PCC: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD CREW LEADER

AmeriCorps & Senior Corps; Granger (IA); On-site; USD 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team dedicated to conservation efforts in Polk County as a Natural Resources Crew Leader. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead hands-on service projects, fostering environmental stewardship while enhancing your leadership skills. You will manage a team of AmeriCorps members, participating in vital activities such as invasive species removal, prairie restoration, and trail maintenance. With a living stipend and an education award upon completion, this position not only contributes to the community but also propels your career forward. Be a catalyst for positive change and make a lasting impact on our natural habitats.

Benefits

Training

Housing

$80/month cellphone stipend

Living Allowance

Education award upon successful completion

Qualifications

• Experience in natural resource management or environmental science is beneficial.
• Ability to lead a team and manage projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in invasive species removal and habitat restoration.
• Implement timber stand improvement and prairie seed harvesting projects.
• Coordinate logistics and ensure effective utilization of crew resources.

Skills

Leadership

Environmental Stewardship

Team Management

Project Implementation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pruning Tools

Trail Maintenance Equipment

Burning Equipment

Job description

As part of our team, you’ll be at the forefront of preserving parks, enriching the community’s access to nature, and ensuring future generations can enjoy these green spaces. Not only will you contribute to vital conservation efforts, but you’ll also gain practical skills and certifications that propel your career forward. Join us and be a catalyst for positive change in Polk County – your adventure in conservation starts here!

The Natural Resources Crew Leader AmeriCorps Member will lead and actively participate in a variety of natural resources management and conservation activities. The focus of the position is on hands-on service, fostering environmental stewardship, and contributing to the overall improvement and preservation of natural habitats. The Crew Leader will be responsible for leading a team of AmeriCorps members in executing impactful projects such as invasive species removal, timber stand improvement, prairie seed harvest, prairie burning, trail maintenance, and pollinator garden planting.

The Three-Quarter Time Natural Resource Crew Leaders will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn a living stipend of $14,400, and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion of $5,176.50 to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. These positions are three-quarter time members who will serve a minimum of 1,200 hours over 39 weeks, serving approximately 34 hours per week.

Member Duties:

Essential Functions:

1. Implement timber stand improvement projects provided by the natural resources full-time staff to enhance forest health.
2. Follow plans set by natural resources full-time staff to achieve seed collection goals for diverse plant species.
3. Ensure crew members are using proper techniques while pruning, thinning, and removing trees.
4. Lead crews in identifying and removing invasive plant species.
5. Lead crews in harvesting native prairie seeds for habitat restoration.
6. Follow burn plans set by natural resources full-time staff to manage prairie ecosystems.
7. Implement plans created by the natural resources full-time staff to manage and create pollinator gardens.
8. Assist with tree planting projects.
9. Assist in the installation of erosion control practices.
10. Assist in the building and maintenance of soft trails.
11. Assist with water quality monitoring.
12. Coordinate logistics and ensure effective utilization of crew resources.

Program Benefits:

Training, Housing, $80/month cellphone stipend, Living Allowance, Education award upon successful completion of service.

Terms:

Permits attendance at school during off hours, Permits working at another job during off hours, Car recommended.

Service Areas:

Environment, Community Outreach.