Outreach Specialists serve alongside natural resource professionals in partnership with agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), higher education institutions, and nonprofits. Outreach specialists learn hands-on skills in designing educational content, implementing outreach activities, and participating in community events or workshops. 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(s). 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:
• Designing educational, outreach and promotional materials, including internet and intranet content, press releases and newsletter articles
• Developing and implementing systems for outreach, networking, and training
• Assist in program delivery including managing participants, participating in community events/workshops, and other outreach activities with a variety of audiences.
• Communicate with local landowners to develop management plans, gather input on best practices, and provide education materials
• Strengthen existing and facilitate new networks of potential partners and organizations
• Assisting with preparation of briefing documents and presentations
• Attend scheduled meetings, orientations and workshops, including required Conservation Corps AmeriCorps training sessions and site visits
• Utilize a work plan tracking document provided by the Corps to track work accomplishments and reprioritize on a regular basis.

• Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in a timely manner

Hours & Schedule

Schedules can vary, including in-person and hybrid options depending on their site and position. Members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, including a mandatory 30-minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours.

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

• Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
• 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
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and interact with landowners and community members
• 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

• Familiarity with MS Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong interest and/or experience in one or more of the following: digital and promotional communications, design, photography and video; create and manage content for social media channels; a desire to work with diverse volunteers, staff, and partners in a conservation stewardship setting, including one-on-one or group events/trainings.