The AmeriCorps Remote Sensing Field Technician Specialist position is a based at the Monarch Joint Venture in Saint Paul, Minn. The purpose of the position is to assist with surveying Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands across the Midwest using drones to quantify density of milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants using both aerial imagery and field-based methods. Specialist will organize and prepare images as needed to process via a machine learning algorithm. The Specialist will support all aspects of the project including obtaining a commercial drone pilot’s license (if not already licensed) contacting landowners, managing field logistics and traveling to field sites to conduct surveys across at least 5 Midwest states, supporting communication with partners and others about this project and technology, managing data, and supporting data analysis and report writing.

Members are directly supervised by Conservation Corps Assistant Program Manager and Monarch Joint Venture site supervisor. Members serve in a single placement setting with a partnering nonprofit/government organization. Members complete service projects with direction provided by partnering agencies and representatives of those agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate with private landowners regarding the project’s objectives and to arrange site visits
• Manage travel logistics to visit at least 60 sites across multiple Midwestern states
• Collect aerial imagery via UAV; upload and organize data to support its use in milkweed identification algorithms
• Collect field-based data on milkweed abundance; enter data into an online portal and perform quality control on data entry
• Engage with Monarch Joint Venture partners and the public to build support for the project’s purpose and share its progress
• Prepare training or communications materials about the project and its technology
• Support the development of algorithms to identify milkweed or other target vegetation characteristics using aerial imagery
• Administration: submit timecards to supervisor, track expenditures, submit reimbursements, track mileage, etc.
• Additional duties as assigned: tasks may include, but are not limited to, contacting site managers for habitat management data, organizing or generating media content

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).