The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting 17-25 year olds for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults in extensive natural resource management and park conservation projects across the state.
The program seeks to hire 35 full-time crew members for an 11-month period, beginning in October 2016.
“The Maryland Conservation Corps engages young people in the enhancement, protection and restoration of our state’s public lands and waters,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “The program provides for both personal and professional development, where crew members partake in conservation, environmental education, park operation, stream monitoring, trail maintenance and more.”
In an average year, Maryland Conservation Corps members will:
Conduct interpretive programs
Help preserve rich historical heritage sites
Improve park nature centers
Maintain hundreds of miles of trails
Plant thousands of trees
Provide environmental education programming for students
Restore wildlife habitat
Support the improvement of the Chesapeake and Coastal bays
Work with schools to plant bay grasses
“Our staff works hand-in-hand with the Maryland Conservation Corps crew members at parks throughout the state,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. “We provide project management, skill development and team-building, and focus on community service and environmental stewardship.”
To be considered, interested individuals must submit an online application along with a writing sample. Department staff will review each application and, if appropriate, invite the applicant to an interview, conduct reference checks and provide a matching opportunity at one of the service sites. Placement will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Maryland Conservation Corps program is funded – in part – by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, The Corps Network and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.