Conservation Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Visitor Services AmeriCorps National Direct Individual Placement
Service Position Summary
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center is a regional destination that provides outdoor education opportunities for more than 20,000 schoolchildren from 30 local communities annually. It is also home to the Fergus Falls School District's Prairie Science Class. Its goal is to foster a sense of wonder, connection to nature and grow our next generation of conservation stewards. The individual will be supporting the Visitor Services Team with that mission by facilitating lessons to the Prairie Science Class, visiting schools and public events. Additionally, some time may be spent in the Visitor Center interacting with the public, assisting other staff with habitat projects around the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District and some administrative tasks to support programming.
Position Summary
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and much more across the country.
This position is part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18-24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria
Member Impact
Member will serve at a US Fish and Wildlife Wetland Management District and the associated Learning Center to gain experience working for a federal land management agency. The member's service will help execute the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, while providing outdoor education to local youth, helping to grow the next generation of conservation stewards.
Schedule
M-F, 8am-4:30pm with occasional Saturdays or Evening for special events.
Hours
40 hrs per week
A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.
Service Location
Fergus Falls Wetland Management District - Prairie Wetland Learning Center
Immediate Supervisor/Title
Naomi Baucom, Director of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement
1700 Hour
Essential Functions
Assist with curriculum-based environmental education programming primarily for students in grades K-8; Assist with educational and interpretive projects such as developing field trips, interpretive programs, and materials; Assist with greenhouse duties
The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.
Marginal Functions

• Provide quality visitor services by assisting at the visitor center
• Assist staff in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District with field projects
• Administrative tasks
• Assist with creating media products and performing minor labor or custodial activities
• Perform collateral duties in alignment with the member's personal/professional interests.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or with a team
• A genuine desire to work with children, and some prior experience
• Experience leading/facilitating youth through structured activities
• Able to engage and manage groups of youth and/or adults for 2+ hours
• Passion for the environment and working outdoors
• Enthusiasm for outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning
• Willingness to learn and receive feedback in a structured, growth-oriented environment
• Ability to supervise and engage children in both structured and unstructured settings
• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude
• Ability to serve outdoors in all weather conditions (sub-zero temps to heat and humidity)
• Driver's license
• Personal vehicle required
• Competence in customer service without constant supervision
• Be comfortable talking to members of the public

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field (environmental or outdoor education, interpretation, geography, ecology, etc.) and/or some work experience that is relevant to the position (park ranger, naturalist, environmental educator), preferably for a land management agency
• Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts
• NAI certification
• CPR/1st Aid

Commitment Required
8/24/26 - 6/25/27
Living Accommodations
Housing available in the Dormitory. Room has a full-sized bed and one set of bunk beds, a desk or dresser, writing tables, and chairs. The rooms are furnished with microwave ovens and a mini fridge. Private bathroom. Shared kitchen, lounge area and laundry facilities.
Personal Vehicle Requirement
Recommended
Compensation

• Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week
• One-time relocation allowance: $1,100
• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $7,395
• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

Service Conditions
Service is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. Service schedules and projects may change on short notice. Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people from varying perspectives. Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.
Equal Opportunity Statement
This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.