Field Team Members serve 675 hour AmeriCorps terms from June to October. Members will participate in job readiness 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.
Service Activities
Team Members will:
• Participate in job readiness training
• Learn all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation.
• Adhere to the MCC safety rules and guidelines.
• Adhere to the 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, and WorkReady assignments, and other forms required by the MCC.
• Represent, in a professional and supportive manner, the MCC, 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
o Build bridges, wooden ladders, retaining walls, etc.
o Construct rock water bars, retaining walls, causeways, stone steps, etc.
o Clear trails (cut and haul brush, dig to mineral soil, pull stumps, etc.)
o Other tread way maintenance and construction (crush rock, haul gravel)
Community Need Addressed
Maine is a mecca for outdoor recreation and exploration. Yet, Maine's trail systems face environmental degradation and erosion from human and natural causes. According to a recent field study, over 95% of northern New England trails experienced significant soil erosion. This trail degradation impacts water quality, user safety, and ecological stability.
Position Outcomes
The MCC creates and restores an average of 200 miles of trail annually, more than any other trail organization in Maine. Members will gain hands on experience in recreational trail development, improving access to natural areas for the people and visitors of Maine.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Team Members are 675 hour 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, access to pro-deals, a Maine State Park Pass, and an education award of $2,255.24. Some members may also be eligible for student loan deferment and childcare reimbursement.
Skills you will gain
Communication, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Planning, Time Management, Leadership, Setting and Obtaining Goals
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment