AmeriCorps
PCC: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD CREW LEADER
Polk County Conservation envisions a transformative process of utilizing AmeriCorps members to manage undermanaged 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. The Three-Quarter Time Natural Resource Crew Leader 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 equally over the course of 1200 hours from the start to end 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 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 federal requirements. Members complete CPR/AED and first aid training, chainsaw handling, and Iowa Pesticide Applicator certifications (Categories 2, 4, and 6). They also earn NWCG certifications (S130, S190) and may receive L-180 and IS-700.
Member Duties :
Lead crews in timber stand improvement, invasive species removal, native seed harvesting, tree planting, and pollinator garden management under guidance from full-time staff. Follow harvesting plans and burn plans to support ecosystem restoration. Ensure proper tool use and safe practices. Build and maintain soft trails at Easter Lake Park using hand tools and machinery after completing required training. Tasks include felling trees, erosion control, and trail clearing. Educate the public and volunteers on project goals. Participate in water quality monitoring and data collection after training. Conduct daily briefings with crew and staff to review assignments and accomplishments. Tools used include chainsaws, brush mowers, loppers, McLeods, rogue hoes, and more. Activities take place in woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and urban sites across Polk County.
Program Benefits :
Housing , Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Living Allowance .
Terms : Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours .
Service Areas : Environment , Community Outreach .
Skills : None
Polk County Conservation envisions a transformative process of utilizing AmeriCorps members to manage undermanaged 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. The Three-Quarter Time Natural Resource Crew Leader 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 equally over the course of 1200 hours from the start to end 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 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 federal requirements. Members complete CPR/AED and first aid training, chainsaw handling, and Iowa Pesticide Applicator certifications (Categories 2, 4, and 6). They also earn NWCG certifications (S130, S190) and may receive L-180 and IS-700.
Member Duties :
Lead crews in timber stand improvement, invasive species removal, native seed harvesting, tree planting, and pollinator garden management under guidance from full-time staff. Follow harvesting plans and burn plans to support ecosystem restoration. Ensure proper tool use and safe practices. Build and maintain soft trails at Easter Lake Park using hand tools and machinery after completing required training. Tasks include felling trees, erosion control, and trail clearing. Educate the public and volunteers on project goals. Participate in water quality monitoring and data collection after training. Conduct daily briefings with crew and staff to review assignments and accomplishments. Tools used include chainsaws, brush mowers, loppers, McLeods, rogue hoes, and more. Activities take place in woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and urban sites across Polk County.
Program Benefits :
Housing , Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Living Allowance .
Terms : Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours .
Service Areas : Environment , Community Outreach .
Skills : None