Description
Housing: Not Provided
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings and occasional weekends.
Host Site and Position Overview:
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the State agency responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the State's environmental laws. This position will serve with the Maine Healthy Beaches Program. The Maine Healthy Beaches Program provides the State's only quality-assured, unified structure for monitoring water quality and protecting public health at Maine's coastal beaches. This Program provides important training and support to Maine's citizens regarding water quality and public health/safety.
This Environmental Steward (ES) position will collaborate with Maine Healthy Beaches Program staff, coastal communities, and diverse partners to plan for and conduct volunteer water quality monitoring training for participating Maine coastal communities. The ES will participate in field and logistical support, equipment maintenance, and distribution, data management, volunteer recruitment, community education and outreach assistance, and intensified monitoring studies to help communities find, fix, and prevent sources of bacterial pollution. The ES will be based out of the Southern Maine Regional Office in Portland.
The ES will support and enhance the MHB program, especially in areas of volunteer recruitment and management, water quality monitoring and assistance to local municipalities to improve water quality and protect public health, and education and outreach activities. This set of objectives will involve collaboration with diverse partners including local beach managers, municipalities, conservation commissions, state and local partners, etc. The ES will participate in field monitoring activities, volunteer management and training, volunteer recruitment, public education and outreach, data management (including quality control protocols), laboratory analysis, and traveling to Maine’s beautiful coastal beaches.
The ES will receive training and experience with volunteer management/coordination, volunteer training/communication, field sampling methods, outreach methods, and data management. There will also be opportunities for laboratory training (bacteria, optical brighteners, etc.), GIS training, and networking/cross-training with other DEP office staff based on the Environmental Steward's interests and needs.
Pre-Season Tasks (January - April):
• Familiarization with MHB Program.
• Assist with updating monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans.
• Assist in planning annual regional beach manager meetings and monitor field trainings in participating coastal Maine communities.
• Research volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Research additional water quality-related issues and applied research partnerships to assess pollution risks at problematic beaches.
• Assist with program evaluations, updates to print and web materials, and reporting requirements.
• Assist with implementing the new program database including testing and volunteer training and technical support.
• Assist with compiling data and developing special studies projects.
• Assist with inventorying and distributing field equipment, supplies, and program materials.
During Season Tasks (May -September):
• Assist in planning and conducting monitor field trainings in participating coastal Maine communities. Typically, each year there are 15 -20 trainings, with 2 to 15 monitors at each training (mid-May, June, and July).
• Provide ongoing training and technical support to monitors (volunteers/local staff) throughout the season from June through August. These goals will include conducting field observational training which provides certification of continued quality assurance.
• Assist coastal Maine communities in recruiting volunteers and conducting education and outreach initiatives (i.e. creating or tailoring outreach materials, organizing or participating in an outreach event, or other activities as interest and time allows).
• Conduct water quality sampling as needed and be available in a back -up capacity to monitors and for required resamples (June to August and on an as - available basis).
• Assist with ensuring good communication and recording monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans.
• Assist with inventorying, maintaining, and distributing field equipment, supplies, and program materials.
• Assist in quality assurance activities such as entering and quality checking monitoring data.
• Assist in developing and implementing southern Maine special studies including bacteria source tracking to identify pollution sources.
Post-Season Tasks (September-November):
• Assist with the collection, maintenance, inventory, and storage of supplies and equipment.
• Assist with ensuring all special studies and beach data are compiled and entered into appropriate databases.
• Assist with quality control (QC) of program data to ensure accurate submission to US Environmental Protection Agency.
• Assist with program evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Assist with updates and improvements to the MHB Program.
• Assist DEP staff with developing 303(d) beach listings and investigating other program assessment needs.
• Research volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Research additional water quality-related issues and applied research partnerships.
Description of Duties:
• Assist with updating monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans
• Assist in planning annual regional beach manager meetings and monitor field training events in participating coastal Maine communities
• Maintain, inventory, and distribute field equipment, supplies, and program materials
• Train volunteer monitors to collect water quality samples at Maine coastal beaches
• Collaborate with and provide technical support to volunteers/local staff to accomplish monitoring objectives
• Follow protocols set forward by Maine Healthy Beaches Program and partner organizations
• Collect water quality samples
• Transport field equipment, supplies, and program materials to volunteers and laboratories as needed
• Assist municipalities with volunteer recruitment activities as needed
• Conduct and support education/outreach initiatives
• Process samples in a laboratory setting following established protocols
• Communicate with program partners, municipalities, and the public
• Compile and analyze data
• Evaluate and quality control (QC) monitoring data
• Assist with the implementation of a new program database
• Assist with organizing, reviewing, and updating MHB program materials
• Assist with meeting reporting requirements to program partners and funding organizations
• Assist with program improvements including feedback from partners
• Partner with the Maine Healthy Beaches Program Coordinator and other DEP staff to implement special studies projects
• Conduct bacteria source tracking monitoring for southern Maine special studies projects to identify pollution sources
• Research innovative volunteer recruitment methods and assist municipalities in building local capacity to secure and retain volunteers for future monitoring efforts
• Research, develop and promote effective volunteer engagement and appreciation strategies
• Research additional water quality-related issues and applied research partnerships to assess pollution risks at problematic beaches
• Assist DEP staff with new requirements for listing beaches on the Integrated Report Impaired Waters (303{d}) list.
• Assist program staff with an assessment of and improvements to communication deficits regarding issues affecting beach waters
Essential Functions:
• Ability to communicate over the phone, via email in person, and in writing with diverse audiences
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate meetings and trainings
• Ability to collaborate with municipalities, volunteers, and program partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to collect and enter data into various databases and manipulate data in Excel
• Ability to synthesize data and generate reports
• Experience developing outreach materials
• Ability to learn new computer applications as necessary
• Ability to drive a vehicle and distribute equipment (coolers, kits, waders, signs, etc.)
• 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 contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrates good writing skills
• 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:
• Analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data using ArcGIS software and techniques
• Facilitating stakeholder meetings with diverse partners
Service Conditions:
• Service is performed outdoors and indoors. During the beach monitoring season from late May through September service is performed primarily outdoors.
• Remote service may be necessary for at least part of the term of service. Remote service needs will be determined based on State of Maine COVID-19 guidance and any host site closures or restricted office use or fieldwork policies in place at any given time.
• Service involves teaching established protocols and conducting sampling outdoors in all (safe) weather conditions during the field season.
• Outdoor service includes training and monitoring at coastal beaches as well as potentially rivers/streams.
• Service includes traversing uneven terrain, sometimes over slippery rocks and through sand
• Service involves travel to other locations within the state (predominantly along southern coastal Maine).
• Service includes distributing sampling equipment including large coolers, kits, waders, signs, etc.
• Service is performed independently and as part of a team.
• Service includes interaction with a wide variety of program partners and the public.
• Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail.
• Service will require the ability to self-motivate, and serve independently and collaboratively.
Site-Specific Qualifications:
• Excellent communication skills and comfortable interacting with the public (required).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to learn new things quickly (required).
• Willing and able to teach established protocols and conduct sampling outdoors in all weather conditions during field season (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field
• Experience collecting water quality data or conducting other field assessments
• Experience with data management and quality assurance
• Intermediate computer skills especially with Excel(experience with GIS is helpful)
• Self-motivated and flexible individual willing to help in many different situations
• Willingness to serve some early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Housing: Not Provided
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings and occasional weekends.
Host Site and Position Overview:
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the State agency responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the State's environmental laws. This position will serve with the Maine Healthy Beaches Program. The Maine Healthy Beaches Program provides the State's only quality-assured, unified structure for monitoring water quality and protecting public health at Maine's coastal beaches. This Program provides important training and support to Maine's citizens regarding water quality and public health/safety.
This Environmental Steward (ES) position will collaborate with Maine Healthy Beaches Program staff, coastal communities, and diverse partners to plan for and conduct volunteer water quality monitoring training for participating Maine coastal communities. The ES will participate in field and logistical support, equipment maintenance, and distribution, data management, volunteer recruitment, community education and outreach assistance, and intensified monitoring studies to help communities find, fix, and prevent sources of bacterial pollution. The ES will be based out of the Southern Maine Regional Office in Portland.
The ES will support and enhance the MHB program, especially in areas of volunteer recruitment and management, water quality monitoring and assistance to local municipalities to improve water quality and protect public health, and education and outreach activities. This set of objectives will involve collaboration with diverse partners including local beach managers, municipalities, conservation commissions, state and local partners, etc. The ES will participate in field monitoring activities, volunteer management and training, volunteer recruitment, public education and outreach, data management (including quality control protocols), laboratory analysis, and traveling to Maine’s beautiful coastal beaches.
The ES will receive training and experience with volunteer management/coordination, volunteer training/communication, field sampling methods, outreach methods, and data management. There will also be opportunities for laboratory training (bacteria, optical brighteners, etc.), GIS training, and networking/cross-training with other DEP office staff based on the Environmental Steward's interests and needs.
Pre-Season Tasks (January - April):
• Familiarization with MHB Program.
• Assist with updating monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans.
• Assist in planning annual regional beach manager meetings and monitor field trainings in participating coastal Maine communities.
• Research volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Research additional water quality-related issues and applied research partnerships to assess pollution risks at problematic beaches.
• Assist with program evaluations, updates to print and web materials, and reporting requirements.
• Assist with implementing the new program database including testing and volunteer training and technical support.
• Assist with compiling data and developing special studies projects.
• Assist with inventorying and distributing field equipment, supplies, and program materials.
During Season Tasks (May -September):
• Assist in planning and conducting monitor field trainings in participating coastal Maine communities. Typically, each year there are 15 -20 trainings, with 2 to 15 monitors at each training (mid-May, June, and July).
• Provide ongoing training and technical support to monitors (volunteers/local staff) throughout the season from June through August. These goals will include conducting field observational training which provides certification of continued quality assurance.
• Assist coastal Maine communities in recruiting volunteers and conducting education and outreach initiatives (i.e. creating or tailoring outreach materials, organizing or participating in an outreach event, or other activities as interest and time allows).
