Forestry Support Specialist – Individual Placement Member

• US Citizen, national, or permanent resident
• No more than three prior Ameri Corps service terms
• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing the criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the state or FBI checks
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, service, respect, equity, and community
• Dedication to complete the full term of Ameri Corps service

Individual Placement (IP) members serve with a single host site, such as a nonprofit, local government agency, or college, where they take on specialized roles. Roles vary by placement and may include data collection and mapping, invasive species management, outreach and communications, policy and planning, or forestry.

The Individual Placement program provides a unique full-year service experience in which Corps members support a variety of projects to expand the capacity and reach of a partnering host site while receiving specialized skills training unique to the position or agency. Host sites, service activities, and the number of positions vary from year to year and span Minnesota and surrounding states.

During the summer, the Individual Placement program offers three- or six-month Soil and Water Corps member positions in which members serve alongside a natural resource professional at a Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). These seasonal Ameri Corps positions offer valuable experience in soil and water conservation and landowner and community engagement.

Serving with our Individual Placement program is a full-time Ameri Corps experience that requires a full-year, three-month, or six-month commitment.

Ameri Corps is a national service program that addresses challenges in our communities through the dedicated service of its members. Ameri Corps serve directly with nonprofit organizations (like Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa) to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges. Members join to give back to their communities while gaining a foundation of marketable skills for careers in natural resources. All young adults who join our Individual Placement program are enrolled as Ameri Corps members, volunteering to serve their community through environmental stewardship.

Corpsmembersvalue hard work, community service, and environmental stewardship and join the Corps to give back to the community while gaining life-long skills.

Whether looking to jump-start a natural resources career, protect the environment, or simply try something new, Corps members often have a transformational experience leaving them feeling more prepared for whatever comes next.

Corps members receive formal training from Conservation Corps in First Aid and CPR, leadership and communication, and professionalism in the workplace. The host site, in coordination with Conservation Corps, provides training opportunities specific to the needs of the position. These may come in the form of conferences, workshops, and hands-on training in the field. Up to 15-20% of the service term is dedicated to technical and personal skills training.

Qualified federal student loans may be put on forbearance during an Ameri Corps service term. Individuals should check with their loan-holder to determine if their loans are eligible.

After successfully completing an Ameri Corps service term, members are eligible to receive aSegal Ameri Corps Education Award that can be used to pay for college or technical school or to pay back qualified student loans.

• Monthly living allowance
• Health insurance
• Member assistance fund
• Paid training and professional development opportunities

Individual Placement members serve in a single placement setting at a partnering nonprofit, government agency, or higher education institution. Most positions are primarily based indoors in an office environment. However, some service may be completed outdoors or at offsite locations depending on the position.

Members serve 40 hours per week with a typical schedule being Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Schedules may vary depending on the position and host site. Some positions may require evening/weekend hours or travel. Corps trainings and meetings are scheduled monthly throughout the service term.

Individual Placement members must secure their own housing within a reasonable commuting distance to their host site. Staff can provide some resources to assist members in securing lower cost housing if needed.

Questions? Contact Katie Rooks, program manager, at .