Maryland Veterans Conservation Crops Lear
Conservation Begins Here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire students for the programs.
Training Dates: 9/20/ 2022 – 9/23/2022 (paid training)
Program Dates: September 12, 2022 – September 8, 2023
Location: The host site for the Veteran Conservation Crew (VCC) is Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Marlboro, MD. The VCC works regularly in the Southern Maryland Regional Complex which includes Calvert Cliffs State Park, Cedarville State Forest, Chapel Point State Park, Chapman State Park, Hallowing Point Waterfront Recreation Area, Rosary Ville State Park, and Smallwood State Park.
Host Site Address:
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
11704 Fenno Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Contact: 443-510-9920
OVERVIEW:
The Veterans Conservation Corps is comprised of U.S. Military Veterans receiving training, certifications, and work experience allowing them to competitively pursue conservation and natural resource management careers. The VCC’s work in Maryland State Parks uses veterans’ unique backgrounds, diverse job skills, and service ethics to address pressing conservation needs on public lands. The focus of the VCC is to develop veterans professionally through training and on-the-job experience within the Maryland Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources. Through hands-on conservation work and environmental service, the VCC enhances public lands for the enjoyment of all, while contributing to the expansion of each Corps member’s personal and career development.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps Leader is responsible for the on-site and administrative management of the crew through conservation and community service projects on public lands. The leader will oversee a crew consisting of 4 veterans. The Leader spearheads project planning and execution and monitors progress toward completion. Projects may include but are not limited to trail building and maintenance, facilities improvement, recreation management, volunteer coordination, habitat restoration, stream surveys, invasive special removal, hazardous tree removal and tree planting, and carpentry projects for park and visitor use.
The Leader is also responsible for managing crew dynamics and conducting performance evaluations to ensure a communicative, professional, and effective working and learning experience for VCC members. The leader will be responsible for assisting with the following functions: payroll forms, weekly reports, personnel reports, monthly calendar schedules, quarterly reports, tool inventory, and vehicle forms. This position serves as the primary liaison between the VCC and the Managing Partners.
Travel around the state will be necessary for projects and training. There will be mandatory overnight trips for up to a week at a time.
Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
- Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
- Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
- Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
- Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
Leader Qualifications:
- Post 9/11 Military Veteran with an honorable discharge.
- Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
- Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
- Must be able to attend Crew Leader training:
- Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Must have the ability to legally work in the US
- Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
- Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
- Must have housing in the local commuting area.
Leader Benefits and Compensation:
- $22.50 hourly wage/ $900 weekly
- Benefits - medical and dental
- Housing not provided. The leader must have housing in the local commuting area.
- Ability to extend employment an additional year based on performance.
- Many professional trainings and certifications by SCA and Maryland Park Service.
Beginning on 1/18/22, all new SCA volunteer program participants are required to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19. Per CDC guidance, up to date vaccination now includes all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when indicated. For example, if someone has completed the primary series but is not yet indicated for a booster shot, they are considered up to date. Once a person is indicated for a booster (6 months after Pfizer or Moderna primary series, 2 months after J&J primary series), full and up-to-date vaccination includes the completed booster shot. Visit the following website for more information: www.thesca.org/covid.
SCA is an EOE dedicated to workforce diversity.
For more information about SCA, visit us at www.theSCA.org