through the U.S. Fisheries &Wildlife Service (USFWS) Partners Program entitled Southern Maine Prescribed Fire & Hazardous Fuels Reduction Landscape Partnership. This will involve various and sundry tasks associated with the preparation and coordination of tasks associated with this large effort to reduce hazardous fuels and manage wildlife habitat in Wells and Kennebunk, ME.

General Timeline:

Late summer-coordination of mowing activities, preparatory fire equipment maintenance, orientation, GIS planning and prep.

Fall burn season-participate in prescribed burns, maintain equipment, and collect GIS data.

Post burn season-reporting, maintenance, and data maintenance.

Description of Duties:

• Field duties will include
• Fireline preparation
• Fuel reduction through mowing and hand cutting
• Leadership of contracted crews
• Equipment mobilization,
• Maintenance and repair of tools and equipment,
• Prescribed burn operations, and
• Post-burn monitoring
• Office duties will include
• Meeting coordination and agenda preparation
• Fire volunteer coordination and communications
• Map creation in ArcGIS pro
• GIS data maintenance in ArcGIS pro and ArcGIS online
• Monitoring data coordination and maintenance
• Generation of grant report components, such as monitoring updates
• 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:

·      GIS experience/willingness to learn and innovate

·      GPS/iPad data collection

·      Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite

·      Good communication skills and ability to lead volunteer groups

·      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:

·      Fire training (red card/FFT 2, higher level training better)

·      GIS experience

·      Chain Saw/brush Saw certification experience (can Provide)

·      ATV/UTV certification experience (can Provide)

Service Conditions:

The TNC's Southern Maine Field Office is a dynamic work environment with a combination of field tasks, workshops, and office tasks. The field office consists of a Burn Boss/Program Manager, Crew Leader/Land Manager, and The Environment Steward(s). 20 to 45 active fire-trained volunteers and several state, federal, and NGO's collaborative partners. Both the Maine and New Hampshire TNC business unit staff provide support and hands-on assistance.

The projects can be fast paced making for solid positive high-quality results. Safety is a top priority. All team members strive for equality, inclusion, openness to learning and growth, integrity, and a positive work environment.

They will be required to hike uneven terrain, grasslands, and forested lands on our managed lands which range from easy to strenuous, and may be working in poor weather (rain, heat), often with biting insects. There may be some long days in the field.

·      Service includes being in an office environment much of the time, with their own desk and computer

·      Service includes the majority of time in the burn season spent outside and long days are expected

·      Service includes hiking on uneven terrain with tools and equipment 

·      Service may involve travel to other locations

·      Service is performed independently and as part of a team

·      Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties

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 driver’s license with a good 5-year driving record

·      Passion for community service and the environment

·      Commitment to complete the full term of service

·      Fire Experience

·      Maintenance Experience

·      GIS Experience

Benefits:

·      Weekly living allowance of $400 (before taxes) for 18 weeks

·      AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,474.27

·      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, 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 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. Additional training may be provided by the Host Site.

To Apply: Go to our website to complete an online application, and email a copy of your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. You will then be contacted with further instructions. If you have any questions, please direct those to the email above as well.