This position is a part of SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps, an AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development, completing critical conservation service projects, and building a sense of community. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the hard and soft skills of being a conservation leader, come join this community of like-minded, service oriented individuals and help us tackle some of Massachusetts most pressing conservation issues.
The SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps is a partnership between SCA, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), AmeriCorps, and The Massachusetts Service Alliance.
An Ecological Monitoring and Management Intern will work with Mass Audubon staff to care for conservation land through ecological management, ecological monitoring, stewardship and visitor interaction.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- US Citizen, National, Lawful Permanent Resident, and persons legally residing in a state
- Must be able to pass a national service criminal history check
- Must be 18 years or older
Program Description
This position will serve with the Mass Audubon, serving directly in on Mass Audubon properties in Massachusetts. Members will spend the first week of the program training and orienting themselves with AmeriCorps and their new surroundings. Following orientation, this member will serve directly with Mass Audubon for 11 weeks. This position is hands-on and projects can be physically demanding. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to reflect on the concept of Service. This is an AmeriCorps position – not a typical job – and requires a commitment to serving in public lands. Members of the Massachusetts Conservation Corps should expect to meet regularly with partners, reflect on their service, and serve with intention.
Breakdown of Service is as follows:
Ecological Monitoring (70%)
- Assist graduate student collecting vegetation and deer browse data on forest plots across the region.
- Establish coverboard amphibian monitoring project at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
- Other ecological monitoring as needed.
Ecological Management (20%)
- Coordinate removal of invasive water chestnut from waterways around Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Organize and lead volunteer removal projects.
- Assist with management of floodplain forest restoration project at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Other ecological management as needed.
Visitor Use and Trail Monitoring (10%)
- Conduct visitor use surveys at various Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Monitor trail conditions and test digital maps.
Covid-19
Member health and safety are a priority for this program. As long as Covid-19 is a threat, members are expected to do their part to keep their team safe, this includes being mindful of current regulations, regular cleaning and disinfection of tools and equipment, and regular health check ins with staff.
Once a position offer has been accepted, members are required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.
Member Benefits
- $500 bi-weekly living allowance, before taxes
- Housing and Utilities for duration of program
- AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,824.07 upon successful completion of program
- SNAP eligibility up to $250 per month plus various discounts available to EBT card holders
- Child Care assistance available
- Networking opportunities with conservation professionals
Essential Functions and Position Requirements:
- Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork
- Interest in conservation skills that increase access to public spaces
- Willing to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and tool inventory
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. & walk/hike 2 miles on rugged terrain
- Must be able to serve in diverse situations and various outdoor environments
- All participants must commit to following all program and state mandated Covid-19 safety guidelines. This may include, but is not limited to, wearing a mask for all service and group activities, taking extra time to sanitize tools and equipment, and notifying supervisors when a member is not feeling well.
- Commitment to service in working conditions that could include: extreme heat and precipitation.
- Willingness to learn how to operate a canoe safely in flat water
Marginal Functions and optional service activities:
- Virtual service as make-up hours (i.e. creating land acknowledgements or project site research)
- Trail clean up and volunteer days outside of normal service
Recommended Qualifications
- Experience in monitoring/ stewardship/ canoeing is welcomed.
Potential candidates must be able to fulfill the above requirements in order to be considered for this position. In addition, it is recommended that applicants have a strong interest in service, conservation and community building.
Staff and Program Partners will make every effort to create an inclusive and equitable program experience for all corps members.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service. Email Program Manager [email protected] if you need to make an accommodation request for the application process or interviews.
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. The organization and this program are firmly committed to maintaining a service atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. SCA1957
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Please reach out to David at [email protected] if you have any questions about the position or application process!
Application Instructions:
1. Click the link on this page or use application Code: PO-0000735447
2. Set up your Basic information
3. Complete the “Corps/Internship” section.
4. Complete the “Final” section and submit.
5. When filling out the essay questions and experience sections, be sure to include your interest and experience in conservation, natural resources, community building, and related fields.
6. Complete reference requests for at least one professional reference.
Final program model will be determined by available funding.
Position ID: PO-00735447
Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - August 13, 2023
Location:
127 Combs Rd
Easthampton, MA 01027
US
Training Provided: Member will receive on the job training for all of the areas of responsibility, including wildlife monitoring, and invasive species removal.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Mass Audubon offers educational programs which interns could attend. Housing is located on a wildlife sanctuary with miles of trails and river access.
Professional Development Opportunities: There is potential for professional development opportunities including trainings, networking and skill development depending on what’s available during the term of service.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Will need to drive to different sites in Western Mass
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Apartment includes three bedrooms, one full and one half bathroom at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Apartment will be shared with two other interns. Each intern will have their own private bedroom. It is a second floor apartment above Mass Audubon office space. Some furniture provided. WiFi. Parking. Storage for bikes and other recreational gear.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes