Maaji-akii-gikenjigewin Field Crew Leader

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa•Cloquet, MN

About The Position

The Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin, Starting out in Earth Conservation, crew engages motivated Indigenous young adults, ages 18+, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the Fond du Lac Reservation and within the 1837, 1842, and 1854 ceded territories. The Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin crew will work with current FDL Resource Management professionals to gain valuable experience and skills, to prepare for future careers in the natural resources field. Crew members will work on challenging and impactful conservation projects that may include: Invasive species management Community gardening Prescribed burning Trail construction & maintenance Tree planting Habitat Restoration Wildland fire suppression Wolf population Monitoring and Management Emergency response The Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin Crew Leader position is integral to this 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 its Crew Members. The Crew Leader will begin two weeks before the rest of the field crew members join, to get one-on-one training with CCMI staff. This will serve as a training and learning period to get better acquainted with FDL Resource Management staff, crew supervision techniques, CCMI policies and procedures, and project expectations and responsibilities. This training will occur both on the Reservation and in the ceded territories and could take place in the office or outdoors. The Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin crew will work to conserve and restore rivers, wetlands, watersheds, forests, and other important ecosystems within the FDL reservation; expand access to the outdoors for FDL Band members; engage Tribal youth in conservation work to prepare them for careers in natural resources; and support the conservation plans of FDL Resource Management, with a focus on locally led and designed conservation efforts that support and respect Tribal sovereignty and cultural knowledge. By the end of the term, the entirety of the crew, and specifically the crew leader, will have a wide breadth of understanding of management activities occurring within the FDL Reservation and ceded territories, and be prepared for future careers in a variety of fields occurring within resource management at a local, state, and federal level. The Maajii-akii-Gikenjigewin Crew Leader will lead a crew of 4 Crew 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 FDL Resource Management and CCMI staff.

Requirements

Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
Ability to perform project work in a safe manner, while wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, CCMI steel-toed work boots, and hearing protection (when using loud equipment such as brush saws, chain saws, etc)
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 outdoors in all weather conditions Flexible schedule to accommodate week-long out of town assignments and emergency response
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

Nice To Haves

Experience/education in natural resource management, habitat restoration work and/or related fields.
Experience in hand and power tool safety is preferred.
Must possess or be able to acquire a Minnesota Department of Agriculture Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. CCMI will provide training and support to obtain license.
Familiarity with FDL community resources and services

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 FDL and Conservation 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.
Complete the entire service term per the start and end dates listed on the Member Service Agreement
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.
Coordinate public relations so that the community is aware of program accomplishments and crews are involved in communities in which they serve.