Environment Lakes Region Conservation Corps
Job Description
The Squam Lakes Association is recruiting for 6 Lakes Region Conservation Corps Full-Term AmeriCorps member positions. We have three assistant tracks candidates can apply for: Watershed Resources, Education & Outreach, and Trails & Access.
The Squam Lakes Association is seeking two full-term AmeriCorps members from January – November 2024 to serve as Trails & Access Assistants (TAA). Both TAA’s will work closely with the Director of Trails & Access, the Facilities & Access Manager, and each other to oversee components of SLA’s hiking trail management, outdoor access programs, and facilities maintenance. The SLA
manages 60 miles of hiking trails, island campsites, canoe and kayak rental facilities, and a four-acre campus open to the public for education programs, community use, and outdoor access.
Responsibilities include:
-Determine, communicate, and conduct routine trail maintenance priorities, including lopping branches, removing downed trees, and clearing drainage structures
-Assess all 60 miles of SLA trails to develop detailed descriptions of trail conditions
-Assist with campsite management, preparation, and closing, which includes: assisting with the campsite lottery, installing and removing docks, assessing campsite facilities for safety hazards, and maintaining composting toilet facilities
-Manage SLA’s Gear Library program by coordinating rentals, organizing gear, and developing educational materials
-Assist with small engine maintenance, such as boat engines, snowblowers, wood splitters
-Recruit and train volunteers
-Lead training for trail maintenance volunteers and incoming AmeriCorps members on routine hiking trail maintenance
-Collect and analyze trail counter data
-Manage and maintain SLA’s tool cache
-Create new trail junction signs
-Assist with any other trails, access and facilities projects and tasks as needed
-Additional projects and assignments may develop based on interests and strengths of individual candidates and the needs of the organization
Preferred Qualifications:
-Strong interest in low-impact outdoor recreation management. Degree or experience in related field is beneficial but not required
-Desire to lead volunteer and education programs related to outdoor recreation
-Enthusiasm for sharing natural spaces with people of varying levels of ability and comfort in the outdoors
-Comfortable using hand tools (saws, loppers, hammers, etc.) and power tools (miter saw, reciprocating saw, router, etc.) in both front-country and back-country settings. Guidance and training provided for proper tool use to ensure safe handling
-Strong computer and word processing skills, data entry, and analysis, including: Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe. GIS experience is beneficial but not required
All LRCC members serving with the Squam Lakes Association will have some level of participation in the following responsibilities, regardless of Assistant position:
-Act as a caretaker on SLA’s low impact campsites, which includes: camping alone for 3-7 nights
at a time, checking in campers, addressing maintenance needs, cleaning composting toilet facilities, restocking firewood, and other caretaker tasks as needed
-Split and bundle firewood for low-impact camping on SLA campsites
-SCUBA dive to remove the aquatic invasive species variable milfoil
-Facilitate winter access to SLA owned and maintained properties by conducting snow removal by hand, snow blower, and truck with plow attachment
-Educate the public on conservation initiatives within the region and across the state, and act as an ambassador of the LRCC and SLA. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes leading education programs, tabling events, lake hosting, trail hosting, etc.
-Volunteer management, including back-end administrative organization and leading volunteers in the field
-Collaborate with SLA staff, Education & Outreach Assistants, Watershed Resources Assistants, and Trails & Access Assistants to support SLA operations, which may include but is not limited to: office work assistance, facilities maintenance, boat maintenance, special events, etc.
*Please note that the SLA’s building is undergoing renovations starting Fall 2023. The renovations may impact the ability to conduct some of these responsibilities.
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Required Qualifications:
We select Lakes Region Conservation Corps members who display a great attitude and commitment to conservation, enjoy hard work, and aren’t afraid to get dirty. Lakes Region Conservation Corps members must meet the following minimum qualifications to serve:
-Must be 18 years of age by January 10th, 2024
-Must be a competent swimmer, able to lift 50 pounds, able to carry and use heavy tools while hiking, able to hike at least 8 miles in a day, and able to work independently and in a group
-Available for the full duration of program (January 10th – November 22nd, 2024)
Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service’s minimum requirements:
-Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks;
-Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service;
-Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US
Benefits
-Bi-weekly stipend: $765.22 (pre-tax; $17,600 aggregate)
-Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the program and 1700 hours: $6,895
-Provided housing with kitchen and laundry (SLA will not provide additional stipend if electing to live elsewhere)
-AmeriCorps Health Insurance (value of $4,500+)
-Eligible for student loan forbearance on qualifying loans
Training/Certifications:
-Wilderness First Aid and CPR (value of $245)
-SSI Open Water Diver Certification (value of $780)
-NAUI Weed Control Diver Certification (value of $150)
-New Hampshire Commercial Boating License
-Plow operator training
-Motorboat operator training
-Other professional trainings as available.
Physical requirements and serving conditions:
Standard 5 days on/2 days off with occasional exceptions. Normal office tasks, driving company vehicles (day/night; may require occasional use of personal vehicle if bringing one to the program), weekends, early mornings and late evenings, hiking on uneven terrain, lifting in relation to fieldwork. Must be able to swim and be comfortable on the water in motorized and non-motorized boats, willingness to SCUBA dive in cold and dark environments. Willingness to travel throughout the Squam Watershed.
Duration:
January 10th – November 22nd, 2024 and a minimum of 1700 hours.
To apply:
Apply online at https://www.lakesregionconservationcorps.org/apply-now. Indicate in your cover letter which assistant position you are applying for. Applications are reviewed in the order of receipt, with offers made on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline. Submission deadline: December 1st, 2023
How to Apply
To apply: Apply online at https://www.lakesregionconservationcorps.org/apply-now. Indicate in your cover letter which assistant position you are applying for. Applications are reviewed in the order of receipt, with offers made on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline. Submission deadline: December 1st, 202342 total views, 1 today