MAINE CONSERVATION CORPS DIRECTOR

(VOLUNTEER SERVICES PROGRAM DIRECTOR)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

July 02, 2025

Closing Date:

July 18, 2025

Location:

Augusta*

Position #:

01530-1242

Position Type:

Permanent Full Time 

Class Code:

0788

Grade/Salary:

Grade 25 (Supervisory) - $57,408.00 - $81,078.40 Per Year

*This position is located in Augusta and may be approved for telework according to the DACF Telework Policy.

Do you have a passion for youth development, environmental stewardship, and community service? Apply now to lead the Maine Conservation Corps in fulfilling its mission to accomplish conservation projects that inspire people and enhance communities. 

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry seeks an experienced program and grant administrator to lead the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC), which places 100 corps members annually in service across Maine. The successful candidate will: Oversee the daily operations of the Maine Conservation Corps, including the hiring, training, and supervision of an Office Associate II, Program Managers, and Training Coordinator. Identify available monetary resources and develop and maintain partnerships, including federal, state, local, private, and volunteer, to implement natural resource projects for the public benefit. Track program expenses and revenue to ensure financial stability. Evaluate operations to assure goals and objectives are met, including reporting and compliance requirements of funders and partners. Serve as the primary liaison with major partners, such as The Corps Network and Volunteer Maine. Implement and comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures and practices. Analyze MCC service delivery and operations to assure quality, efficiency, and ongoing improvement. Work with and engage key stakeholders to provide guidance and strategic direction to the corps. The position has a high level of responsibility and enjoys limited oversight. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Monitoring the success of the program’s personnel and service projects may require occasional travel to Maine’s most treasured places.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; in particular, Code of Federal Regulations, labor, and employment laws 
• Knowledge of statewide public and private programs, activities, agencies, and fiscal resources available in conservation, volunteer, and workforce development sectors
• Knowledge of volunteer management techniques and practices
• Ability to supervise staff and/or contractors and establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to prepare funding applications, budget estimates, and track and control expenditures
• Ability to oversee procurement, contracts, and agreements, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state rules and regulations
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism
• Ability to use applicable computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft 365 Products and grant reporting systems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in a supervisory or management position with responsibility for grant writing, preferably to include work experience with federal programs.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with at least five (5) years of experience in youth conservation corps management, AmeriCorps program administration, resource development and management (e.g., grant writing, budgeting, and/or fundraising), and community engagement. A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, non-profit management, or other related field is also preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and a current Resume before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

_______________________________________________________________

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.