Overview
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Not a residential program; must secure housing near location
Service Term: 450-hour AmeriCorps position
Stipend: $2,076/month
Education Award: $1,718.25, if eligible and upon successful completion of program
(See website for full benefits description)
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.
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.
Duties & Responsibilities
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 safety protocols and abide by the rules of the Park, ensure adequate safety equipment, first-aid kit and functioning communication devices are available on all workshops
Contribute actively to the team of instructors, 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 hours and complete the entire service term
Qualifications:
Ability and desire to work well with others in team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
Desire to educate and inspire community members by fostering a safe and supportive environment for camping and paddling
Commitment to Corps values: safety, service, respect, equity, community
Dedication to complete full term of service
Ability to perform Essential Service Functions - see full job listing on website
Required Skills:
Training provided for all equipment used:
Boats: canoes, kayaks and paddles
Camping: stoves, tents
Safety equipment: personal flotation devices, communication devices (phones, radios, GPS trackers), bailers, pumps, etc
Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of basic paddling strokes and techniques; knowledge of basic camping skills
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.
