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MCCC / AmeriCorps positions

DNR staff collecting seeds in field

MCCC / AmeriCorps positions

Do you love the outdoors? Work with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration, forest health, horticulture or sign manufacturing. The Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps is a career training program geared toward those that want to learn what it's like to work in the natural resources field. MCCC members are limited term (6 months to a year) and can serve up to two years. No experience is required.

How to apply

Submit your resume, two references and the DNR's non-career employment application to the contact listed in the position you are interested. Applications are accepted year-round for positions of various lengths.

Crew info and application contact

The MCCC Restoration Crew, based out of Brighton Recreation Area, is a traveling field crew working on resource management and ecological restoration in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Submit your resume, two references and the non-career employment application to Tom Tucker, stewardship ranger, via email at TuckerT2@Michigan.gov or DNR Parks & Recreation Division, Stewardship Field Office, 4631 Bishop Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843
  • Controls invasive terrestrial and wetland plants within various state parks.
  • Prepares burn breaks and assist in conducting prescribed burns.
  • Collects, processes and assist with planting native seed.
  • Burns brush and slash piles.
  • Collects data and completes documentation of field work.
  • Assist with the maintenance of stewardship equipment and the Stewardship Field Office.
  • May lead or assist with volunteer stewardship workdays.
  • May assist with oak wilt control or other forest health related work.
  • May assist with DNR Parks & Recreation projects, such as storm damage clean-ups, that are not ecological priorities.

Questions? Contact Tom Tucker, stewardship ranger, at TuckerT2@Michigan.gov or 517-202-1378.

The MCCC Forest Health / Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew, based out of Muskegon State Park, will assist in survey and detection of Hemlock woolly adelgid and treatment of HWA populations to protect the natural resources within state parks, including Silver Lake, Ludington, Muskegon, P.J. Hoffmaster, Saugatuck Dunes, Petoskey and Leelanau state parks.

Submit your resume, two references and the non-career employment application to Joel Collinson, forest health lead ranger, via email at CollinsonJ@Michigan.gov or Joel Collinson, DNR Parks & Recreation Division, 3560 Memorial Dr., Muskegon, MI 49445.
  • Survey of forests in at-risk Michigan state parks for woolly adelgid.
  • Learn about and assist in management and survey for oak wilt, Asian longhorned beetle and beech leaf disease.
  • Apply pesticides and herbicides for control of woolly adelgid and other forest pests.
  • Perform regular equipment cleaning and maintenance.
  • Work may include traversing difficult terrain in adverse weather conditions.
  • Paid overnight travel will be required for periods of up to 4 days.
  • Applicants may have opportunity to participate in prescribed fire, conferences and other trainings.

Questions? Contact Joel Collinson, stewardship ranger, at CollinsonJ@Michigan.gov

The MCCC Conservatory Crew, based out of Belle Isle Park in Detroit, assists in the care of the extensive collection of plant specimens in four distinct plant houses, seasonal floral displays and formal gardens. Work benefits one of the historic and cultural icons in the city of Detroit. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in plant care, floriculture and horticulture techniques and the maintenance of public gardens

Submit your resume, two references and the non-career employment application to Jeremy Kemp, conservatory horticulturalist, via email at KempJ6@Michigan.gov or DNR Parks & Recreation Division, 2 Inselruhe Road, Belle Isle Park, Detroit MI 48207.
  • Plant specimen care including watering, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, dead heading and pest control.
  • Regulate temperature and humidity of conservatory plant houses.
  • Monitor and record plant conditions, treatments and general data such as temperature, humidity and watering.
  • Carry out arrangement, set up and maintenance of formal flower showroom.
  • Assist with care of Anna Scripps Whitcomb orchid collection and other greenhouse specimens.
  • Layout and planting of annuals, bulbs, and perennials in formal gardens of conservatory and formal beds throughout the island.
  • Maintain conservatory grounds and other formal landscaping on the island including pruning, weeding, irrigation and application of herbicide.
  • Educate the public about the conservatory/park and the rules of the conservatory.
  • Assist with and/or lead volunteers in conservatory work, landscape work and stewardship work inside the conservatory and across the island.
  • General maintenance and daily care of the conservatory and grounds including removal of plant refuse, cleaning, washing windows, and removing trash.

Questions? Contact Jeremy Kemp, conservatory horticulturalist, at KempJ6@Michigan.gov or 313-821-9848.

Benefits, pay and hours

  • Starting wage is $17/hour, plus educational award.
  • The schedule is 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. The position requires some overnight travel and weekend work.
  • Earn paid leave for career development opportunities, paid school leave and paid personal leave.

Qualifications

  • Must be a Michigan resident between 18 and 27 years of age (inclusive).
  • Must have a high school graduate or have obtained a GED.
  • Must be able to provide a government-issued ID (ie. valid driver's license) and social security card.
  • Must undergo an NSOPW, criminal history check and, in some cases, an FBI fingerprint check prior to being considered.

Other specifications

  • Willing to be away from home for the work week.
  • Willing to use herbicides and pesticides (when applicable).
  • Willingness to safely use power equipment, including clearing and chain saws (when applicable).
  • Good physical condition to conduct long days of strenuous field work, often under adverse conditions in remote areas.
  • Must pass a physical examination/fitness test, to work on prescribed burns.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

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