Overview
AmeriCorps Veterans Corps Field Crews serve outdoors restoring habitat, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters or community needs. In addition to these tasks members will work with the Veterans Corps Manager to attend sessions on transitioning to civilian life and connecting to veteran services and resources. The Field 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. Members will be trained in a wide variety or skills and receive nationally recognized certifications and opportunities to network with professionals. Natural resources projects vary by region and crew location, but may include:
Invasive species management
Stream bank stabilization, erosion control
Prescribed burning
Trail construction & maintenance
Tree planting
Basic carpentry
Wild land fire suppression
Emergency response
Crew Members develop technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects.
Crew Leaders typically lead a crew of 4 or 5 AmeriCorps members, serving as the primary liaison between project hosts and program staff. The Crew Leader is responsible for the crew’s service and safety during each project.
Qualifications:
Honorably Served in US Military
Flexible schedule to accommodate week-long out of town assignments and emergency response
Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
Required Skills:
Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include but are not limited to:
Long (8-12 hour) days engaging in physically demanding work using various hand and power tools
Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
Working in all weather conditions
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.
