Time Requirements: January 11, 2027 to November 19, 2027. 40+ hours per week; varied schedule with overnights, weekends, training days, and service events required.

Term of Service: Full-Time; 1700 minimum hours

Turn your conservation experience into a career! The MCC is committed to supporting “corps to career” opportunities for our members. Trail designers and builders are an on-going and growing need for Maine’s workforce in the outdoor recreational economy. This service opportunity is intended to support individuals interested in pursuing further skill development for the trail community. Throughout the term, STLs will receive comprehensive training and field experience designed to give them hands-on experience, professional training, and industry-recognized certifications. By the end of the term, STLs will have a portfolio of professional skills and certifications that can help position them for employment in professional trail building, conservation, natural resources, environmental stewardship, and related careers.

STLs are AmeriCorps members who have already demonstrated exemplary leadership, teamwork, communication, and field skills and are ready to take on increased responsibilities. STLs are a leadership role within MCC, providing day-to-day guidance and mentorship to Team Leaders and field teams across a range of sustainable trail rehabilitation and construction projects. Serving as the “Leader of the Team Leaders,” STLs help build strong, inclusive, and high-performing teams. Through their training and leadership, STLs help expand outdoor recreational opportunities in Maine’s woods, waters, and mountains while protecting and enhancing these precious natural resources.

MCC is a division of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry within the Bureau of Parks and Lands and operates a State AmeriCorps program. MCC engages 100+ AmeriCorps members annually to enrich lives through conservation.

Location:

Training and service projects are completed statewide with federal, state, municipal, and nonprofit organizations.

MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME 04333

Description of Duties:

• January to March: STLs will focus on developing advanced leadership and conservation project management skills through professional training and field-based learning.
• March to June: STLs will assume the roles and responsibilities of supporting a team of leaders who are participating in MCC’s intensive 12-week Team Leader Training. This includes leading the team on various outdoor conservation projects and participating in training alongside them.
• June to November: STLs will serve as roving leaders, supporting multiple teams, traveling to various project sites, and leading or co-leading on rotating project assignments. STLs may be assigned to advanced technical projects throughout the field season and will have opportunities to learn from leading experts and professionals in the field of conservation and sustainable trail building.

Duties include:

• Safety: STLs promote and reinforce a strong culture of safety across multiple teams and provide guidance on preparing for challenging conditions, including inclement weather, rugged terrain, and remote project sites. They help identify and address safety concerns and emerging risks. They model and uphold MCC safety policies and procedures and support field teams in doing the same.
• Conservation Projects and Volunteer Engagement: STLs conduct site visits, draft emergency response procedures, prepare appropriate tools and gear for projects, communicate with project partners, record service outcomes via Survey123, and meet project goals. They engage community volunteers and host volunteer events to help keep trails safe, accessible, and environmentally healthy. They foster a sense of connection and stewardship between volunteers and the land.
• Mentorship and Development: STLs serve as mentors, coaches, and resources for members, supporting their growth as emerging conservation leaders and stewards. They provide feedback, share knowledge and best practices, navigate team dynamics, and mentor members in all aspects of trail construction and rehabilitation. They complete their own professional development plan while promoting workforce development skills to fellow members.
• Advanced Training and Placement: STLs are assigned to teams serving on technical projects requiring advanced leadership and trail building skills. They participate in ongoing training and networking opportunities with leading experts in the field of conservation and sustainable trail building.

Essential functions:

• Demonstrates commitment to learning, service, conservation, and making a positive difference in communities and the environment
• Demonstrates leadership experience and the ability to effectively guide, support, and motivate members
• Ability to serve as a positive role model and uphold MCC’s values, policies, and expectations
• Strong judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess situations, identify solutions, and make sound decisions in dynamic field environments
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with Team Leaders, members, MCC staff, and project partners
• Ability to build respectful, inclusive, and productive professional relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multiple projects, and respond effectively to changing conditions and emerging needs
• High level of comfort and competence in outdoor and backcountry team environments and willingness to serve, live, eat, and camp outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willingness and physical ability to participate in a variety of conservation projects, including the use of power and hand tools
• Ability to perform heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds on trails with steep, uneven and rugged terrain
• Ability and willingness to serve in extremes of heat and cold and exposure to wildlife, including biting and stinging insects
• Ability to hike 2-8 miles per day in rugged terrain, often carrying gear and tools
• Ability to serve independently while also contributing effectively as part of a cooperative team
• Responsible, dependable, adaptable, and capable of exercising sound judgement in remote locations
• Strong interest in personal and professional growth and willingness to participate in ongoing leadership, technical, and professional development
• Willingness and ability to uphold MCC health, safety, and risk management protocols and to support Team Leaders and members in maintaining a safe service environment
• Ability to operate an MCC vehicle and trailer to transport members and gear to and from training and project sites

This position does not have recurring access to vulnerable populations.

What to Expect: This is an opportunity to live and serve in some of Maine’s most remote and beautiful places while taking on meaningful conservation initiatives. The position is active, outdoors focused, and requires adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the realities of field-based service.

Service conditions will include serving in heat, humidity, cold, rain, and other challenging weather conditions; hiking rugged terrain while carrying tools and gear; and living and camping outdoors with limited access to cellular service and internet. Extended periods away from home and time in remote locations are an expected and rewarding part of the experience. As an AmeriCorps member, the STL position is a term of service rather than a traditional employment experience.

Camping is the Norm: STLs are responsible for securing winter housing. MCC will assist STLs in locating potential winter housing options. STLs will stay with Team Leaders in rustic cabins or tent sites during Team Leader Training from March to June. During the field season (June to October), STLs will camp at projects sites throughout Maine. On days off, STLs have the option to use their Maine State Park Pass to camp at state park campgrounds.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old at the start of the term
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria
• 5+ months of leadership experience in trail rehabilitation/construction, preferably in a conservation corps or similar AmeriCorps program
• 5+ months of experience in project management
• Experience with backcountry living
• Commitment to MCC through the duration of the service term
• Driver’s license with minimal driving violations or convictions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with GPS/GIS
• Experience with technical trail building with stone and timber
• Experience with hand and power tools, including chainsaws and rigging equipment
• Previous chainsaw safety and operation training
• Experience with driving, maneuvering, and backing an SUV or pickup truck with an attached cargo trailer
• Leadership experience in a team environment

Orientation and Training: STLs participate in an initial orientation followed by ongoing training throughout the term. Initial orientation topics include an introduction to AmeriCorps, prohibited program activities, member agreements, MCC handbook, member benefits, timesheets, and more. Ongoing training topics include, but are not limited to:

• Foundations of Sustainable Trails Certificate
• Trail Technical 1 Exam
• Maine Erosion Control Certification
• GIS/Survey123
• Chainsaw Safety Training
• Wilderness First Responder
• Mental health education
• FEMA courses
• Communication and Mediation
• Technical trail building with stone and timber
• Hand and power tools
• Leave No Trace
• Outdoor leadership, camping, and backpacking
• Project management
• Volunteer management
• Pre-apprenticeship opportunities

Benefits:

• Living allowance of $620/week (less taxes)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395
• Healthcare coverage
• Maine State Park Pass
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments if the member qualifies
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Eligibility for pre-apprenticeship programs
• Training and certifications
• Discounts on outdoor gear
• Networking opportunities