Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps

INTRODUCTION

The Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) is comprised of post-9/11-era U.S. Military Veterans receiving essential training, credentials, and hands-on experience to competitively pursue conservation careers. The Maryland VCC team will consist of 1 leader and 4 members and will be based out of Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Marlboro, MD. The crew will assist with park operations, maintenance, and conservation projects at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and other nearby state parks, which will require some travel. The VCC is a full-time, paid, 52-week position that gives members the opportunity to develop the professional skills needed to enter the conservation workforce.

Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps digging

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps is based out of Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and works regularly in the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex. This includes locations such as Calvert Cliffs State Park, Cedarville State Forest, Chapel Point State Park, Chapman State Park, Rosaryville State Park, and Smallwood State Park.

Host Site:

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
11704 Fenno Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

PAST PROJECTS

  • Trail building and maintenance
  • Facilities improvement projects and maintenance
  • Educational programs/Interpretation
  • Recreation Management
  • Park Operations
  • Volunteer coordinator and oversight
  • Assistance with special events
  • Mentorship of Conservation Jobs Corps members
  • Forest enhancement and tree planting
  • Stream, bay, and wetland restoration
  • Stream surveys
  • Habitat restoration and invasive species removal
  • Large-scale regional conservation projects in partnership with Maryland Conservation Corps members

Three MD Veterans Corps Members sitting together outside

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Prior service in the U.S. Armed Forces. If claiming military service, DD Form 214 may be required prior to accepting employment.
  • Education or experience in the field of park operations, recreation, education, business administration, forestry, social sciences, or a natural resource related field is preferred.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. repeatedly and use hand tools (including heavy tools like pulaskis, sledge hammers, and chain saws).
  • Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle for travel to and from park locations.

Required COVID-19 Vaccination

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.
 

BENEFITS

Training provided through the Maryland Park Service:

  • Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR/AED
  • Wildland Firefighter
  • Chainsaw Use and Care
  • Environmental Education and Interpretation
  • Trail construction and maintenance
  • Basic tool use and safety
  • Basic Carpentry
  • Small Craft Safety

Benefits

This is a paid position. Members are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short term disability, retirement benefits and paid time off through SCA.

READY TO APPLY?

  1. Create an SCA application here.
  2. If you have any questions about the position or application process, please contact the Program Manager, Anthony Peters, at [email protected].
Student Conservation Association
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