Environmental Steward Positions for May 2016!
The Maine Conservation Corps–AmeriCorps program (MCC) is accepting applications for 900-hour AmeriCorps Environmental Steward positions located throughout Maine for May 2016. MCC is dedicated to accomplishing outdoor recreation and conservation projects for the public, promoting and managing volunteer opportunities, providing conservation education, building self-esteem and leadership, strengthening the future employability of members, while raising the aspirations of members and volunteers.
Environmental Stewards serve 900-hour term of service. The Stewards undergo two weeks of training with MCC before being paired with a Host Site for the remainder of their term. Current Host Sites are posted on the MCC website. This year’s host sites included; Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, Vaughan Woods State Park, Grafton Notch State Park, Tumbledown Mountain/Mount Blue State Park, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Bigelow Preserve and Chain of Ponds, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Maine Natural Areas Program.
MCC’s Environmental Stewards assist agencies with a wide variety of projects: water quality testing, wildlife protection, trail improvements and volunteer recruitment are all examples of projects that Environmental Stewards may be involved in.
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2016
Start/End Date: May 23rd – June 3rd, 2016
Attitude:
- Ability to work and get along with others
- Non-judgmental attitude and sensitivity to others
- Positive approach to creative solutions
- Have the desire to learn, serve others and make a difference
- Reliability and responsibility
- Motivation and initiative
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must agree to criminal and sex offender background checks
- All positions as State sites require a valid driver’s license with a good 5 year driving record
- Passion for community service and the environment
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps and commitment to complete term of service
Essential Functions:
- Communication skills, including comfort with public speaking
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience conducting outreach and giving presentations
- Good computer skills
Program-specific duties:
- Vary by site; refer to position descriptions on the MCC website
Training and responsibilities:
- Participate in Chainsaw training May 16-20, 2016. Not all 900-hour members will attend chainsaw training. Only those members whose host site has required chainsaw training will participate.
- Participate in orientation training, such as Host sites and you, OnCorps reporting, setting goals, portfolios, communication, conflict case studies, sexual harassment awareness and developing a volunteer recruitment plan.
- Participate in ongoing work force development training such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors and interview skills.
Citizenship Training:
- Participate in AmeriCorps training and events as required and requested by the Maine Commission for Community Service and the MCC, such as the Governor’s Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism and AmeriCorps Day of Service.
Program Benefits: Environmental Stewards are 900-hour AmeriCorps members who will receive a weekly living allowance of $300.00 for 26 weeks. Other benefits include health insurance, a wide range of training and networking opportunities, a Maine State Park Pass and an education award of $2,865.00. Some members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement. A small number of Host Sites also offer housing as part of their position.
Work schedule: 40-hour workweek, typically Monday–Friday, with occasional weekends and overnights, depending on Host Site Preferences.
To Apply: By April 1st, 2016 submit an application and references. 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.