Environmental Steward Crew Leader

Polk County Conservation envisions a transformative process of utilizing AmeriCorps members to manage undermanaged 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 Natural Resources Crew Leader and 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.   

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 $14,400 over 1,200 hours of service and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion $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. 
 
Daily Times 

• Typical weekly schedule will run from 6:30a to 3:30p /Mon.-Thurs., with a 30-minute lunch allotted, totaling 34 hours/week minimum.

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 AmeriCorps Program and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits and requirements.   

* Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance. 

Position/Site Specific Member Service Activities (if applicable): 

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.  

• Members will receive training and certifications in, as well as a field day training before service activities begin:
• Members will participate in a three-day chainsaw certification training before service activities begin.
• Iowa Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 2 (Forestry) and 6 (Right of Way)

National Wildland Coordinating Group Certifications  

• S-130 – Firefighter Training
• S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• They may also have to opportunity to receive:
• L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
• IS-700 – NIMS (National Incident Management System): An Introduction

Below are a list of allowable member activities and responsibilities, members will be properly trained in all areas:  

Essential Functions:  

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

Non-Essential Functions:  

• Collaborate with fulltime staff with administrative tasks such as data entry, reporting, and documentation as needed.
• Participate in community outreach and educational events to promote conservation awareness.
• Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to natural resource management.
• Collaborate with fulltime staff to maintain and care for tools and equipment.
• Support special projects or initiatives as assigned by the natural resources full-time staff.

Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities. 

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Interest or passion for conservation
• On progress or completed degree in environmental science or related field
• Ability to work in the outdoor elements for extended periods of time

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• 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

Benefits: 

• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
• Living Allowance
• Cellphone stipend ($80/month)
• Health care, if applicable
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans
• Housing opportunities provided by Polk County Conservation

Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements: 

• Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term
• Regular submission of member timesheets
• Regular submission of project data from each job site a member works on
• Submission of quarterly progress reports to program staff