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Field Team
Program
Who is a typical field team participant? MAC participants have an average age between 21 and 25 years. Leaders are typically older, 24-29 years. They come from all parts of the United States with varied backgrounds. Many have either recently graduated from college or are taking a break from  their academic studies. Many participants have an academic background in the environmental sciences, environmental policy or education or they have practical experience in related fields such as resource conservation, landscaping or teaching. All are greatly interested in recreating and living in the outdoors and have had some degree of exposure to it from camping, hiking, or participating in an out-of-doors focused organization.
What motivates people to join the program? Above all, people participate for the opportunity to serve the environment while spending time outdoors. Beyond that, some people are trying to gain practical experience before continuing their academic careers in undergraduate/graduate programs. Others are hoping to find an entry into a professional career in a related field. And some are doing it because it just seems like the best way to serve their community/country.
What are my chances of being accepted into the program? On average, MAC receives three qualified applications for each individual position.
 Can I have a beer after work? The Mt. Adams Center property is a drug and alcohol free space. This policy also extends to service sites, spike sites and off-site residential sites. MAC does not prohibit members who are of legal age from partaking outside of the restricted areas listed above.
What gear do I need to bring? Work clothes (long and short sleeve shirts, long pants, 8” all leather boots), a tent, sleeping bag and backpack are some of the basic required items. A detailed list is provided to all accepted members. Recreational gear such as bikes are recommended, but not required.
Do I get any vacation? Field Team Leaders have six personal days and Field Team Members have three personal days that can be used during the season provided that they communicate their desire in an appropriate time to the staff and that adequate coverage is available.
How many people are on a team? 
Teams consist of seven people, including two Field Team Leaders who provide the overall direction and guidance for the team.
Can I bring my pet? Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.
How much money will I actually have in my pocket each month? Leaders recieve $655 / month before taxes. Members recieve $524 / month before taxes. During the season, all room and board, training and trip expenses are covered. Stipends begin the month after starting the program and end the month following completion.
Do I receive health insurance? All members receive major medical and prescription coverage. The plan is very basic and does not cover dental or vision. During service hours members are also covered by workers compensation.
Do I need a car?
Cars are not required to participate in the program. However, given the rural nature of many of the project sites, they are recommended. Having access  to a vehicle allows members a way to explore the surrounding areas and take care of personal errands. Typically, 70% of the members bring a vehicle.
How many people are on the MAC staff?
There are eight staff members: Center Secretary, Individual Placement Coordinator, Recruitment Coordinator, Food Services Specialist, Program Director, Field Team Coordinator, Field Team Projects Coordinator and the Center Director.
What is a spike?
Spike is the term used for camping at a project site. Most of the MAC teams spike out through the entire season.
What is the most challenging part of the program? Physically, the work can be challenging until your body becomes accustomed to it. But most people would say that living and working together with a group of people is the most challenging component. Participants have to learn to compromise individual needs for the good of the team.
Where is the Mt. Adams Center? The MAC is located in Trout Lake, Washington, a town of 700 people located at the southwestern base of Mt.  Adams. The center is close to the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, and its myriad hiking and biking trails. The closest town of significant size is 35 minutes away, Hood River, Oregon; the MAC is 90 minutes from Portland, Oregon.
What is the lodging like? Participants who are living and working out of the MAC bunkhouses share simple, dorm-like accommodations with a roommate. There is a large community kitchen and  dining hall where people prepare and eat meals. Teams that are on spike often live in their tents in a variety of front country (car camping) and backcountry settings. Some teams will be permanently based at satellite camps made up of historic ranger cabins and trailers. |
Environmental
Internship Program
Who is a typical internship participant?
MAC participants have an average age between 21 and 29 years. They come from all parts of the United States with varied backgrounds. Many have either recently graduated from college or is taking a break from their studies.  Most participants have an academic background in the environmental sciences, environmental policy or education or they have practical experience in related fields such as resource conservation, landscaping or teaching. All are greatly interested in recreating and living outside and have some degree of exposure to it from camping, hiking, or participating in an out-of-doors focused organization.
What motivates people to join the program? Most interns participate in the program to open the door to professional opportunities while engaging in community service. Many are drawn to the MAC’s mission to serve the environment and develop community leaders.
 What are my chances of being accepted into the program? On average, MAC receives three qualified applications for each individual position.
Where is the Mt. Adams Center?
The MAC is located in Trout Lake, Washington, a town of 700 people located at the southwestern base of Mt. Adams. The center is close to the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest and its myriad hiking and biking trails. The closest town of significant size is 35 minutes away, Hood River, Oregon; the MAC is 90minutes from Portland, Oregon.
Is housing provided? Interns are responsible for finding their own housing. Some sponsors are able to provide housing. While at the MAC for training, participants live  in bunkhouses, sharing simple, dorm-like accommodations with a roommate. There is a large community kitchen and dining hall where people prepare and eat meals.
Do I get any vacation? Participants have five personal days that can be used during the season, provided that they communicate their desire in an appropriate time to their sponsor. All legal holidays are also observed.
How much money will I actually have in my pocket each month? Interns receive $1,036.36 before taxes each month. Monthly stipends begin on February 16 and end on the month following completion of the term of service.
Do I receive health insurance? All interns receive major medical and prescription coverage. The plan is very basic and does not cover dental or vision. During service hours interns are covered by worker’s compensation.
Do I need a car? Given the rural nature of many of the project sites, cars are recommended. Having access to a vehicle allows interns a way to explore the surrounding areas and take care of personal errands. Some sponsors require interns to have a personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursement provided. Typically, about 70%of the interns bring a vehicle.
What is the most challenging part of the program? Many past interns say that adjusting to a new living situation while also entering a new work environment is the most  challenging component. Many of our sponsor organizations are under-funded and understaffed, so participants are expected to jump right in and ask questions if they need help or direction. In addition, interns must be able to live on a very limited budget.
How does the hiring process work?
After submitting your application online, you will discuss preferred placement sites with the Internship Program Coordinator who will then pass your resume on to the sponsor you are most interested in. The sponsoring organization will set up an interview directly with you.
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