Youth Education Leader

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa•St. Paul, MN

About The Position

Youth Education Leaders empower youth to become leaders in their communities, explore future career opportunities in environmental fields, and learn hands-on skills in the outdoors. Members will develop their skills in leading youth programming, environmental and outdoor education, and community engagement while guiding youth to gain a sense of belonging and responsibility to the people and outdoor places in their community. Members will spend the majority of their time directly working with a group of youth ages 14-18. Together with a co-leader, they will guide youth in a variety of projects and activities which may include: Hands-on field trips and activities to learn about topics like environmental justice, climate change, natural resource management, waste management, ecology, pollution, and water systems Outdoor education including leading younger children in activities Collecting and analyzing environmental data Restoring and maintaining habitat Meeting and working with a variety of professionals in environmental fields to learn about career pathways and higher education opportunities In addition to working directly with youth, members will assist with planning and preparing activities, communicating with community partners, and logistics of running the youth program.

Requirements

Ability and desire to collaborate with and welcome youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
Ability and desire to empower youth to be leaders in their communities
Ability and desire to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Willingness to 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)

Responsibilities

Lead educational activities for youth, including assisting with curriculum development, partner communication, and project planning
Engage and mentor youth participants using positive youth development strategies such as promoting youth voice and choice, cultivating a safe and welcoming environment, and supporting youth in creating healthy relationships with both peers and adults
Collaboratively solve problems and confront challenges together with co-leaders, youth participants, and Conservation Corps program staff
Abide by all Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns or incidents to program staff and project partners
Complete projects and activities in collaboration with co-leaders, community partners, and youth participants while demonstrating a commitment to the Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community, and leadership.