Overview
Position Summary: The Outdoor Skills Instructor will provide basic camping instruction, paddling instructor and environmental education for the I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! programs. I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! are part of several I Can! programs, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). I Can! programs introduce Minnesota families to a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, paddling and biking.
Outdoor Skills Instructors will co-lead single day and overnight workshops for canoe/kayak paddling and front-country camping. Each pair of instructors teaches basic skills instruction for 2-4 hour long drop-in workshops and 2-3 day overnight workshops.
During the summer, instructors will travel and camp at state parks and state water trails throughout Minnesota. Instructors are responsible for monitoring weather and completing pre-trip calls with DNR staff to ensure workshops are safe to hold. Instructors will provide environmental education, offering information about local ecology and natural resources during each trip. Instructors will also handle day-of workshop operations including communicating any necessary workshop cancellations, properly cleaning and storing all equipment and maintaining regular communication with DNR and Conservation Corps staff.
AmeriCorps Crew Members must be able to serve effectively on a team comprised of their peers, helping fellow members achieve personal and program success through the principles of team-work and service-learning. Members must be responsive to instructions and feedback delivered by the Crew Leader, Regional Staff, and DNR staff.
Qualifications:
• Coordinate and provide instruction for camping, paddling and hiking workshops
• Coordinate workshop logistics for multiple paddling and camping workshops each week
• Communicate logistical details and equipment needs
• Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents
• Review safety protocols daily, begin each workshop with a safety briefing, ensure workshop participants follow safet
About Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa
Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps grantee that engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters. Our mission is to engage youth and young adults in meaningful service, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. Our vision is a world in which everyone has equitable access to nature, is equipped to succeed in career and life, and is empowered to make a difference in conserving natural resources. Learn more at conservationcorps.org.
