Overview
This position is a part of SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps, a 30-week 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.
Two Conservation Land Stewards will work with Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) staff to care for conservation land through construction of new hiking trails and the reconstruction/maintenance of existing trails on BNRC properties.
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
The Massachusetts Conservation Corps is a 7-month residential program that runs March 27th through October 20, 2023. This position will serve with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, serving directly in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Members will spend the first weeks of the program training with other AmeriCorps members at the Massachusetts Conservation Corps headquarters, and then move to their host site housing in the Berkshires, a rustic lakeside cabin in Pittsfield. Members will have the opportunity to hike to work every day, spend their time outdoors in some of the most beautiful areas of the Berkshires, and engage in high quality trail building projects across BNRC’s 60 mile trail system. 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.
This land, and all of the present-day Berkshires, are the ancestral homeland of the Mohican people, who were forcefully displaced to Wisconsin by European colonization. These lands continue to be of great significance to the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation today. To learn more visit mohican.com.
Breakdown of Service is as follows:
Trail Maintenance (85%)
Working on BNRC trail construction and improvement projects. Maintain hiking trails and paths, and construct trail features such as retaining walls, steps, bog bridging, treadway, and other trail structures. Hike existing trails to clear blowdowns, assess trail maintenance needs and make repairs, and other property stewardship related tasks. Complete several new trail construction projects over t
Qualifications:
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
Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to complete projects
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
About Student Conservation Association
Today, SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Members participate in a variety of capacities and contexts. Beyond national parks, members work on marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in our nation’s urban centers. Members do land management, habitat restoration, trail building, disaster rehabilitation or prevention work, environmental education, public outreach, and more.
