Overview
Position Summary: Habitat Specialists serve alongside natural resource professionals in partnership with agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and nonprofit organizations. Habitat Specialists learn hands on skills related to habitat monitoring and conservation efforts. The Individual Placements program prioritizes personal and professional growth while teaching hands-on conservation skills in the field. Specialists develop technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects.
Specialists are directly supervised by Conservation Corps Program staff and partner site supervisor. Members complete service projects with direction provided by partnering agencies and representatives of those agencies.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Complete service projects to the best of their ability, serving safely, effectively and efficiently to ensure projects are completed to the satisfaction of project hosts and the community
• 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
• Specific projects depend on the site assignment but may include:
o Habitat monitoring utilizing remote sensing technology, flying drones
o Conducting field surveys
o Organizing logistics related to project and/or travel
o Landowner outreach and engagement
o Perform native plant and tree identification, determine soil types, assess planting success
o Collect various plant and tree samples
o Data collection
• Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in a timely manner
• Some positions may require regional travel overnight for days at a time.
Qualifications:
Qualifications
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and interact with landowners and community members
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and weather conditions
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
• Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
• Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a
Preferred Skills:
Preferred Qualifications
• GIS experience in ArcPro, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS online.
• College coursework and/or degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (Excel, Word, Google Sheets, Google Docs).
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.
