The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) is an independent, nonprofit, member-supported land trust dedicated to the permanent protection, stewardship, and respectful use of lands that define the character of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and its quality of life. LRCT currently protects over 29,000 acres of land, including the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area and Red Hill Conservation Area. LRCT is a nationally accredited land trust and an active member of the Land Trust Alliance and New Hampshire Land Trust Coalition.

LRCT is currently recruiting three members to serve as Conservation Land Stewards for the Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) - AmeriCorps 2024 Program running from May 20th through October 30th. LRCT is one of several Host Sites for the LRCC program. LRCC members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.

Conservation Land Stewards will gain hands-on conservation work experience and certifications in various areas to ensure they can independently approach various environmental conservation tasks. Members will typically serve 40 hours per week (Tuesday through Saturday) with some exceptions.  Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for conservation work, dedication to the mission of the LRCC program, enjoy hard work, and aren't afraid to get dirty.

Activities as a Conservation Land Steward: 

• Maintain LRCT’s 95+ miles of trails 
• Remove terrestrial invasive plants on conservation lands 
• Organize and conduct volunteer workdays 
• Monitor LRCT preserves and conservation easements 
• Lead and assist with guided hikes, guided paddles, and other education and outreach events 
• Property host at LRCT’s premier hiking and island properties
• Maintain stewardship tools and equipment
• Work on property management projects such as updating property boundary markings and signage, field mowing and maintenance, conducting property research and record updating projects, and access improvement projects (repair and building of kiosks, footbridges, nest boxes, gates, etc.)
• Collect and report data including, but not limited to, record keeping, biweekly timesheets, and metrics of trails improved, invasive plants removed, volunteer engagement, and environmental education
• Participate in weekly meetings with LRCT’s Host Site supervisor, including two performance evaluations at the mid-point and end of the term
• Join other LRCC Host Sites and other conservation organizations for special workdays and events 
• Assist with additional operations of LRCT, depending on member’s goals and interests
• Other conservation-related tasks as assigned

Member Benefits: 

• Wilderness First Aid & CPR certifications 
• NH Commercial Boating License 
• US Forest Service Axe Training 
• Living Stipend of $772.17 (before taxes) distributed biweekly
• Group housing at the Mead Base Conservation Center located in the northern part of the Lakes Region and at the foot of the White Mountains
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $3,447.50 (before taxes) upon successful completion of the term and a minimum of 900 hours
• Eligibility for student loan forbearance and interest repayment on qualifying loans

Minimum qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age by May 20, 2024
• Must be covered by health insurance for the duration of the program
• Must be a competent swimmer
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Able to carry and use heavy tools while hiking
• Able to hike at least 8 miles in a day
• Able to work independently and with a group
• Able to identify plants (not required)
• Available for the full duration of the program (May 20th – October 30th)
• Must apply online (https://www.lakesregionconservationcorps.org/)
• Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service's minimum requirements:
  • Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Check as outlined in the 45 CFR §2540.200-206
  • Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service
  • Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US

The training, certifications, and experiences that members obtain develop important professional skills that apply to future careers within any occupational and educational field. Please visit the Lakes Region Conservation Corps website to learn more about this program and to apply.