Overview
Location: This is a residential program; food and lodging will be provided during the service term. Based in St Croix State Park, MN; travel throughout region to complete projects.
Service Term: 675-hour AmeriCorps position; 6/1 – 6/2 online training and 6/5 – 8/15 residential
Summer Youth Corps American Sign Language (ASL) Crew Leader & Interpreters will add value to the community, environment and youth participants through their dedicated service. The Crew Leader & Interpreter will motivate and supervise an ASL crew of Deaf, Hard-of-hearing, and hearing young people in a rigorous program focused on job skills training, environmental education, and conservation projects. The Crew Leader will be responsible for behavior management and fostering positive crew morale by through consistent teamwork. The member must ensure that they and the crew adhere to program goals and mission. The member will work alongside youth to set the standard and pace of work. While serving alongside another AmeriCorps member, the Crew Leader & Interpreter will provide collaborative leadership for the crew, ensure safety procedures are followed, and communicate with project partners. Projects may include but are not limited to:
Introduced species management
Trail construction & maintenance
Stream bank stabilization, erosion control
Rain garden construction
Tree planting
Basic carpentry
Plant or animal surveying
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 occur across MN and neighboring states, including urban and wilderness settings. Crews travel for 5 weeks in a row while camping in tents near project sites, preparing their own meals, and completing work projects. Crews are led by AmeriCorps Crew Leaders and supervised by the Program Manager, Assistant Program Manager and seasonal Field Coordinators.
Qualifications:
Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
Must pass a criminal history check
High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years) as crew leaders drive 12 passenger vans to transport crew
Required Skills:
Completion of or ongoing study in a certified ASL interpreter associate or bachelor program;
OR, possess fluent ASL
Possess excellent ASL and knowledge of Deaf culture
See website for full requirements
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.