Field Team Program
Bureau of Parks & Lands
Field Team Program
Field Team Member (Trails)
Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Field Season!
Start/End Dates:
Start Date: July 29 or August 26, 2019
Start dates occur within the field season. Apply now for the next available position.
General Description:
Live, serve, and explore Maine's wilderness, coast and mountains with Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). Members serve in teams of three to six, using traditional construction and maintenance skills to enhance hiking, biking, skiing, and other types of recreational trails throughout the state. Learn how to highline a 500-pound boulder to construct a stone staircase, build timber structures, or open access to treasured natural areas. Youll make a difference in local communities, while connecting to nature, peers and yourself. Build a path, while finding yours.
Location:
The MCC office is located in Augusta, Maine. Training typically takes place in the Augusta area; field projects are conducted throughout Maine.
Time Requirement:
Field Team Members are 675, 450 or 300 hour AmeriCorps members, with an end date in mid-October.
Field Season: Full time, 40 hours a week, 7:00am to 4:30pm, for 9 days (Monday thru Tuesday), followed by 5 days off OR Monday thru Friday with weekends off. It is typical to have a mixed schedule, and each team has a unique project and travel schedule. Overnights and weekends required.
Duties:
Field Team Members will participate training, covering essential hard and soft skills, and will complete conservation projects as part of a team. You can expect to serve on physically challenging conservation projects in any kind of weather, gaining hands on experience in the groundwork of stewardship. The Team Member position requires a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, the ability to live and serve collaboratively in a team setting, and the physical ability to carry out the essential functions of the position.
- Participate in job readiness training
- Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation
- Adhere to MCC safety rules and guidelines
- Follow MCC Code of Conduct, and all guidelines set forth in member agreement and MCC Handbook.
- Adhere to the MCC drug free workplace policy.
- Submit paperwork in a timely manner submission the of surveys, timesheets, WorkReady assignments, and other forms required by the MCC.
- Represent the MCC and the host site organization in a professional and supportive manner, to the public and media.
- Live cooperatively with other members during training and service sessions. Willingly perform joint living tasks, such as cooking and cleaning and maintaining hygiene (Not to be counted as direct service hours).
- Build new trails and rehabilitate existing trails, such as:
- Build structures (bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.)
- Construct with rock (waterbars, retaining walls, causeways, stone steps, clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)
- Other tread work (crush rock, haul gravel)
Training:
Attend training, such as: Orientation to the MCC and AmeriCorps, Leave No Trace, diversity and inclusivity, introduction to trail tools and safety standards. Participate in ongoing training such as: resume writing, job search components, and interview skills.
Essential Functions:
- Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
- Willingness and physical ability to serve on a variety of conservation projects, which will include using power and hand tools
- Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
- Serving on trails across steep or uneven terrain
- Serving in extremes of heat or cold, as well as being exposed to biting and stinging insects
- Serving, eating, and camping outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to hike 3-12 miles per day in rugged terrain, often carrying heavy gear and tools
- Ability to perform tasks as part of a cooperative team
- Non-judgmental attitude, sensitivity to others, approachable
- Responsible and reliable
- Interest in personal growth and in participating in on-going training
Marginal Functions:
- The ability to operate a MCC vehicle to transport members and gear to and from project sites
Service Conditions:
This position requires serving in adverse weather conditions, including cold, rain, hot, 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.
Qualifications:
- Must be eligible for AmeriCorps Education Award
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
- Must submit to criminal and sex offender background checks
Benefits:
Team Members are AmeriCorps members who will receive a weekly living of $270 (less taxes). Other benefits include a wide range of training and networking opportunities, housing during training, pro-deals, a Maine State Park Pass, and an education award of $2,255.24, $1,566.14 or $1,252.91. Some members may also be eligible for student loan deferment.
To Apply:
Go to our website and click on Apply Now to complete an MCC Application, and email your resume to Corps.Conservation@maine.gov.
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 may be requested by contacting MCC staff.