Overview
Service Term: 450-900 hour AmeriCorps term; end of May start date; based in Des Moines, IA
Benefits:
Living Allowance: $1,810/month
Housing Reimbursement: $100/month (reimbursable upon proof of payment)
Education Award: $1,718.25- 3,447.50 if eligible and upon successful completion of program
Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)
Health insurance
Childcare assistance
Training, certifications, networking
Position: Water Trails Crews (AmeriCorps) travel around the state of Iowa by boat and/or canoes to maintain the state’s water trail system ensuring they are cleared of vegetation, are well maintained and ready to be utilized by recreational paddlers. The Water Trails Crew program prioritizes personal and professional growth while teaching hands-on conservation skills in the field. Members develop technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects. Projects vary by region and crew location, but may include:
Improving/Maintaining river accesses
Water trail maintenance
Stream bank stabilization, erosion control
Log jam/snag removal
Sign installation or removal
Trash Collection and removal
Participation in large community event, Project AWARE- conduct pre-event assessment and address safety concerns
Projects are in partnership with public land management agencies such as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, cities, counties and water trail associations. Water Trail Crew members also participate in staffing Iowa’s largest river clean-up event, Project AWARE, assisting with preparation for the event scouting the event route, addressing any safety concerns as well as logistics and operational support for the direction of the event. Projects are physically challenging and team-oriented and occur throughout Iowa, including urban and wilderness settings. Depending on crew location, up to 50% of projects will be out-of-town assignments, requiring camping for 4 consecutive days. Crews are led by AmeriCorps Crew Leaders and supervised by two Regional Managers.
Duties & Responsibilities
Complete natural resources service projects in cooperation with fellow members safely, effectively and efficiently and to the satisfaction and specifications of the project host
Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents
Contribute actively to the team to complete projects, demonstrating a commitment to the Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity and community, as well as justice, diversity, and inclusion.
Positive attitude, desire to learn new skills, interest in community service; represent Conservation Corps in positive manner in public
Serve a minimum of 450 or 900 hours and complete the entire service term per the start and end dates listed on the Member Service Agreement
Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in timely manner
Qualifications:
Flexible schedule to accommodate week-long out of town assignments
Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
Must pass a criminal history check consisting of National Sex Offender Public Website check, state criminal history check, and fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on state or FBI checks.
High school degree, GED, or working on obtaining
Required Skills:
Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity, and community
Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, including but not limited to:
Long (10 hour) days of chainsawing
Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
Extended periods of sitting/padding in a watercraft
Working in extremes of heat or cold
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.
