Minnesota GreenCorps AmeriCorps Member

Position Summary: Minnesota GreenCorps is a statewide AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, with a mission to preserve and protect Minnesota's environment and strengthen communities. MN GreenCorps members serve full-time at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or educational institutions throughout the state. Members address critical environmental issues while gaining green job skills and networking with environmental professionals. The Minnesota GreenCorps program anticipates engaging 48 members in the 11-month service term.

Members serve on projects in one of the four environmental focus areas:

• Air pollutant reduction (energy conservation, green transportation)
• Community readiness and outreach (public engagement, education, volunteer mobilization)
• Green infrastructure improvements (stormwater management, community forestry)
• Waste reduction, recycling, and organics management (food waste prevention, recycling, composting) 

Member activities may include: delivering environmental education, implementing sustainability-related projects, collecting, benchmarking and analyzing data, improving habitat, implementing recycling programs, collaborating with community members, and mobilizing volunteers. Specific positions and corresponding activities are listed on the project summaries document available on the MN GreenCorps website.

Term Dates and Schedule:

• AmeriCorps Service Term: September 20, 2023 – August 13, 2024
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm typical. Occasional evenings/weekends may be required for some positions.   

Location

48 positions are available throughout Minnesota. Housing is not provided; members must secure housing near their service location. Applicants may indicate geographic area preferences on the application.

• Northeast: Cloquet, Duluth
• Northwest: Bemidji, Cass Lake, Cross Lake, Fergus Falls, Morris
• North Central: Brainerd, Elk River, Little Falls
• Metro: Apple Valley, Belle Plaine, Chanhassen, Chaska, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Eden Prairie, Farmington, Golden Valley, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Oakdale, Robbinsdale, St. Paul, Woodbury
• Southeast: Austin, Faribault, Rochester
• Southwest: Fairmont

Benefits

Members earn a living allowance disbursed every two weeks in payments of $1,062.50 (pre-tax), health insurance with premium paid, free mental health services with counseling, student loan forbearance on eligible loans, and an education award of up to $6,895 for education expenses or qualified student loans. Members receive training from the MPCA, develop green job skills, gain professional experience, network with environmental professionals, and are paired with a mentor who provides ongoing guidance. In addition to developing valuable skills and knowledge in the environmental field, members also get an opportunity to strengthen communities in Minnesota.

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years or older. 
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. 
• Must be eligible to serve an AmeriCorps service term and make the commitment to complete the 11-month (1700 hour) service term.
• Must have a two-year associate degree or completion of sophomore year at a four-year college.
• Must have a demonstrated interest in the environment and service and community work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to work well independently and on diverse teams.
• Ability to take initiative and effectively manage projects.
• Ability to research and organize information.
• Effective communication, presentation, and writing skills.
• Functional computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet, database management.

Physical Requirements

• Most positions are primarily based in an office setting and require sitting, standing, and operating a computer and telephone.
• Most positions require light to moderate lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and carrying.
• Some (limited) positions require the use of hand tools and/or power tools (e.g., chainsaws). Personal protective equipment and safely training will be provided.
• Some (limited) positions require the ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, such as wind, rain, and high or low temperatures on uneven terrain for up to 8 hours at a time.

Additional Requirements

• Positions that perform driving require a valid driver’s license and ability to pass a driving record check. Some positions require access to a personal vehicle for transportation.
• Per AmeriCorps regulations, all positions require the successful completion of a criminal history check, including an FBI fingerprint check.  

How to Apply: Visit www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps to learn more about the program, review the available positions and locations in the project summary document, and read the Application Guidelines. Apply by Thursday, June 15, 2023.

If you have questions about the Minnesota GreenCorps program or the position, contact mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us.