Polk County Conservation Youth Corps - Crew Leader
Spend your summer outside empowering young people through environmental stewardship projects. With a co-leader, you will supervise, mentor, and inspire a crew of 10 teens. Gain experience managing a crew, maintaining trails, restoring habitat, creating dialogue around conservation, and leading outdoor recreation activities. You will provide a safe, inclusive space for high school youth to gain job skills, grow as individuals, and make a difference.
Position Description
Four Crew Leaders will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Education Program. AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn a living stipend ($3,780 total), and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion ($1,638) to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. All positions are quarter time members who will serve a minimum of 450 hours over 12 weeks, from May 19-Aug. 13, 2021. Typical hours will be Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The program will require two-night camping trips in June and July.
Basic Qualifications
- Enthusiasm for serving outside
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- Positive role model and strong work ethic
- Ability to creatively motivate people
- Adaptable to change
- Able to make good decisions that account for the safety and well-being of the crew
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with outdoor skills – canoe, kayak, camp, etc.
- Experience with environmental stewardship projects
- Experience using a variety of hand tools (loppers, pruners, shovels, etc.)
- Knowledge of ecology, species identification, and current issues in environmental science
- Training in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices
- This role would be ideal for candidates interested in conservation and land management, environmental science, secondary education, youth programming, parks and recreation, social work, environmental education, public service, and similar areas.
Requirements
- Standing, walking, sitting, stooping or crouching, kneeling, reaching, talking, hearing
- Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amounts of force frequently to lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
- Willingness and ability to serve outside in an environment subject to heat and humidity, sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, or other natural elements
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check
- Pre-employment drug screening may be required
- Must have or obtain a Class D Driver’s License or equivalent, Pesticide Applicator Certification, and First Aid Certification
- Candidate must be 19 or older to apply
More information available at www.LeadingYouOutdoors.org/Youth under “Leadership-AmeriCorps”
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please send your cover letter and resume to: stacey.lundquist@polkcountyiowa.gov