The Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative (SMCC) and the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) are teaming up to offer two full-time Summer Associate positions. This collaborative position is a unique experience to learn about and assist with both conservation and environmental education.

Position: Summer Associate (2 positions)
Pay rate: $19/hour (over a 10 week period)
Preferred Start Date: June 6, 2022 (flexible)
Application Deadline: April 20, 2022

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

The Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative (SMCC) is a non-profit organization with the mission to work collectively in Maine to create mutually beneficial relationships with the earth, communities, and people through the conservation movement. SMCC works with many conservation organizations in Maine to amplify, support, and build capacity in their work. Our work improves the coordination and effectiveness of numerous organizations that work on protecting land and water by providing professional support services, collaborative learning, resources, and networking opportunities.
 
The Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) is also a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance and amplify the efforts of individuals and organizations building environmental awareness, appreciation, understanding, and action in Maine. MEEA works with a wide network of environmental educators, students, organizations, and other individuals across the state. MEEA envisions a just and sustainable Maine where interconnectedness with the natural world is the root of environmental and social responsibility of all individuals, institutions, and communities.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Both SMCC and MEEA are committed to building more inclusive and equitable conservation and environmental movements in Maine. Our organizations are actively leaning into the intersection of the environment, conservation, and social equity, and we are committed to weaving this intersection through all of our work. We are continuously learning about our blind spots and unconscious biases. We know that biases and disparities disproportionately burden communities of color, indigenous communities, people with physical and mental disabilities, and low-income communities with legacies of environmental damage and ongoing harm. It is our duty to ensure that our work does not propagate destructive, damaging practices, and instead is addressing barriers and fixing inequitable systems.

ABOUT THE POSITION

This summer, SMCC/MEEA is hiring two summer associates to attend to a variety of projects. Projects could use the skills and interests from individuals with a variety of backgrounds. These projects may include:

• Developing an overall understanding of conservation, including the conservation process (ex: easements, fee ownership, stewardship) and land justice
• Supporting the evaluation and outcomes of the Relearning Place Convening
• Engaging in equity-related programming and trainings including MEEA’s Beyond Statements Equity Calls
• Learning GIS skills and assisting with the mapping of conservation properties in Southern Maine as part of the Rapid Response Program
• Supporting tasks as needed related to the ongoing work of the Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative, which might include social media, conducting interviews, writing and contributing content/storytelling, photography/videography, surveys, reports, fundraising, research, administration, community engagement support and more
• Creating a story map and/or engaging in storytelling initiative as part of the Climate Change Observatory Network
• Conducting research and writing reports on land justice, equitable nonprofit structures, or other pressing issues
• Learn about non-profit administration, operations, and systems
• Engage in professional development opportunities including webinars, trainings, and conference opportunities.

The position will average 10 weeks between June – August and the hours per week may be between 30-40 hours depending on circumstances. The position is based out of the SMCC office in Portland and depending on state guidelines related to covid, could be a combination of remote and in person. The position might include travel, primarily in Southern Maine (Federal rate reimbursable if work travel is conducted in personal vehicle). It is not required that you have your own car or computer.

SUGGESTED SKILLS

• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of people and organizations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to stay organized and communicate effectively working in a remote or hybrid work environment
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, GSuite products, and Airtable

We are committed to supporting your learning and training in skills development and experience and will provide funding towards these development opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS

• An enthusiasm and commitment to equitable, inclusive, and just conservation and environmental movements.
• Be between the ages of 18 – 30 and willing to live and work in Southern Maine this summer.
• Independent, self-directed worker having the ability to work closely with people from diverse backgrounds and foster collaboration.
• Flexibility and comfort with working on multiple tasks.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume, a list of 2 references, and a cover letter that contains responses to questions below to conservationcollaborative@gmail.com – please include ”Summer Associate 2022” in the email subject line.

• Why do you feel that you are a strong candidate for this position?
• How do you hope this experience will serve you, your work, and your community?
• What specific part of this position description resonates most closely with your life experience and/or your vision for the future?

Please address your cover letter to Jessica Burton.

SMCC reserves the right to conduct background checks as a condition for employment. Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST! WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.