AmeriCorps Volunteer Outreach Representative

The Volunteer Outreach Representative plays a crucial role in supporting and expanding the Polk County Conservation Volunteer Program. This position works directly in the field alongside PCC staff and volunteers, providing on-site guidance and support on volunteer-assigned projects and at scheduled events that connect community members with meaningful outdoor work. This role is highly field-focused, with an emphasis on being present with volunteers in natural areas, helping them succeed in their assigned projects, and strengthening community involvement in conservation. 

One Three-Quarter Time Volunteer Outreach Representative 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 ($16,620) paid out equally over the course of 1200 hours of service and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion ($5,176.50) to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. This position is a Three-Quarter Time member, who will serve a minimum of 1200 hours over 39 weeks, serving 38 hours per week. 

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 Program, and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits, and requirements. 

Member Schedule: 

• Typical weekly schedule, i.e., a week that does not include weekend or evening programming, will run Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, totaling 38 hours per week 

• Every service day will include two 15-minute breaks, additional breaks must be taken if the temperature is above 85 degrees 

• A 30-minute lunch period is included with every service day, these 30 minutes cannot be counted towards the required service hours during the term 

• Hours during the week can be flexed to ensure the member has a sustainable workload when a special evening or weekend event is scheduled during a given service week, member will have access to event calendar a minimum of two weeks in advance of the scheduled event 

• Member will serve 1-2 Saturdays per month during their term; most Saturday events take place from 10 AM to 12 PM 

• Member is expected to show up before the start of an event to assist with setup and logistics and to stay after the end of the event to assist with cleanup and inventory of supplies 

• Evenings and weekends are built into the schedule with a minimum of two weeks' notice prior to a member being assigned  

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Passion for community engagement 

• Strong communication skills and outgoing 

• Experience with volunteer coordination, event planning or community outreach preferred 

• In progress or completed degree in environmental science, event management, hospitality, or related fields

Eligibility Criteria:

• Certify that they have or will obtain their diploma/GED  

• Be 17 years of age or older  

• Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service 

• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident 

• Possess a valid driver’s license and previous driving experience: Candidate must be comfortable with driving on all road types (gravel, grass, highways, rural, and city roads). Candidate must be comfortable driving in any environmental conditions (daytime, nighttime, rain, fog, sleet, ice, and snow). Candidate must be willing to drive to any location within Polk County, Iowa. Candidate must pass a motor vehicle record check before they can operate any county vehicle

• Candidates with limited driving experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis 

• Comfortable learning how to operate various hand tools, county equipment and vehicles, and trailering  

Benefits: 

• Segal Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service 

 • Living Allowance   

• Professional development seminars and opportunity to network with Polk County staff  

• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies   

• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans   

• Housing opportunities provided by Polk County Conservation upon request  

• Certification in first aid and CPR/AED   

• Iowa Pesticide applicator’s license  

• Prescribed fire certifications and experience with prescribed fires 

• Increase knowledge of Polk County’s conservation and restoration practices 

• Increase knowledge of Iowa’s native and invasive flora and fauna  

• Network with Polk County employees and with community partners and members