Youth Corps Program Assistant/Naturalist

As a Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Youth Corps Program Assistant/Naturalist, you are given a unique opportunity to work outdoors while making an impact on youth. You will be working closely with the Youth Corps Coordinator to work with (and on) projects for our crew members in habitat restoration and conservation. You will also learn and work to deliver high-level positive development activities to youth in your community using research-based curriculums in STEM, Outdoor Recreation, and Environmental Education. No matter what your passion area or background, your service WILL make a difference in a young person’s life. 

One Three-Quarter Time Youth Corps Program Assistant/Naturalist 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 of $14,400 split 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. This position is a three-quarter time member who will serve a minimum of 1,200 hours over 39 weeks, serving approximately 40 hours per week. 

Daily Times 

• Typical weekly schedule, 8:00AM to 4:30PM, with a 30-minute lunch allotted, totaling 40 hours/week minimum. 

Evening and Weekend Schedule 

• Spring and fall camp-out Saturday 7 am-Sunday 4pm 
• Three Saturday’s in Spring and four in Fall 7am-4pm 
• Evenings – five Tuesdays and Thursdays (3-8pm) in Spring and eight Tuesdays and Thursdays (3-8pm) in Fall  
• Three public programs on a Saturday during the summer (one each month – June, July, and August)     

 Special Events  

• 1-2 special events taking place during the service member program. At this time, specific dates and times have not yet been identified.  

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): 

Youth Corps Program Assistant: 

• Work with Youth Corps Coordinator to coordinate and plan Youth Corps work projects with various Polk County Conservation staff.  
• Supervise, motivate, and encourage crew members and leaders, in a variety of scenarios and situations, to restore and protect habitat, appreciate the outdoors and learn life skills.   
• Aid in Instructing crew members in safe operation of tools and equipment and enforces safe practices. 
• May assist in leading a crew to complete projects that may include invasive species removal, trail maintenance, painting, small carpentry projects, campground maintenance, trash removal, seed harvest, tree planting, etc. 
• May assist in leading educational and recreational activities that will require following a lesson plan, facilitating group discussions, leading activities, or teaching recreation such as canoeing, fishing, camping, fire building, etc. 
• May serve as a co-leader for a crew of up to 10 youth when a Crew Leader may be absent. 
• Aid in the repair, maintenance, and inventory of Youth Corps equipment. 
• Manages daily activities and work projects by communicating expectations to crew leaders. 
• Completes necessary paperwork including but not limited to incident reports, crew member check-in, pre-and post-program surveys and daily work logs.   
• Assists Youth Corps Coordinator with administrative tasks as needed to support seasonal crews.   
• Communicate effectively while taking a leadership initiative. 

Naturalist Support: 

• Delivers environmental education and outdoor recreational programs and field trip experiences for K-12 students, youth groups, and the general public.  
• Collaborates with full-time staff to maintain and construct indoor and outdoor exhibits, including live animal displays.  
• Plans and executes audience appropriate educational programs and activities related to natural resource management, conservation, ecology, recreation, cultural heritage, and other environmental topics.  
• Maintains accurate program data. 
• Collaborates with full-time staff to develop, coordinate, and implement extended programs like summer camps. 

Shared Responsibilities: 

• Provide positive role modeling and mentorship to youth 
• Demonstrate knowledge of conservation practices, outdoor recreation skills, and environmental issues 
• Maintain a safe working environment 
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including public speaking and program delivery 
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in various weather conditions 
• Uphold and demonstrate the Polk County Conservation Youth Corps Code of Conduct at all times 

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: 

• Knowledge of modern trends in conservation and environmental education 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of conservation, ecology, interpretation, and Iowa’s natural heritage.  
• Experience teaching outdoor skills instruction and program development 
• Ability to read, write, edit, and communicate effectively in a variety of methods, including public speaking and program delivery.  
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate good work ethic.  
• Ability to adapt in a very dynamic work setting.  
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with supervisors, other County employees, volunteers, and the general public using courtesy, patience and tact. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize projects, and maintain attention to detail. 
• Experience in development and presentation of environmental or interpretive programs 
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills 
• Versed in Google apps and Microsoft Suite  
• Ability to navigate using maps and GPS 
• Ability to properly ID native, invasives, and poisonous plants is helpful 
• Familiarity with teaching and following leave no trace principals 

Working Conditions: 

• Required to lift, push, pull up to 30 pounds, hike up to 3 miles and engage in physical labor.  
• Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions both indoor and outdoor environments and you may need to walk or stand for prolonged periods.  
• Ability to work flexible hours including evening, weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and/or long days. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Certify that they have or will obtain the diploma/GED 
• 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 
• Bachelor’s degree or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental education, interpretation, recreation, ecology, or related earth biological science.  
• 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 
• Must have or obtain first aid certification 
• Candidate must be 19 or older to apply 

Benefits: 

• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service. 
• Living Allowance 
• Cellphone stipend ($80/month) 
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies 
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans 

Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements: 

• Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term, if applicable 
• Regular submission of member timesheets 
• Monthly progress reports