Field Team Leader
Maine Conservation Corps
Opening posted: 10/21/2026 | Expires: 11/30/2026
Apply via website Apply via email
Interviews will be scheduled between November 16 – December 11, 2026
Time Requirements: March 15, 2027 to October 29, 2027. 40+ hours per week; varied schedule with overnights, weekends, training days, and service events required.
Term of Service: Three-quarters-time; 1200 minimum hours
General Description: TLs are an integral part of MCC’s mission to accomplish conservation projects that inspire people and enhance communities. TLs participate in 12-weeks of intensive Team Leader Training, lead field teams on sustainable trail projects, and expand outdoor recreational opportunities to Maine’s woods, waters, and mountains while protecting these precious natural resources.
TLs are AmeriCorps members and receive professional skill development and certifications, team-based service learning, access to pre-apprenticeship programs, the opportunity to live and serve in unique locations, a living allowance, an education award, and more.
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 04330
Description of duties: From March to June, TLs will participate in 12 weeks of Team Leader Training (TLT) to develop leadership and conservation skills through formal training and field-based learning that are transferable to a wide variety of careers. After TLT, TLs assume the roles and responsibilities of leading a team of AmeriCorps members on various outdoor conservation projects (June – October). Duties include:
Safety and Preparedness:
- Promote, model, and reinforce a strong culture of safety, accountability, and preparedness within the team.
- Develop emergency response procedures for each assigned project.
- Ensure that all team members are appropriately equipped and prepared to safely carry out project responsibilities and participate in camping and field-based activities, including serving and living in remote locations and challenging environmental conditions.
- Anticipate potential hazards, assess risks, and facilitate daily safety briefings.
- Monitor weather conditions.
- Reinforce and uphold required personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.
- Ensure the safe and authorized operation of MCC vehicles and trailers, including conducting weekly vehicle inspections, ensuring loads are properly secured, and complying with all applicable traffic laws, vehicle use policies, and trailer towing safety requirements.
- Uphold all organizational safety, health, and sanitation policies, procedures, and protocols.
Project Management:
- Conduct a site visit at each assigned project location to coordinate with project liaisons to assess site conditions, review project scope and objectives, and identify potential hazards or logistical challenges.
- Plan and prepare project tools and equipment to ensure all necessary tools, gear, PPE, camping equipment, and other supplies are appropriately selected, packed, transported, and maintained.
- Communicate regularly and professionally with project liaisons and MCC staff to coordinate project schedules, confirm expectations, provide updates on projects, address challenges, and resolve issues as they arise.
- Communicate changes in project scope, site conditions, timelines, or resources in a timely manner.
- Effectively lead the team in completing conservation projects in accordance with established goals and quality standards.
- Record project activities, accomplishments, and service outcomes using Survey123 and other required reporting tools.
- Lead and engage community volunteers in projects in coordination with project liaisons and MCC staff.
Crew Member Mentorship:
- Serve as educators, mentors, and positive role models for team members.
- Foster a supportive, inclusive, and professional learning environment.
- Encourage personal growth, accountability, teamwork, and leadership development while helping members build confidence, independence, and a strong service ethic.
- Train and coach members in all aspects of trail construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation, including proper tools use, trail building techniques, erosion control, site restoration, and the application of conservation best practices.
- Provide constructive feedback and adapt instruction to meet varying experience levels.
- Guide and support team members throughout project activities, prioritizing their physical safety, overall wellbeing, and team success.
- Participate in and facilitate professional development activities that prepare members for future employment, education, and career opportunities.
- Support the development of transferrable skills, including communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, time management, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism.
Essential Functions:
- Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a positive difference in communities and the environment.
- Ability to serve as a positive role model and uphold MCC’s values, policies, and expectations.
- Willingness and physical ability to serve on 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.
- High level of comfort outdoors and willingness to serve, live, eat, and camp in all weather conditions and remote locations.
- Ability to hike 2-8 miles per day in rugged terrain, often carrying gear and tools.
- Ability to perform tasks as part of a cooperative team.
- Responsible, dependable, adaptable, and capable of exercising sound judgement.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Interest in personal growth and in participating in ongoing training.
- Ability to build respectful, inclusive, and productive relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
- Willingness and ability to uphold MCC health, safety, and risk management protocols and to support members in maintaining a safe service environment.
Marginal Functions:
- The ability to operate an MCC vehicle to transport members and gear to and from 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 TL position is a term of service rather than a traditional employment experience.
Camping is the Norm: Housing will be provided during the training period. Housing varies from rustic cabins to tent camping. Team Leaders will move locations throughout training. During the field season, field teams will camp at project sites and will return to an assigned basecamp or the MCC Office for off time. Basecamps will vary from rustic cabins to tent sites.
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 21 years old at the start of the field season (mid-June)
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria
- 3+ months of experience in trail rehabilitation/construction, conservation project management, or outdoor leadership, preferably in a conservation corps or similar program
- Commitment to MCC through the duration of the service term
Preferred Qualifications:
- Driver’s license with minimal driving violations or convictions
- Experience with trail maintenance or construction
- Experience with backcountry living
- Experience with GPS/GIS
- Experience with power tools and hand tools, including chainsaws, and rigging equipment
Orientation and Training: TLs receive an initial orientation followed by 12 weeks of Team Leader Training (TLT). 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:
- Chainsaw Safety Training
- Wilderness First Responder
- Mental health education
- FEMA courses
- GIS/Survey123
- 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 $580/week (less taxes)
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,176.50
- 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 (estimated value of $1,000)
- Discounts on outdoor gear
- Networking opportunities
To Apply: