What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026 Youth Education Leader position at Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa?
Position: Youth Education Leader (AmeriCorps, ages 18-30; 18-35 for Veterans)
Location: Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota
This is not a residential program; participants must secure housing preferably near the crew location
Position Dates: May 26th – August 31st
Service Term and Education Award Amounts:
450 hours - $1,956.35
*Members are eligible for an education award up to the amount listed by enrollment type.
Benefits:
- Living Allowance: $2,400 /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.
Position Summary:
Youth Education Leaders empower youth to become leaders in their communities, explore future career opportunities in environmental fields, and learn hands-on skills in the outdoors. Members will develop their skills in leading youth programming, environmental and outdoor education, and community engagement while guiding youth to gain a sense of belonging and responsibility to the people and outdoor places in their community.
Members will spend the majority of their time directly working with a group of youth ages 14-18. Together with a co-leader, they will guide youth in a variety of projects and activities which may include:
- Hands-on field trips and activities to learn about topics related to the environment, natural resource management, waste management, ecology, pollution, and water systems
- Outdoor education including leading younger children in activities
- Collecting and analyzing environmental data
- Restoring and maintaining habitat
- Meeting and working with a variety of professionals in environmental fields to learn about career pathways and higher education opportunities
In addition to working directly with youth, members will assist with planning and preparing activities, communicating with community partners, and logistics of running the youth program.
Role Clarification:
This is an AmeriCorps member level position, NOT a staff member. While serving in this AmeriCorps position, members need to abide by the below restrictions:
- Members may NOT sign/approve official documents such as AmeriCorps paperwork, other members’ timecards, performance evaluations, disciplinary contracts, project contracts or any similar documents.
- Members may NOT be directly involved in project acquisition or contracting.
- Members may NOT discipline other AmeriCorps members. While they may provide guidance, facilitate meetings, motivate, reward and uphold safety policies on the service site, all policy violations and disciplinary action must be directed to and handled by Corps staff.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead educational activities for youth, including assisting with curriculum development, partner communication, and project planning
- Engage and mentor youth participants using positive youth development strategies such as promoting youth voice and choice, cultivating a safe and welcoming environment, and supporting youth in creating healthy relationships with both peers and adults
- Collaboratively solve problems and confront challenges together with co-leaders, youth participants, and Conservation Corps program staff
- Abide by all Corps program safety regulations as well as applicable federal/state/municipal law and OSHA requirements; communicate any safety concerns or incidents to program staff and project partners
- Complete projects and activities in collaboration with co-leaders, community partners, and youth participants while demonstrating a commitment to the Corps mission.
Hours & Schedule
Schedules can vary, depending on location and position. Members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week.
A typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm including a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for specific events, and members will know in advance when these dates are.
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:
- Youth Development
- Team building and conflict resolution
- Leadership
- Safety and risk management
- MN Safety Council defensive driving
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- AmeriCorps benefits
- Outdoor and Environmental Education
- Teaching and Facilitation
Qualifications
- Ability and desire to collaborate with and welcome youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
- Ability and desire to empower youth to be leaders in their communities
- Ability and desire to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Willingness to adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
- Commitment to upholding Corps values, including a safety mindset.
- Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
- 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)
Other Information
Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against anyone. 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. 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.
Salary : $2,400