AmeriCorps Environmental Steward (POSITION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY)
The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is accepting applications for AN AmeriCorps Environmental Steward position located at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine for 2014. MCC is dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation and conservation projects, volunteer opportunities, and developing career and leadership skills. Environmental Stewards serve in 900 hour positions throughout the State of Maine.
900 hour positions receive a living allowance of $6,240 ($260/week for 24 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $2,775 upon successful completion of the program. Other benefits include health insurance during service with COBRA benefits at the completion of service, student loan forbearance & interest payment, experiential learning, a wide range of training and networking and a Maine State Park Pass.
Project Overview: This project will utilize one AmeriCorps Environmental Steward to provide key stewardship in planning and implementing recreational and educational opportunities at Bradbury Mountain State Park (BMSP) in Pownal, Maine. BMSP is the Bureau of Parks and Lands premier mountain biking facility. Generally, the AmeriCorps Environmental Steward will work with the extensive trail network at this park. This will include organizing, recruiting and implementing volunteer trail work days to construct and maintain trails; providing education about this multi-use trail system; working with the Greater Portland- New England Mountain Bike Association, the local mountain biking community and other special interest groups (equestrians, hikers, snowmobile clubs, etc.); and leading trailside interpretive programs. Knowledge and enthusiasm for multi-use trails, including single-track mountain bike trails is a plus.
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week, may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Desired Functions:
• Knowledge of GIS/GPS systems
• Knowledge of local area
• Hiking experience
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Knowledge, background and skills in natural resources
• Ability to interact with the public
• Able to work a flexible schedule
• Knowledge of nature programs in a public setting
• Ability to work with parks and lands staff and volunteer hosts
• Adaptability to changing conditions due to weather or outside factors
• ability to interact with the public to address problems and provide education; work with partner organizations. Interest in offering interpretive workshops for the public.
• Strong experience in trail work, including construction and/or repair
• Knowledge of multi-use trails and single-track mountain bike trails is a plus.
• Background in the natural resources or sciences would be helpful.
Key Responsibilities:
(1) Volunteer management. This Environmental Steward will play a key role in recruiting volunteers, maintaining a list or database of volunteers; organizing volunteer trail work projects, and helping to provide volunteer recognition through written communications or special events.
(2) Develop/improve partnerships with user groups to address issues and needs. Work with the Bureau to forge a greater connection to the user communities, by collaborating with user groups in events initiated by the Bureau or interest groups. There are several biking events scheduled at BMSP each season. The position will also foster relationships with other user groups including snowmobilers and equestrians.
(3) Trail maintenance. Provide trail maintenance and improvement on an extensive multi-use trail system. There are about 30 miles of existing trails at BMSP.
(4) Education/interpretation. Work with the park staff to develop and lead interpretive programs about the trails, environmental and cultural resources at the park.
For directions to apply, contact career@mountida.edu.
