Young adults (ages 18 to 25) are encouraged to apply for one of 160 positions available with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa. Conservation Corps is currently accepting applications for AmeriCorps field crew leader and member positions for the 2014 program year. Positions are available statewide including northern, central and southern Minnesota, as well as central Iowa. Priority application deadline is Dec. 4.
All projects are completed on public land in cooperation with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These opportunities provide technical field experience and professional certifications for future natural resource careers. Many DNR employees got their start in natural resources with the Conservation Corps (formerly MCC), where they learned a strong work ethic and a first-hand appreciation of the environment.
Corps members receive on-thejob training in natural resource management and put those skills into practice working on habitat restoration projects throughout the Midwest. Typical project work includes exotic species management, prairie and oak-savanna restoration, stream bank stabilization, trail building and maintenance, prescribed burning and wildland fire suppression.
Crew members receive a living stipend of $1,210 a month (crew leaders: $1,565 a month), health insurance, student loan forbearance during the service term and a post-service AmeriCorps Education Award that may be used for college expenses or to repay qualified student loans.
A crewmember or leader position with the Conservation Corps involves physically challenging, team-oriented work to accomplish habitat restoration and emergency response projects. Projects are usually completed outdoors and about 70 percent involve camping near the project location. Applicants should have an interest in working outdoors in a team setting, giving back to their community and exploring professional development opportunities.
To apply for the field crew program visit www.conservationcorps.org/apply or contact Mark van der Linden, recruitment coordinator, for more information at mark@conservationcorps.org or 651-209-9900, ext. 31.
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