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Field Team Program
Who is a typical field team participant? MAC Field Team Members 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 six 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 all-leather boots), a tent, sleeping bag and backpack are some of the basic required items. A detailed list is available on our website and provided to all accepted members. Recreational gear such as bikes are recommended, but not required.
Do we get pro-deals?
We have limited pro-deals which aren’t available to you until you arrive. The advantage to using the pro-deals, obviously, is discounted gear. The downside, however, is that you can almost never return items and you might not find what you are looking for. The bottom-line is you will need your gear when you arrive, and you won’t be able to use pro-deals until after you arrive.
Do I get any vacation? Field Team Leaders earn six personal days after they have completed the leader training program which runs February 7th - June 10th. They are eligible to take personal days after June 10th, provided that they communicate their desire in an appropriate time to the staff and that adequate coverage is available.
Field Team Members earn three personal days after they have completed the member training program which runs May 23rd - June 10th. They are eligible to take personal days after June 10th, 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 six people, including two Field T eam 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 receive $835 / month (before taxes) after the program fee of $476 is deducted – the gross living allowance is $11,800 for the term. Members receive $75 / week after the program fee of $476 is deducted. During the season, all room and board, training and trip expenses are covered by the program fee. This monthly living allowance begins the month after starting the program.
Do I receive health insurance? Only Field Team Leaders receive health insurance and prescription coverage. The plan is very basic and does not c
over dental or vision. During service hours all members are 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, Residential Specialist, Recruitment Coordinator, Intern Program Coordinator, Field Team Member Support Coordinator, Field Team Project Coordinator, Center Operations 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 compr
omise 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 Hood River, Oregon, which is 35 minutes away. The MAC is 90 minutes from Portland, Oregon. Orientation and additional trainings are located at the MAC, though most field teams spend the season working and living elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
What is the CAP?
During their term, each leader will complete a Community Action Project (CAP). The CAP is a project that is separate from the service the team will provide to their site. To complete a CAP project, leaders identify an unmet community need and find ways to address that need. They are responsible for all aspects of the project: identification of need, research on how to meet it and its implementation. The scope of the project should be something that is manageable and can be accomplished alongside their normal service work. Examples of past projects include stenciling storm drains, creating composting workshops and coordinating a bike to work day. This project usually happens toward the end of the leader’s term of service and may be used to help pursue future career goals.
Is the start date or end date flexible?
No. The Intern must commit to the entire term of service, and we are unable to consider applicants who are unable to do so.
Can I attend classes or complete an online class while serving? Field Team members are strongly discouraged from committing to classes while they are serving on a field team due to a full schedule of training and service projects, as well as the irregularity of cell phone coverage and internet access while serving.
Do I need a driver’s license?
Field Team Leaders are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, as per the NWSA Driving Policy. Field Team Members are not required to have a driver’s license.
Can I choose which team I’m on?
We assign teams after all of the members are hired, so if you are offered a position, you must accept knowing that you could be placed on any of our teams. If hired, you will have the chance to rank the teams in order of your preference, but NWSA staff reserves the right to place members where they will best benefit the program, and as a result, you may not receive your preference. Please apply only if you will be happy with an assignment on any of our field teams.
What is the Natural History Trip?
The Mt. Adams Center feels it is important to help maintain our members’ connection to the natural world as they spend the summer working to preserve it. As a result, each season we take every team on a week-long development trip that serves as an opportunity to learn outdoor living skills, build team rapport and gain a better understanding of the environment in which the team serves. Examples of trips include a backcountry canoe and camping trip on Ross Lake in the North Cascades of Washington; camping and hiking on the Olympic Peninsula’s Shi Shi Beach; and a rock climbing and kayaking trip in eastern Oregon.
What is the Food like?
Whenever possible we try to provide our members with organic food options from local suppliers. While teams are at the Mt. Adams Center, food will be delivered from a distributor of bulk, organic products. While teams are at their sites they will purchase food from local grocery stores using a company VISA card. Team members will be responsible for developing menus and creating grocery lists together.
How can I volunteer with the MAC if I can’t commit to an entire term of service?
If you are looking for a fun, challenging and rewarding activity that gives you the chance to work with some wonderful people while surrounded by incredible scenery, volunteer with one of our
Pacific Crest Trail Teams. This is also a great way to gain trail maintenance and outdoor experience if you would like to apply for one of our future positions. Check out the Volunteer Projects Database at http://www.trailprojects.com/projectsdatabase.html.
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On average, MAC receives six qualified applications for each individual position.
