Conservation Assistant AmeriCorps

Conservation Assistant (2 positions available)

The Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) is an AmeriCorps service program that develops skills and experiences for conservation professionals. LRCC members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The 2024 program is based out of the Squam Lakes Association with Green Mountain Conservation Group serving as one of the host sites for full and half term members. Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG) is a community-based, charitable organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of natural resources in the Ossipee Watershed. GMCG is seeking two half-term (23.5 weeks) AmeriCorps members for the 2024 season beginning on May 20th, 2024.

GMCG’s AmeriCorps members will assist in our research, education, and outreach endeavors. Such tasks include but are not limited to:

• Water quality monitoring with our lake and river citizen science programs;
• Collecting and analyzing data on our microplastics research;
• Collecting and analyzing coli samples, including using molecular biology techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis;
• Managing our Volunteer Biological Assessment Program (VBAP) with local schools;
• Coordination and execution of GMCG’s existing Youth Water Literacy programs;
• Designing, promoting, and implementing new water/resource conservation programs or educational programming;
• Attending watershed trainings and conferences at the direction of GMCG;
• Aid in the design, planning, and execution of best management practices (BMPs) along lake and river properties;
• Create and/or maintain walking trails on GMCG properties which may include invasives management;
• Monitor GMCG easements and/or fee owned land at the direction of the Land Trust committee;
• Help with building and property maintenance at the Blue Heron House (GMCG main building);
• In partnership with the Outreach Coordinator, design, promote and deliver new programs to spread the word on water quality and contribute to redesigning of website pages for water quality programs;
• Promotion of the organization and water resource programs in collaboration with GMCG staff and board/committee members, such as tabling events, assisting with GMCG’s annual meeting, and other promotional events as directed;
• Contribute to website page, quarterly newsletter, social media, conference presentations, and press releases and other appropriate written documentation;
• Collect and report data including but not limited to record keeping, field data collection and entry, and biweekly timesheets;
• Document projects and events through photography and or video for GMCG’s social media and YouTube Channel. Additional creative design opportunities may arise when applicable;
• Members may have the opportunity to write or assist in grant writing and grant organizing endeavors at the discretion of the organization;
• Members may have the opportunity to participate in other conservation endeavors with other LRCC host sites or outside organizations (ex. NH Fish and Game, NH DES, etc.), as available.
• Assist with minute taking for various GMCG committees.
• Assist with private well testing program, GET WET! groundwater education programs, groundwater data entry, delivery of samples to the lab in Concord.
• Assist with online programs on platforms such as Zoom.
• Receive performance evaluations mid-term and end-of-term

Minimum Qualifications:

• Science based and/or educational studies and strong writing skills
• People skills and an interest in developing skills for sharing science based information with a non-science audience
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Ability to serve independently and as a team member
• Strong computer and word processing skills (some GIS is a plus)
• Experience and ease in presenting information to small and large groups
• Familiarity with journal based peer-review literature
• Must be 18 years of age by May 20th 2024
• Must be available from May 20th, 2024 through October 30th, 2024
• Must have health insurance for the duration of the service term
• Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service’s minimum requirements of:
           -must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks
           -must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US
           -must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
Normal office work, driving (day/night), walking, climbing stairs, bending, lifting in relation to field work, walking and lifting as required by field research and educational programs on water. Must be able to swim and be comfortable on the water. Willingness and means to travel throughout the Ossipee Watershed (car required).

Service times are typically Mon.-Fri., 8-10 hour days, with some weekends/night service expected.  Start times during the week may vary at the discretion of the organization, though typically no later than 9am. 

Additionally, all AmeriCorps members serving with GMCG must be able to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Benefits:

•  NH Commercial Boating license
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification
•  Living allowance: $772.17 biweekly stipend distributed bi-weekly
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $3447.50 received upon successful completion of program (minimum of 900 hours)
• Provided housing (Please note: GMCG will not provide a housing stipend if you choose to live off campus)
•  Student loan forbearance and interest repayment on qualifying loans, as applicable
•  Other professional trainings as available