Maryland Veteran Conservation Corps Project Leader

Work-Site Location: Merkle Natural Resources Management Area (Upper Marlboro, MD)

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire with the 2021 Maryland Veteran Conservation Corps Team based out of the Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and other nearby state parks.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Maryland Veteran Conservation Corps Project Leader will work with four post-9/11 military veteran crew members for 52-weeks. This position will give team members the work skills needed to enter into the conservation workforce. Work-skills training is provided through Maryland Park Service. Training may include chainsaw, emergency medical responder, introduction to search and rescue, small craft safety, interpretive skills. Other training opportunities are available through Maryland Park Service and will be identified once program begins. Additional training in trail maintenance, minor construction, and park specific skills are provided on site in a hands-on setting.

Members are expected to use their personal vehicle to commute to the worksite daily. Daily work schedule is 7AM - 3PM. Bi-weekly, the leader will be paid a salary of $700/week. The Leader is also eligible for medical, dental, vision, short term disability, and retirement benefits through SCA.

Specifically, the Crew Leader will:

• Act as a Crew Supervisor,by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator,by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff

Qualifications:

• Candidate must be a post 9/11 military veteran
• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education a plus
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Must have ability to legally work in the US
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
• Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards

Compensation/Benefits: 

• $700/week total salary, paid bi-weekly. Training time is paid.
• $45/ month cell phone reimbursement
• Stipend of up to $1,150 is available to offset travel costs.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short term disability, and retirement benefits
• Paid Training