Outreach and Communications Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Corps HQ - ST PAUL, MN, Salary Range: $2600.00 - $2600.00Salary/month,
Position: Outreach and Communications Specialist (AmeriCorps, ages 18-30)

Location: Various in Minnesota 

    This is not a residential program; participants must secure housing preferably near the crew location

Service Term: 1700 Hours - January-December 2027

Education Award: $7,395

Benefits:

Living Allowance: $2,600/month pre tax
Training, certifications, networking
Access to gear lending library
Access to Employee Assistance Program
Health insurance

Childcare assistance
Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)
Service term eligible to count towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps grantee that engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters. Our mission is to cultivate a community of emerging leaders in service to people and the planet. Learn more at conservationcorps.org.

Position Summary: Outreach and Communications Specialists serve alongside natural resource professionals in partnership with agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), higher education institutions, and nonprofits. Outreach and Communications specialists learn hands-on skills in designing educational content, implementing outreach activities, and participating in community events or workshops. The Individual Placements program prioritizes personal and professional growth while teaching hands-on conservation skills in the field. Specialists develop technical skills throughout their term while completing challenging and impactful conservation projects.

Specialists are directly supervised by Conservation Corps Program staff and partner site supervisor(s). Members complete service projects with direction provided by partnering agencies and representatives of those agencies.

Duties & Responsibilities

Complete service projects to the best of their ability, serving safely, effectively and efficiently to ensure projects are completed to the satisfaction of project hosts and the community
Abide by Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns and incidents.
Contribute to upholding the Corps mission.
Positive attitude, desire to learn new skills, interest in community service; represent Conservation Corps in positive manner in public
Commit to completing the entire service term per the start and end dates listed on the Member Service Agreement
Specific projects depend on the site assignment but may include:

Designing educational, outreach and promotional materials, including internet and intranet content, press releases and newsletter articles
Assist with content creation for various social media accounts including asset collection and management, community engagement and moderation and analysis of content performance.
Developing and implementing systems for outreach, networking, and training
Assist in program delivery including managing participants, participating in community events/workshops, and other outreach activities with a variety of audiences.
Communicate with local landowners to develop management plans, gather input on best practices, and provide education materials
Strengthen existing and facilitate new networks of potential partners and organizations
Assisting with preparation of briefing documents and presentations
Attend scheduled meetings, orientations and workshops, including required Conservation Corps AmeriCorps training sessions and site visits
Utilize a work plan tracking document provided by the Corps to track work accomplishments and reprioritize on a regular basis.

Complete and approve timecards and other required reports and paperwork in a timely manner

Hours & Schedule

Schedules can vary, including in-person and hybrid options depending on their site and position. Members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week. A typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, including a mandatory 30-minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours.

Training & Development

The Corps provides orientation and skills training at the start of the program year. Additional region or project specific training may be included throughout the service term depending on project need, length of term and other factors. Examples of potential trainings include:  

Team building and conflict resolution
Leadership
Safety and risk management
MN Safety Council defensive driving
First Aid/CPR/AED
AmeriCorps benefits

Qualifications

Ability and desire to work well with others in a team setting, outdoors and in all weather conditions
Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and weather conditions
Commitment to the CCMI mission
Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and interact with landowners and community members
Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing the criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the state or FBI checks.
High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years)

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with MS Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Strong interest and/or experience in one or more of the following: digital and promotional communications, design, photography and video; create and manage content for social media channels; a desire to work with diverse volunteers, staff, and partners in a conservation stewardship setting, including one-on-one or group events/trainings.

Other Information

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against anyone. Conservation Corps does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military service, union membership, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regards to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Conservation Corps engages AmeriCorps members, ages 18-30, as defined under the American Conservation and Youth Service Corps Act, a subtitle of the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

 
Qualifications: