Position Code #: BIOCON5
QLF Marine Program Coordinator - One year position

Location: Waldoboro, Maine

Application Deadline: July 15, 2008 or until filled
Dates: September 08 - August 09, 2008

Project Description:

QLF's Marine Program advances community-based management and stewardship of marine resources and areas in the Gulf of Maine. Our work in the Muscongus Bay region of Maine addresses two related, fundamental issues confronting the potential for community-based management of this traditional marine area. First, in order to address shared regional issues we need to foster the revival of a regional, baywide identity which was once pervasive among local residents. Second, we also need to generate a shared understanding about how the bay system works if we were going to help the region effectively address complex issues from a systems perspective. To do this we have launched two major initiatives. First is the generation, publication, and distribution of a series of GIS maps about the uses and environment that comprise Muscongus Bay. This work is aimed at all local residents. The second is the development of a user- and science-based conceptual model of how the bay system functions - essentially the story behind the maps. This work focuses specifically on those who know the bay well, through use, study or management.

The Americorps member (for information on Americorps see below) hired for this position will coordinate QLF's traveling "Muscongus Bay Atlas" exhibit and gather social-ecological information from coastal resource-users as part of a community-based marine conservation program in mid-coast Maine. S/he will recruit and work with community members in Muscongus Bay's ten towns to mount, launch, and manage the My Muscongus exhibit as well as connect with and interview resource users to document local knowledge about the bay. Specific tasks will include: recruiting and forming exhibit volunteer teams, managing event schedules, supplies and logistics, coordinating team meetings, developing promotional materials, maintaining a volunteer database, conducting and recording interviews, representing the project at local meetings and events, participating in the work of community members and groups, and assisting in literature and field research activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a student with a strong background in conservation, coastal resource management, cultural anthropology, and/or community and natural resource planning. It will provide valuable field experience, independent project work, an opportunity to explore the complexity of conservation, and will prepare an intern for further work in the field of community-based conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will be well organized, adaptable, self-motivated, an adept learner and aspiring leader, and a good communicator and effective listener. S/he will have an strong academic background in a natural resource conservation-related discipline, an understanding of rural community life, and the social skills to work with varied community sectors. S/he will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, an interest in community development work, be physically fit, computer proficient and possess a valid driver's license as well as access to her/his own transportation.

OTHER DETAILS

This position is funded in part by an Americorps grant from The Community Resource Corps. Successful applicants must apply and qualify to serve as Americorps volunteers. Compensation and benefits include a $11,000 annual stipend, an education award, training, child care reimbursement, educational loan forbearance, health insurance, workers compensation insurance, and travel reimbursements. See www.trcme.com/crc for more details on Americorps.