AmeriCorps Natural Resources Crew Leader

Polk County Conservation envisions a transformative process of utilizing AmeriCorps members to manage under-managed natural ecosystems in Iowa. The Natural Resources Crew Leader 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 full-time staff, the Crew Leader participates in a wide range of natural resource projects aimed at enhancing and maintaining the ecological health and biodiversity of county-owned lands.

Two 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 ($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 will run from 6:30am to 4:30pm on a Monday through Thursday schedule, totaling to 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

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Interest or passion in the environment, environmental science, Iowa ecology, conservation practices, or GIS

• In progress or completed degree in environmental science or related field

• Ability to work in all outdoor elements with a variety of terrain for extended periods of time

• Walking a minimum of five miles per service day

• Ability to carry 45 pounds on your back; our backpack sprayers weigh this much when filled for invasive species management

• Ability to maintain consistent strong communication skills with Polk County Conservation staff and fellow AmeriCorps members

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

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  

• GIS experience

• Extensive chainsaw training and tree-felling experience