Lakes Region Conservation Corps

Are you looking to break into the field of conservation, but don’t know where to start? Consider spending your summer in beautiful New Hampshire and joining the Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC), an AmeriCorps service program that develops skills and experiences for the next generation of conservation professionals. LRCC members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.  The LRCC summer/fall program features 8 actively recruiting host sites (see site details below), each offering unique experiences and opportunities to members.              

Key responsibilities may include:

• Work toward the eradication of invasive species in the lakes and watershed.
• Maintain and construct regional trail networks.
• Engage both youth and adults in environmental education and outreach programs.
• Recruit and lead volunteer crews.
• And more, dependent on host site!

Host Sites:

Each host site operates independently and has additional, specialized duties and experiences.  Highlights of each site are included below, but applicants are encouraged to learn more about each host site here https://www.lakesregionconservationcorps.org/lrcc-sites

Camp Hale (2 positions available)
Sandwich, NH
Members have the benefit of living and serving on Squam Lake within a summer camp environment. Members are included in the camp community and engage campers from mostly city backgrounds with the local New Hampshire natural world. Meals are provided during camp sessions and housing is provided on-site during the service term.

The Nature Conservancy (2 positions available) 
Various locations across NH
Members will work as a small team completing various land management tasks throughout NH. Members will have the opportunity to gain experience in ecological monitoring, data collection, trail maintenance, invasive species control, fire management, volunteer coordination and engaging with the public. Members can become federally certified NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighters. Housing is provided.

Mount Washington Observatory (2 positions available)
North Conway, NH
Members serving at MWOBS support the development and presentation of educational programs for K-12 students and adult learners both in and out of the traditional classroom. Programs include school-day, after-school and field-trip-style programs for K-12 learners in addition to regularly supporting interpretative programming on the summit of Mount Washington. Housing is provided.

Newfound Lake Region Association (3 positions available)
Bristol, NH
Members of NLRA gain experience in watershed management, public engagement, professional communication, environmental education, and freshwater ecology. The work of Watershed Stewards includes collecting water quality data, leading environmental education programs, preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, engaging with the public and other community members, and implementing projects throughout the watershed that improve water quality. Housing is provided.

Lakes Region Conservation Trust (3 positions available)
Center Harbor, NH
LRCC-LRCT members will receive training in land conservation methods, conservation and recreational land management, and education and outreach. Land Stewards will work on a variety of projects, including trail maintenance, terrestrial invasive plant removal, monitoring LRCT preserves and conservation easements, and more. Housing is provided.

Squam Lakes Conservation Society (1 position available)
Holderness, NH
Members serving at SLCS will receive training in conservation easement monitoring, land acquisition field work, all aspects of land management, and various methods of conserving new properties. Members will have the opportunity to develop and apply ArcGIS skills for use across all areas of the organization. Housing is provided.

Green Mountain Conservation Group (2 positions available)
Effingham, NH
Members will participate in water quality research and education throughout the Ossipee Watershed.  Members will be expected to follow technical data collection protocols, engage with volunteers and community members, and provide educational opportunities and content to individuals of all ages.  Housing is provided on site.

Squam Lakes Association (6 positions available)
Holderness, NH
Members serve within a team, scuba diving to remove variable milfoil from Squam Lake, camping on our islands as caretakers, developing education programs, and more. Members receive and actively apply their SSI scuba certification and weed control diver certification, as well as spend ample time on the lake during service. Housing is provided.

All members have the opportunity to receive these trainings, certifications, and benefits:

• Wilderness First Aid & CPR certifications
• Living allowance; $772.17  bi-weekly ($9,063.63 aggregate)
• NH Commercial Boating License
• Housing provided, or $250 bi-weekly housing allowance (dependent on host site)
• Student loan forbearance and interest repayment for qualifying loans
• Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the program and 1700 hours: $3,447.50
• Additional trainings provided vary by host site.

Minimum Qualifications as per AmeriCorps CNCS Guidelines:

• Must be 18 years of age by May 20, 2024
• Must be covered by health insurance for the duration of program
• Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident
• Must clear all required national service criminal history checks
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or be working towards obtaining one during term of service
• Host sites may have additional requirements

Commitment:

May 20, 2024 through October 30, 2024. Members must complete at least 900 hours over the course of the program in order to successfully complete the program and receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

Application Deadline:

April 20th, 2024. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received and offers made on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.