Position Summary: Habitat Specialists serve alongside natural resource professionals in partnership with agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and nonprofit organizations. Habitat Specialists learn hands on skills related to habitat monitoring and conservation efforts. The Individual Placements program prioritizes personal and professional growth while teaching hands-on conservation skills in the field. Specialists develop technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects.

Specialists are directly supervised by Conservation Corps Program staff and partner site supervisor. Members complete service projects with direction provided by partnering agencies and representatives of those agencies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete service projects to the best of their ability, serving safely, effectively and efficiently to ensure projects are completed to the satisfaction of project hosts and the community
• Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents.
• 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

Specific projects depend on the site assignment but may include:

• Habitat monitoring utilizing remote sensing technology, flying drones
• Conducting field surveys
• Organizing logistics related to project and/or travel
• Landowner outreach and engagement
• Perform native plant and tree identification, determine soil types, assess planting success
• Collect various plant and tree samples
• Data collection
• Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in a timely manner
• Some positions may require regional travel overnight for days at a time.

Hours & Schedule

Schedules can vary, depending on location and position. Members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week.

A typical schedule is 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (typical, occasional weekends) including a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours. The Specialist will travel extensively between June and September for field work.

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:  

• 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

• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (Excel, Word, Google Sheets, Google Docs).
• Ability to work independently and plan and execute multi-day, interstate travel excursions
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Motivated, independent worker willing to spend significant time traveling and outdoors
• 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
• 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:

• GIS experience in ArcPro, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS online.
• College coursework and/or degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (Excel, Word, Google Sheets, Google Docs).