The Field Specialist provides training, education, coordination, and leadership to AmeriCorps Members (18 - 30) The Field Specialist will help fellow AmeriCorps members and participants achieve personal and program success through the principles of teamwork and service-learning.  In addition to providing support and training to members and participants, Field Specialists help support a variety of natural resources projects. 

Primary responsibilities include fostering AmeriCorps member development through experiential learning, providing technical skills training, providing trainings on JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) principles and practices in line with CCMI values, monitoring field safety and conducting equipment maintenance. In addition, the Field Specialist helps coordinate logistics, tools and equipment for AmeriCorps members and participants natural resources projects, shuttles vehicles and/or equipment as needed, and serves alongside AmeriCorps members on more technical field projects.

Hours & Schedule
Schedules can vary, depending on crew location. Field specialists should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Overnight travel (4 – 12 consecutive days) is often required for service projects. Some special assignments (including wildfire response and other emergency response assignments) may require members to deploy for several weeks at a time.  

Training & Development
The Corps provides orientation and skills training at the start of the program year, and additional region or project specific training throughout the service term that may include:

• AmeriCorps benefits
• Team building and conflict resolution
• Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Leadership
• Safety and risk management
• Power and hand tool safety and maintenance
• Certain Positions Only - S130 & S190 Firefighter training and red card certification training
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• MN Safety Council defensive driving
• Trailer operation and safety
• Invasive species management/herbicide application
• Plant identification
• Leave No Trace principles.

Benefits:

• Education Award: $7,395.00, if eligible and upon successful completion of program requirements
• Training, certifications, networking
• Access to gear lending library
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Health insurance
• Childcare assistance
• Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of conservation project management from a variety of disciplines such as timber stand improvement, trail construction, GIS/GPS surveying, rain garden installation, habitat restoration and prairie/forest management
• Experience with hand and power tool safety, use and small engine repair.
• Experience in tree felling and chainsaw operations, construction and mechanical skills.
• Iowa locations only: Must possess or be able to acquire an Iowa Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. Corps will provide training and support to obtain license.
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or better
• Previous experience in a leadership role, including coordinating and implementing training.
• Effective communication skills and ability to multi-task and be flexible in responsibilities.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate weekend programming, out of town assignments and emergency response
• 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 using various hand and power tools
• Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
• Working 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 Qualifications

• Leadership experience with youth and/or young adults preferred.
• Previous AmeriCorps experience and previous education or experience in related field is preferred.