AmeriCorps Natural Resources Crew Member

Ameri Corps Natural Resources Crew Member

Polk County Conservation envisions a transformative process of utilizing Ameri Corps members to manage under-managed natural ecosystems in Iowa. The Natural Resources Crew Member plays a vital role in the management and stewardship of natural resources within Polk County Conservation’s parks and green spaces. Working under the direction of the Environmental Steward Crew Leaders and Natural Resources full-time staff, the Crew Member participates in a wide range of natural resource projects aimed at enhancing and maintaining the ecological health and biodiversity of county-owned lands.

Six Half-Time Natural Resource Crew Member will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Program. Ameri Corps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn a living stipend ($12,752) paid equally over the course of 900 hours from the start to end of service; and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion ($3,697.50) to pay for higher education or qualified student loans.

These positions are half-time members who will serve a minimum of 900 hours over 26 weeks, serving 38 hours per week.

This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation, and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk County. Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County. However, these positions will be serving with Polk County Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Program, and will be subject to Ameri Corps rules, benefits, and requirements.

• Typical weekly schedule will run from 6:30am to 4:30pm on a Monday through Thursday schedule, totaling to 38 hours per week
• Every service day will include two 15-minute breaks; additional breaks must be taken if the temperature is above 85 degrees
• A 30-minute lunch period is included with every service day; these 30 minutes cannot be counted towards the required service hours during the term

• Interest or passion in the environment, environmental science, Iowa ecology, conservation practices, or GIS
• In progress or completed degree in environmental science or related field
• Ability to work in all outdoor elements with a variety of terrain for extended periods of time
• Walking a minimum of five miles per service day
• Ability to carry 45 pounds on your back; our backpack sprayers weigh this much when filled for invasive species management
• Ability to maintain consistent strong communication skills with Polk County Conservation staff and fellow Ameri Corps members
• Comfortable learning how to operate various hand tools, county equipment and vehicles, and trailering

• Certify that they have or will obtain their diploma/GED
• Be 17 years of age or older
• Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Possess a valid driver’s license and previous driving experience:
  Candidate must be comfortable with driving on all road types (gravel, grass, highways, rural, and city roads). Candidate must be comfortable driving in any environmental conditions (daytime, nighttime, rain, fog, sleet, ice, and snow). Candidate must be willing to drive to any location within Polk County, Iowa. Candidate must pass a motor vehicle record check before they can operate any county vehicle
• Candidates with limited driving experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis

• Segal Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service
• Living Allowance
• Professional development seminars and opportunity to network with Polk County staff
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans
• Housing opportunities provided by Polk County Conservation upon request
• Certification in first aid and CPR/AED
• Prescribed fire certifications and experience with prescribed fires
• Increase knowledge of Polk County’s conservation and restoration practices
• Increase knowledge of Iowa’s native and invasive flora and fauna
• Extensive chainsaw training and tree-felling experience