• Conduct water quality sampling as needed and be available in a back -up capacity to monitors and for required resamples (June to August and on an as - available basis).
• Assist with ensuring good communication and recording monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans.
• Assist with inventorying, maintaining, and distributing field equipment, supplies, and program materials.
• Assist in quality assurance activities such as entering and quality checking monitoring data.
• Assist in developing and implementing southern Maine special studies including bacteria source tracking to identify pollution sources.
Post-Season Tasks (September-November):
• Assist with the collection, maintenance, inventory, and storage of supplies and equipment.
• Assist with ensuring all special studies and beach data are compiled and entered into appropriate databases.
• Assist with quality control (QC) of program data to ensure accurate submission to US Environmental Protection Agency.
• Assist with program evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Assist with updates and improvements to the MHB Program.
• Assist DEP staff with developing 303(d) beach listings and investigating other program assessment needs.
• Research volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Research additional water quality-related issues and applied research partnerships.
Description of Duties:
• Assist with updating monitoring schedules, site locations, and local communication plans
• Assist in planning annual regional beach manager meetings and monitor field training events in participating coastal Maine communities
• Maintain, inventory, and distribute field equipment, supplies, and program materials
• Train volunteer monitors to collect water quality samples at Maine coastal beaches
• Collaborate with and provide technical support to volunteers/local staff to accomplish monitoring objectives
• Follow protocols set forward by Maine Healthy Beaches Program and partner organizations
• Collect water quality samples
• Transport field equipment, supplies, and program materials to volunteers and laboratories as needed
• Assist municipalities with volunteer recruitment activities as needed
• Conduct and support education/outreach initiatives
• Process samples in a laboratory setting following established protocols
• Communicate with program partners, municipalities, and the public
• Compile and analyze data
• Evaluate and quality control (QC) monitoring data
• Assist with the implementation of a new program database
• Assist with organizing, reviewing, and updating MHB program materials
• Assist with meeting reporting requirements to program partners and funding organizations
• Assist with program improvements including feedback from partners
• Partner with the Maine Healthy Beaches Program Coordinator and other DEP staff to implement special studies projects
• Conduct bacteria source tracking monitoring for southern Maine special studies projects to identify pollution sources
• Research innovative volunteer recruitment methods and assist municipalities in building local capacity to secure and retain volunteers for future monitoring efforts
• Research, develop and promote effective volunteer engagement and appreciation strategies
• Research additional water quality-related issues and applied research partnerships to assess pollution risks at problematic beaches
• Assist DEP staff with new requirements for listing beaches on the Integrated Report Impaired Waters (303{d}) list.
• Assist program staff with an assessment of and improvements to communication deficits regarding issues affecting beach waters
Essential Functions:
• Ability to communicate over the phone, via email in person, and in writing with diverse audiences
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate meetings and trainings
• Ability to collaborate with municipalities, volunteers, and program partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to collect and enter data into various databases and manipulate data in Excel
• Ability to synthesize data and generate reports
• Experience developing outreach materials
• Ability to learn new computer applications as necessary
• Ability to drive a vehicle and distribute equipment (coolers, kits, waders, signs, etc.)
• 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 contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrates good writing skills
• 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:
• Analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data using ArcGIS software and techniques
• Facilitating stakeholder meetings with diverse partners
Service Conditions:
• Service is performed outdoors and indoors. During the beach monitoring season from late May through September service is performed primarily outdoors.
• Remote service may be necessary for at least part of the term of service. Remote service needs will be determined based on State of Maine COVID-19 guidance and any host site closures or restricted office use or fieldwork policies in place at any given time.
• Service involves teaching established protocols and conducting sampling outdoors in all (safe) weather conditions during the field season.
• Outdoor service includes training and monitoring at coastal beaches as well as potentially rivers/streams.
• Service includes traversing uneven terrain, sometimes over slippery rocks and through sand
• Service involves travel to other locations within the state (predominantly along southern coastal Maine).
• Service includes distributing sampling equipment including large coolers, kits, waders, signs, etc.
• Service is performed independently and as part of a team.
• Service includes interaction with a wide variety of program partners and the public.
• Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail.
• Service will require the ability to self-motivate, and serve independently and collaboratively.
Site-Specific Qualifications:
• Excellent communication skills and comfortable interacting with the public (required).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to learn new things quickly (required).
• Willing and able to teach established protocols and conduct sampling outdoors in all weather conditions during field season (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field
• Experience collecting water quality data or conducting other field assessments
• Experience with data management and quality assurance
• Intermediate computer skills especially with Excel(experience with GIS is helpful)
• Self-motivated and flexible individual willing to help in many different situations
• Willingness to serve some early mornings, evenings, and weekends
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Living Allowance
$1500
-
$1875 monthly
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Additional Benefits
• Weekly living allowance of $375 (before taxes) for 44 weeks
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,495
• Health insurance, if eligible
• Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
• Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference
• Networking opportunities
• Maine State Park Pass
• Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Education Requirements
High School Graduate
Desired Certifications or 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
• Skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site
Desired Languages
English
Other Conditions
Car recommended
Uniforms provided and required
Subject to criminal background check
Age Requirement
18 - 99