Natural Resources Field Crew

The Natural Resources Field Crew position at Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is an AmeriCorps role for individuals aged 18-30, based in Des Moines, IA. Members will engage in outdoor conservation projects, including habitat restoration and natural resource management, from September to December 2024. The role requires teamwork, adherence to safety regulations, and a commitment to community service, with a minimum service of 450 hours.
About the position

The Field Crew Member/Leader position with the Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is an AmeriCorps role designed for individuals aged 18 to 30. This position is based in Des Moines, IA, and is not a residential program, meaning participants must secure their own housing near the crew location. The service term runs from September to December 2024. Members of the Field Crew will engage in outdoor activities focused on restoring habitats, managing natural resources, and occasionally responding to natural disasters or community needs. The program emphasizes personal and professional growth while providing hands-on conservation skills in the field. Members will develop technical skills throughout their term while completing various impactful conservation projects. The types of natural resources projects may vary by region and crew location, including invasive species management, stream bank stabilization, erosion control, prescribed burning, trail construction and maintenance, tree planting, basic carpentry, wildland fire suppression, and emergency response. Field Crew Members are expected to complete natural resources service projects in cooperation with fellow members, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and efficiency to meet the satisfaction and specifications of the project host. Adherence to Corps program safety regulations, as well as applicable federal, state, municipal laws, and OSHA requirements, is mandatory. Members must communicate any safety concerns and incidents promptly. A positive attitude, a desire to learn new skills, and an interest in community service are essential, as members will represent the Conservation Corps positively. Additionally, members are required to share project highlights and photos with the Marketing and Communications Department for inclusion in news releases and other communications. Each member must serve a minimum of 450 hours and complete the entire service term as outlined in the Member Service Agreement. Timely completion and approval of timecards and other required reports and paperwork are also necessary.

Responsibilities
• Complete natural resources service projects in cooperation with fellow members safely, effectively, and efficiently.
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• Abide by Corps program safety regulations and applicable laws; communicate any safety concerns and incidents.
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• Contribute actively to the team to complete projects, upholding the Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity, and community.
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• Maintain a positive attitude and represent Conservation Corps positively in the community.
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• Share project highlights and photos with the Marketing and Communications Department for inclusion in communications.
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• Serve a minimum of 450 hours and complete the entire service term as per the Member Service Agreement.
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• Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in a timely manner.

Requirements
• Be 18-30 years old.
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• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity, and community.
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• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
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• Flexible schedule to accommodate week-long out-of-town assignments and emergency response.
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• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US.
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• Must pass a criminal history check including a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check.
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• High school diploma, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in conservation or natural resource management.
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• Previous volunteer or service experience.

Benefits
• Living Allowance: $2,200/month (member), $2,300/month (leader)
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• Education Award: $1,824.07 upon successful completion of the program
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• Student loan forbearance on qualifying student loans
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• Health insurance
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• Childcare assistance
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• Training and certifications
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• Networking opportunities