The SCA Massachusetts Corps is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, The Massachusetts Service Alliance, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The program is based in the beautiful Kenneth Dubuque State Forest in northwest MA. From April-August members serve as part of a crew on conservation lands across the state.
The majority of the position (80%) is dedicated to hands-on, outdoor conservation projects. Those projects are primarily related to trail construction and maintenance but could also include habitat restoration, invasive species removal, recreational facility improvement, etc. Leadership skills development is an important aspect of the trail component of the program and each corps member will serve as a crew leader for at least one project. Significant time (15%) is spent earning certifications and developing a broad range of skills through training and educational opportunities. A small part of the position (5%) is dedicated to developing teaching skills through presenting environmental education and service learning programs.
Summary of Service Responsibilities
The SCA Massachusetts corps member is responsible for a summer service project which provides much needed maintenance and development for conservation lands in the state. In addition to these main components, SCA corps members serve local communities while living in rustic settings.
Hours
Corps members serve approximately 45 hours a week for a period of 5 months. Members must achieve a minimum of 900 hours of service within that 5-month period (roughly 22 weeks of service). Service hours are typically performed Monday through Friday; however, some weekend service will be necessary. The general schedule each day is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Essential Functions and Qualifications
Due to the diversity of service projects and programs, corps members need to be adequately prepared and qualified to work in diverse situations and environments. The summer service component requires that members be able to provide much needed conservation work as determined by state priorities.
Summer Service Project
The SCA Corps Member participates in service crews at state and public lands and serves as a crew leader for at least one crew over the summer. The summer service component runs from April until August.
Responsibilities:
1. Act in a leadership role supervising their peers as Crew Leader, serving as a professional liaison with park managers, handling the logistics of a project, delegating responsibilities, and developing emergency response plans.
2. Ensure the safe operations of the entire crew with respect to tools, availability of first aid kits, safety gear, and communication.
3. Ensure punctuality of crew arrival at service site and the quality of service provided.
4. Serve in a professional manner as a liaison between park managers and the crew.
5. Crew leaders must complete a detailed list of all projects worked on at the project site.
6. At the completion of their stint at a particular site, crew leaders submit a crew evaluation form to the park manager with whom they work so that the park manager can evaluate the work the crew just performed.
It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed,, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants in the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.