Outdoor Skills Instructor

Job Location: ST PAUL, MN

Salary Range: $2,350.00 per month

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $2,350/month pre tax
• Training, certifications, networking
• Access to gear lending library
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Health insurance
• Childcare assistance
• Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)
• Service term eligible to count towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps grantee that engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters. Our mission is to cultivate a community of emerging leaders in service to people and the planet. Learn more at conservationcorps.org.

Our values embody safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership. In working toward our vision, we believe that it is important we commit to the following:

• Using equity as a lens for the work we do and decisions we make
• Building a shared vision surrounding Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion goals with our partnering organizations and communities, and
• Providing an equitable training environment and high-quality programming to all our participants.

Position Summary: The Outdoor Skills Instructor will provide basic camping instruction, paddling instructor and environmental education for the I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! programs. I Can Paddle! and I Can Camp! are part of several I Can! programs, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  I Can! programs introduce Minnesota families to a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, paddling and biking.

Outdoor Skills Instructors will co-lead single day and overnight workshops for canoe/kayak paddling and front-country camping. Each pair of instructors teaches basic skills instruction for 2-4 hour long drop-in workshops and 2-3 day overnight workshops.

During the summer, instructors will travel and camp at state parks and state water trails throughout Minnesota. Instructors are responsible for monitoring weather and completing pre-trip calls with DNR staff to ensure workshops are safe to hold. Instructors will provide environmental education, offering information about local ecology and natural resources during each trip. Instructors will also handle day-of workshop operations including communicating any necessary workshop cancellations, properly cleaning and storing all equipment and maintaining regular communication with DNR and Conservation Corps staff.

AmeriCorps Crew Members must be able to serve effectively on a team comprised of their peers, helping fellow members achieve personal and program success through the principles of team-work and service-learning. Members must be responsive to instructions and feedback delivered by the Crew Leader, Regional Staff, and DNR staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate and provide instruction for camping, paddling and hiking workshops
• Coordinate workshop logistics for multiple paddling and camping workshops each week
• Communicate logistical details and equipment needs
• Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents
• Review safety protocols daily, begin each workshop with a safety briefing, ensure workshop participants follow safety protocols and abide by the rules of the Park, ensure adequate safety equipment, first-aid kit and functioning communication devices are available on all workshops
• Contribute actively to the team to complete projects, demonstrating a commitment to the Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
• Positive attitude, desire to learn new skills, interest in community service; represent Conservation Corps in positive manner in public
• Commit to completing the entire service term per the start and end dates listed on the Member Service Agreement
• Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in timely manner

Hours & Schedule

Schedules can vary, depending on crew location. Crew members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Wednesday – Sunday, with hours varying depending on workshop schedules.  Service days include a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours. Overnight travel (3 – 4 consecutive days) is often required for workshops.

Training & Development

The Corps provides orientation and skills training at the start of the program year. Additional region or project specific training may be included throughout the service term depending on project need, length of term and other factors. Examples of potential trainings include:  

• Training provided for all equipment used:
  • Boats: canoes, kayaks, and paddles
  • Camping: stoves, tents
  • Safety equipment: personal floatation devices, communication devices (phones, radios, GPS trackers), bailers, pumps, etc.
• Trailer operation and safety
• Team building and conflict resolution
• Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Leadership
• Safety and risk management
• MN Safety Council defensive driving
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• AmeriCorps benefits

Qualifications

• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
• Desire to educate and inspire community members by fostering a safe and supportive environment for camping and paddling
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
• Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
• Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service:
• Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include but are not limited to:
• • Long (8-12 hour) days engaging in physically demanding work including hiking, paddling and camping
  • Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
  • Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
  • Working outdoors in all weather conditions

• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
• 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.
• High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years)

Preferred Qualification

• Knowledge of basic paddling strokes and techniques; knowledge of basic camping skills