The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an award-winning AmeriCorps program, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Park Service, that engages young adults in extensive natural resource management and park conservation projects. The mission of the program is to provide both skills training and opportunities for young adults to serve Maryland’s conservation needs. Under the supervision of experienced Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, MCC members work in crews of 5-7 members for 11 months. From State parks and forests to the Chesapeake Bay, they are engaged in projects in Maryland’s most beautiful places.
Members must be 17-25 years old, a United State Citizen, a high school graduate (or willing to work towards a GED), have a desire to work in conservation, be willing to work in all kinds of outdoor conditions, be willing to camp for up to a week at a time, be a team player, and have a positive attitude. Benefits for AmeriCorps members participating in the Maryland Conservation Corps program include: A bi-weekly living allowance; Health care benefits; Child care assistance (if eligible); Low-cost park housing at certain MCC crew sites; and Professional training and development. MCC members receive extensive skill development training opportunities, which may include: 48-hour First Responder certification (Advanced first aid and CPR); 40-hour Wildland Fire Fighting certification; Environmental Education and Interpretation; Chainsaw Skills and Safety; Leave No Trace ethics; Trail maintenance, monitoring and construction; Canoe Trip Leading by certified instructors; and more!
Members also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. The award may be used toward school tuition, most federally approved student loans, or future education costs for up to seven years (contact your loan holder to see if your loan qualifies; private loans may not be eligible).
To apply for MCC or sign up for our Job Shadow Program (you can shadow a crew for a day), go to http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/mcc_application.aspx. Applications open late January/early February and remain open through October/November, although Recruitment officially starts in March. The program starts in late September each year and ends in early August of the following year.
