Location:

MCC Office: 54 Independence Drive, Augusta, ME, with fieldwork conducted throughout the state of Maine.

Time Requirement:

• 1 year commitment (minimum)
• 40+ hours a week
• Monday-Friday during training and orientation weeks, with some weekend hours possible
• Flex schedule possible during the field season (e.g., four 10-hour days); overnights and some weekends required; flexibility required to meet the needs of MCC members

General Description:

The mission of the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is to accomplish conservation projects that inspire people and enhance communities. As an AmeriCorps program, MCC delivers recreation and conservation projects for the public, promotes and manages volunteer opportunities, provides job skills and education opportunities, and builds future leaders of our communities.

The MCC Training Coordinator is responsible for adapting, coordinating, and delivering a 16-week curricula to approximately 90 AmeriCorps members annually, including MCC Environmental Stewards, Community Tree Stewards, Shore Corps Stewards, Field Team Leaders, Assistant Field Team Leaders, and Field Team Members. Training environments include classrooms, online, outdoor workshops, and collaborative opportunities.

Training topics may change depending on need, compliance with AmeriCorps, and grants specifications. Past topics have included:

• Foundational Skill Development (ie., leadership, professionalism, and nonviolent communication);
• Job Readiness Objectives (i.e., career exploration, interview skills, goal setting, resume and cover letter writing);
• Certification Programs (i.e., Chainsaw Training, Advanced First Aid, National Incident Management Systems, Mental Health First Aid);
• Outdoor Skills (i.e., Leave No Trace, Backcountry Skills/Camp Life, Hygiene and Sanitation);
• Technical Skills (i.e., Sustainable Trail Design and Construction, Erosion and Sediment Control, Griphoist/Rigging Operations, Carpentry, Stonework, Safety and PPE Standards);
• Volunteer Engagement (i.e., Essential Practices of Volunteer Management, Recruitment, Reporting);
• Reporting Requirements (i.e., timesheets, project reports – utilizing ArcGIS and Survey123, quarterly reports).

The Training Coordinator is an integral part of overall program delivery and is expected to investigate training resources; understand AmeriCorps requirements and compliance; collect high-quality data; lead in the planning of AmeriCorps and program events (9/11 Day of Service, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Life After AmeriCorps, Recognition); build relationships with host sites and partners; recruit members and host sites; provide field supervision and ongoing training throughout the primary field season (late June to mid-November) as necessary; and support the growth of the Individual Placement and Field Team programs. Occasionally, this position may also participate in tool maintenance, trail assessment, and other operational support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create, conduct, and coordinate a wide variety of training for AmeriCorps members both personally, and in collaboration with MCC staff, partners, and external contractors.
• Teach principles and best practices of trail construction and maintenance
• Teach job readiness skills such as resume writing, career exploration, and interview skills
• Spearhead initiatives for the corps to enhance recruitment, outreach, programming, and training practices
• Collect and record high-quality data related to training effectiveness, volunteerism, job readiness initiatives, program evaluation, and AmeriCorps compliance
• Draft and execute contracts and lodging agreements for training and facilities delivered from outside sources
• Effectively communicate with outside instructors to schedule workshops, manage logistics, and procure necessary training resources
• Coordinate housing, project sites, and logistics for a successful training period – includes weekly reporting, food procurement, ongoing monitoring of facilities, and communication with partners
• Assist AmeriCorps members and staff with recruitment, events, and projects, such as:
  • Assist in the screening, interviewing, and selection of AmeriCorps members
  • Engage in recruitment initiatives, including building connections with a variety of individuals, particularly underserved/underrepresented populations
  • Attend outreach events and give presentations to promote the MCC
  • Lead MCC recruitment efforts through career fairs, school, and community presentations
  • Plan and execute annual AmeriCorps and MCC service events
  • Provide ongoing support, training, and monitoring to members and partners during the field season
• Collaborate with MCC Director and Program Managers to achieve programmatic goals and continually improve MCC operations
• Act as an emergency contact for members, which will involve being on-call during nights/weekends on a rotational basis with other staff
• Document incidents and behaviors related to policy violations per MCC
• Follow and uphold all policies, protocols, and safety requirements

Working Conditions:

This position will involve a mixture of working in an office and field setting and will involve travel, sometimes overnight. Training and fieldwork require time outside in all weather conditions, including cold, rain, heat, and humidity, exposure to biting and stinging insects, hiking with all tools and gear over difficult terrain, and occasionally sleeping in tents. Office duties will involve regular use of a computer, electronic and telephonic communication.

Essential Functions:

• Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
• Interest in public service and serving as a mentor
• Ability to teach trail construction, as well as outdoor and environmental skills and workshops
• Periodic heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• High level of comfort in living and working outdoors in all weather conditions, including the potential for long- distance hiking
• Ability to perform tasks as part of a cooperative team and independently
• Non-judgmental attitude, sensitivity to others, approachable
• Responsible and reliable
• Must be able to work independently and be prepared to deal with difficult situations
• Possesses motivation and initiative
• Excellent communication skills and organization skills
• Willingness to follow and uphold heightened health and safety protocols
• Excellent work ethic

Qualifications: 

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must submit to criminal history check
• Excellent professional communication skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to communicate comprehensive information, plans and instructions in a manner that is easily understandable to a diverse and geographically dispersed audience
• Must be approved to drive State vehicles by the Risk Management Division (clean driving record)
• Three seasons of experience in a leadership role or key staff position with a Conservation Corps and/or AmeriCorps program
• Commitment to valuing and contributing to a respectful and healthy working and learning environment
• Experience with group facilitation and training
• Experience with volunteer management practices
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs

Preferred qualification:

• Knowledge of sustainable trail layout and design
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification
• Post-secondary degree and/or teaching certification
• Experience with operation and maintenance of power tools, chainsaws, and rigging equipment. Relevant certifications a plus.
• Background in trail construction and maintenance
• Experience with ArcGIS applications

Benefits:

• Stipend of $800-$880 per week based on the number of years as a MCC Field Coordinator (less taxes)
• Health Insurance, including dental and vision
• Maine State Park Pass
• Pro deals – discounts on outdoor gear
• Paid training (i.e. Chainsaw safety training, AmeriCorps Conferences, WFA)
• Paid vacation and leave time
• Networking and professional development opportunities