Crew Leader - North (Duluth)

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa•Duluth, MN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

AmeriCorps Field Crews serve outdoors restoring habitat, managing natural resources, and occasionally responding to natural disasters or community needs. The Field Crew program prioritizes personal and professional growth while teaching hands-on conservation skills in the field. Members develop technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects. Natural resources projects vary by region and crew location, but may include: Invasive species management Stream bank stabilization, erosion control Prescribed burning Trail construction & maintenance Tree planting Basic carpentry Wild land fire suppression Emergency response Projects are in partnership with public land management agencies such as the State Department of Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, cities, counties, and trail associations. Projects are physically challenging and team-oriented and may occur throughout the Midwest, including urban and wilderness settings. Depending on crew location and project requests, up to 90% of projects may be out-of-town assignments, requiring camping for 4 – 12 consecutive days. Crews are led by AmeriCorps Crew Leaders and supervised by two Regional Managers. The Crew Leader position is integral to the AmeriCorps field program’s goal of accomplishing environmental service projects by providing training, education, coordination, and leadership to ensure a positive and safe experience for AmeriCorps Crew Members. Project sites may vary throughout the Midwest, including urban settings and wilderness. Service is generally performed exclusively outdoors and may involve camping for several days at a time. Crews complete natural resource conservation projects such as exotic species management, herbicide application, stream bank stabilization and erosion control, timber stand improvement, prescribed burning, trail construction & maintenance, tree planting, basic carpentry, wild land fire suppression and emergency response in partnership with public land management agencies such as the DNR, USFWS, NPS, SWCDs, etc. The AmeriCorps Crew Leader typically leads a crew of 4 or 5 AmeriCorps members, serving as the primary liaison between project hosts and program staff. The Crew Leader is responsible for the crew’s service and safety during each project. The Crew Leader and Crew Members are supervised by two Regional Managers.

Requirements

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
Based on location/project, some members may be required to pass the arduous Work Capacity Test.
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
Iowa locations: 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 (Dependent on length of position and specific crew expectations)
Minnesota locations: Must possess or be able to acquire a Minnesota Department of Agriculture Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. Corps will provide training and support to obtain license. (Dependent on length of position and specific crew expectations)

Nice To Haves

Experience/education in natural resource management, habitat restoration work and/or related fields.

Responsibilities

Complete natural resources service projects in cooperation with fellow members safely, effectively and efficiently and to the satisfaction and specifications of the project host
Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents
Commit to completing the entire service term per the start and end dates listed on the Member Service Agreement
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
Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in timely manner
Be responsible for crew safety and training in order to promote a safe service ethic and prevent accidents and injuries.
Organize daily operations so that efficient, high-quality standards are assured.
Provide crew leadership in such a manner that members are treated fairly, learn service and life skills, and perform efficiently.