| Start & End Dates: Feb. 17th – Nov.15th |
Program Name: Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program | Member Term: Three-Quarter Time; 1,200 hours |
Service Location: Chichaqua Bottoms NR Headquarters, 11204 NE 118th Ave. Maxwell, IA 50161 | Living Allowance: $14,400 |
Polk County Conservation envisions a transformative process of utilizing AmeriCorps members to manage undermanaged natural ecosystems in Iowa. The Natural Resources Crew Member plays a vital role in the management and stewardship of natural resources within Polk County Conservation’s parks and green spaces. Working under the direction of the Natural Resources Crew Leader and full time staff, the Crew Member participates in a wide range of natural resource projects aimed at enhancing and maintaining the ecological health and biodiversity of county-owned lands.
The Three-Quarter Time Natural Resource Crew Leaders will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn a living stipend $14,400 over 1,200 hours of service and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion $5,176.50 to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. These positions are three-quarter time members who will serve a minimum of 1,200 hours over 39 weeks, serving approximately 34hours per week.
Daily Times
This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk County. ?Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County. ?However, these positions will be serving with Polk County Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Programand will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits and requirements. ?
*Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance.
Illustrative Examples of Work
The Natural Resources Crew Leader AmeriCorps Member will lead and actively participate in a variety of natural resources management and conservation activities. The focus of the position is on hands-on service, fostering environmental stewardship, and contributing to the overall improvement and preservation of natural habitats. The Crew Leader will be responsible for leading a team of AmeriCorps members in executing impactful projects such as invasive species removal, timber stand improvement, prairie seed harvest, prairie burning, trail maintenance, and pollinator garden planting.
Members will receive training and certifications in, as well as a field day training before service activities begin:
Members will participate in a three-day chainsaw certification training before service activities begin.
Iowa Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 2 (Forestry) and 6 (Right of Way)
National Wildland Coordinating Group Certifications
S-130 – Firefighter Training
S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
They may also have to opportunity to receive:
L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
IS-700 – NIMS (National Incident Management System): An Introduction
Below are a list of allowable member activities and responsibilities, members will be properly trained in all areas:
Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Training and Experience