The Squam Lakes Association is recruiting 9 Lakes Region Conservation Corps Full-Term AmeriCorps member positions. We have four assistant tracks candidates can apply for: Watershed Resources, Education & Outreach, Trails & Access, and Volunteer Management (more information and link to learn more about each track below).

About the LRCC: The Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) is an AmeriCorps state service program that develops skills and experiences for conservation professionals. The program provides hands-on conservation experience and certifications over a broad range of areas, which ensure that Lakes Region Conservation Corps members are capable of independently approaching a variety of tasks in the environmental conservation field.

About the SLA Host Site: The Squam Lakes Association (SLA) is a non-profit conservation organization that works to conserve the natural beauty, peaceful character, and resources of the Squam watershed. Through conservation, education, and low-impact recreation, the SLA promotes the protection, careful use, and shared enjoyment of the Squam Lakes Region.

The Positions

Full-Term members serving with the Squam Lakes Association experience the seasonality of conservation work in the beautiful Squam watershed, located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and a short drive to the White Mountain National Forest. The quiet winter is spent deep diving into projects, followed by a booming summer full of boots on the ground conservation, and closing with a picturesque autumn with time to run reports and close out the season. There are four assistant tracks candidates can apply for:

Watershed Resources Assistant (4 positions): Watershed Resources Assistants (WRA) and Water Quality Coordinator (WQC) work closely with the Director of Conservation. WRA’s ensure that all conservation related projects and programs are operating efficiently under three core areas: research, monitoring, and restoration, with the goal of continued improvement of the water quality of the Squam Watershed.

Education & Outreach Assistant (2 positions): Education & Outreach Assistants (EOA) work closely with the Director of Education and Communications & Outreach Coordinator. EOA’s will improve and develop curriculum for current education programming, expand programming to reach K-12 classrooms, and develop and promote outreach content.

Trails & Access (2 positions): Trails & Access Assistants (TAA) work closely with the Director of Trails & Access and the Facilities & Access Manager. TAA’s will oversee components of SLA’s hiking trail management, outdoor access programs, and facilities maintenance.

Volunteer Program Assistant (1 position): The Volunteer Program Assistant (VPA) will work closely with the Volunteer and Membership Manager. The VA will manage volunteers and aim to increase volunteer engagement at the SLA.

See full descriptions of each assistant position and more information here: https://squamlakes.org/lrcc-americorps

See full descriptions for assistant-specific responsibilities. All LRCC members serving with the Squam Lakes Association will have some level of participation in the following responsibilities, regardless of Assistant position:

• Act as a caretaker on SLA’s low impact campsites, which includes: camping alone for 3-7 nights at a time, checking in campers, addressing maintenance needs, cleaning composting toilet
• facilities, restocking firewood, and other caretaker tasks as needed
• Split and bundle firewood for low-impact camping on SLA campsites
• SCUBA dive to remove the aquatic invasive species variable milfoil. Milfoil removal/surveying days are typically ten hour days, with upwards of three hours underwater. The water is cold and we dive regardless of air temperature and precipitation. Conditions are murky when diving in Squam.
• Facilitate winter access to SLA owned and maintained properties by conducting snow removal by hand, snow blower, and truck with plow attachment
• Educate the public on conservation initiatives within the region and across the state, and act as an ambassador of the LRCC and SLA. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes leading education programs, tabling events, lake hosting, trail hosting, etc.
• Volunteer management, including back-end administrative organization and leading volunteers in the field
• Collaborate with SLA staff, Education & Outreach Assistants, Watershed Resources Assistants, Trails & Access Assistants, and Volunteer Assistant to support SLA operations, which may include but is not limited to: office work assistance, facilities maintenance, boat maintenance, special events, etc.

Required Qualifications:

We select Lakes Region Conservation Corps members who display a great attitude and commitment to conservation, enjoy hard work, and aren't afraid to get dirty. Lakes Region Conservation Corps members must meet the following minimum qualifications to serve:

• Must be 18 years of age by January 15th, 2025
• Must be a competent swimmer, able to lift 50 pounds, able to carry and use heavy tools while hiking, able to hike at least 8 miles in a day, and able to work independently and in a group
• Available for the full duration of program (January 15th – November 21st, 2025)
• Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service's minimum requirements:
• Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks;
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service;
• Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US

Benefits

• Bi-weekly stipend: $839.10 (pre-tax; $18,700 aggregate)
• Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the program and 1700 hours: $7,395
• Provided housing with kitchen and laundry (SLA will not provide additional stipend if electing to live elsewhere)
• AmeriCorps Health Insurance (value of $4,500+)
• Eligible for student loan forbearance and interest accrual repayment on qualifying loans

Training/Certifications:

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR (value of $245)
• SSI Open Water Diver Certification (value of $780)
• NAUI Weed Control Diver Certification (value of $150)
• New Hampshire Commercial Boating License
• Plow operator training
• Motorboat operator training
• Other professional trainings as available.

Physical requirements and serving conditions:

Standard 5 days on/2 days off with occasional exceptions. Normal office tasks, driving company vehicles (day/night; may require occasional use of personal vehicle if bringing one to the program), weekends, early mornings and late evenings, hiking on uneven terrain, lifting in relation to fieldwork. Must be able to swim and be comfortable on the water in motorized and non-motorized boats, willingness to SCUBA dive in cold and dark environments. Willingness to travel throughout the Squam Watershed.

Duration:

January 15th – November 21st, 2025 and a minimum of 1700 hours.