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Massachusetts Conservation Corps

The Student Conservation Association
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Massachusetts Conservation Corps

 

#1043

Plainfield, Massachusetts

 

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Job Description

 

Program Dates: September 3 – December 20, 2024 

About us:  
Are you seeking the chance to learn hands-on conservation skills and give back to the environment? Does completing environmental and recreation services in picturesque Massachusetts, throughout the fall, sound like fun?  If you said yes to either of these questions, then the SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps (MACC) is the program for you!  

The MACC is a partnership between SCA, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Massachusetts Service Alliance, and AmeriCorps.  During this 16-week program you will learn the technical and interpersonal skills to become a conservation leader.   Join our community of like-minded individuals and help tackle trail, recreation, and land management projects in The Bay State.   

Program Description:  

The MACC is a 4-month program that runs September 3 – December 20, 2024. Program participants will meet at John Agustus Hall in West Boylston, MA and commute together to project locations. The weekly schedule will usually be 10-hour days Monday-Thursday with a three-day weekend.   This hands-on position is a physically demanding outdoor based opportunity. Despite the hard work and dealing with the elements, the team environment and satisfaction one receives from completing high needs trail, land, and recreation management projects is beyond comparison. This unique opportunity is a workforce development AmeriCorps position that will help jumpstart your career!   

Program Time breakdown: 

Training: 15% 
Training Season: All program participants will begin the program with 1.5 weeks of training.  This includes SCA, AmeriCorps, and partner policies and protocols, wilderness first aid (16-hour course), conservation trail skills, leadership development, and tool maintenance. 

Field Season 85% 

Projects or hitches will typically be 1-2 weeks in length but could vary depending on the location and project needs.  Members will meet at John Agustus Hall, or another agreed upon location to drive together to project sites.  Service may include, new trail construction, native or dimensional lumber bridges, rock steps/walls, invasive species management, resource monitoring, sign installation and historic preservation. 

Time in the field while on hitch can be exhausting. When onsite completing projects there is limited access to electricity, little cell phone reception, and members will encounter heat, cold, rain, and bugs, throughout the service term.  The skills learned, projects completed, and friendships made throughout the season will make all the hard work well worth the time and effort! 

Member Benefits:  

  • $1,200 bi-weekly living allowance, before taxes 
  • $1,824.07 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the service term 
  • Professional Certifications including Wilderness First Aid, Adult & Child CPR 
  • Conservation training and hands-on experience with environmental and recreational projects 
  • The opportunity to serve in State Parks & Forests throughout Massachusetts 
  • Networking opportunities with DCR staff 

 

Training Opportunities: 

  • Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification 
  • Conservation work skills – SCA's trail development and maintenance training 
  • Additional skills like carpentry as needed for project completion 
  • Leadership, teamwork, and other professional development opportunities  

 

Member Qualifications: 

 Essential Functions and Position Requirements: 

  • Being committed to outdoor environmental service 
  • Ability to lift 50lbs or more and hike five or more miles a day 
  • Ability to commute to and from John Agustus Hall in West Boylston, MA or other agreed-upon location daily 
  • Willingness to work in a variety of weather conditions that will include heat, cold, rain, etc... 
  • Complete project reports, output logs, and tool inventories 
  • Commit to following all SCA, MACC, AmeriCorps, and partner policies and protocols 
  • Interest in being part of a team to achieve common goals that meet partner needs 
  • 18+ with a high school diploma/GED, or willingness to pursue GED during the service term 
  • Ability to pass criminal history and motor vehicle record checks 
  • Must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States 

 

Marginal Functions and optional service activities:  

  • Driving SCA vehicles during service 
  • Trail clean-up and park volunteer days 

 

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Some related college coursework or a high interest in related career fields 
  • Experience working or recreating outdoors  
  • Current driver's license for 3+ years 

Potential candidates must fulfill the above requirements to be considered for this position. In addition, applicants should be interested in service, conservation, and community building. No previous conservation experience is required to be considered! 

Massachusetts residents local to West Boylston, Gardner, Worchester, Leominster, Sterling, Princton, Fitchburg, and surrounding communities are encouraged to apply. Current residency in Massachusetts is not required but local candidates are preferred. Staff will make every effort to create an inclusive and equitable program experience for all corps members and look forward to reviewing your application soon. 

 
Please reach out to Sr. Program Manager, Davis Brush (dbrush@thesca.org), if you have any questions about the position or application process.