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.

Description of Anticipated Projects:

The AmeriCorps Invasive Plant Management Specialists placed with the National Park Service is based at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway headquarters in St. Croix Falls, WI, located approximately 1-hour northeast of the Minneapolis, St. Paul metro area. Primary duties will support high park priority invasive plant management and vegetation restoration practices in the Great Lakes Invasive Plant Management Team Network of National Parks.  Specialists will assist with manual and chemical plant control, native plant seeding/planting, equipment maintenance, data collection, data QAQC, report writing, identification of native and nonnative plants, outreach and education, and management planning. 

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.

Crew Location (City): St. Croix Falls, WI

Location/Travel: While the position is based in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, field season travel up to 12 National Parks located in Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin (Late April to Mid-October) will be extensive (up to 60 days of travel throughout the summer). Travel and per diem expenses will be covered

Schedule: During the travel season members will serve in a compressed schedule of Wed to Wed 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Outside of the normal field season members will work Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.  

Term Length: 1700 hours, February – December 2025

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
• Truck and trailer operation training
• Use of powered equipment (ATV, fire engine, tracked vehicle)

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and interact with landowners and community members
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and weather conditions
• 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).

Other Information

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its staff and members and does not discriminate against anyone. Conservation Corps does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military service, union membership, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regards to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Conservation Corps engages AmeriCorps members, ages 18-30, as defined under the American Conservation and Youth Service Corps Act, a subtitle of the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.