Overview
Position Summary: AmeriCorps Field Crews serve outdoors restoring habitat, managing natural resources, and occasionally responding to natural disasters or community needs. 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. Natural resources projects vary by term length, 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
Projects are in partnership with public land management agencies such as the State Department of Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, cities, counties, and trail associations. Projects are physically challenging and team-oriented and may occur throughout the Midwest, including urban and wilderness settings. Depending on crew location and project requests, up to 90% of projects will be out-of-town assignments, requiring camping for 4 – 12 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, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
Positive attitude, desire to learn new skills, interest in community service; represent Conservation Corps in positive manner in public
Commit to completing 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
Hours & Schedule
Schedules can vary, depending on crew location. Crew members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, including a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours.
For crews that travel – Overnight travel (4 – 12 consecutive days) is often required for service projects. Some special assignments (including wildfire response and other emergency response assignments) may require members to deploy for several weeks at a time.
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.
