Minnesota GreenCorps AmeriCorps Member

Job Overview

Minnesota GreenCorps is a statewide AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), with a mission to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment and strengthen communities. MN GreenCorps members serve full-time at local governments, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions throughout the state. Members address critical environmental issues and help communities build climate resiliency while gaining green job skills and networking with environmental professionals. The Minnesota GreenCorps program anticipates engaging 58 members in the 11-month service term.

AmeriCorps Term and Schedule: September 18, 2024 – August 12, 2025. Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm typical. Occasional evenings/weekends may be required for some positions.

Locations: 58 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, Crookston, Crosslake, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls
• North Central: Little Falls
• Metro: Apple Valley, Belle Plaine, Chaska, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Eden Prairie, Edina, Falcon Heights, Forest Lake, Golden Valley, Little Canada, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Mound, Oakdale, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, St. Paul Park
• Southeast: Faribault, La Crescent, Northfield, Rochester, Winona
• Southwest: Mankato, St. James

Projects: Members serve in one of the four environmental topic areas: community readiness and outreach, energy conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, or waste reduction and recycling. Member activities may include: implementing sustainability-related projects, delivering environmental education, collecting and benchmarking data, improving habitat and water quality, implementing recycling programs, collaborating with community partners, and mobilizing volunteers.

Benefits: Members earn a living allowance disbursed every two weeks in payments of $1150 (pre-tax), health insurance with premium paid, free mental health services with counseling, student loan forbearance on eligible loans, and an education award of $7395 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.

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 in AmeriCorps and commit to completing the 11-month (1700 hour) AmeriCorps service term.
• Must have two years post-secondary education (a two-year associates degree or completion of sophomore year in a four-year degree program) or equivalent experience.
• Must have a demonstrated interest in the environment and/or 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. Personal protective equipment and safety 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 Guide.

You must read the Application Guide before starting your application and return to this page to apply! Applicants may indicate the topic area and region of the state where they want to serve on the application. Please be prepared to briefly describe an experience you have had that demonstrates your interest in environmental work on the application as well. You will need to upload a resume in the application system. Applicants are encouraged to include past volunteer experience and/or share why community service is important to them on their application materials.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview between mid-June and mid-July. Please be sure the contact information provided on your application is current during this time.

Contact

If you have questions about the Minnesota GreenCorps program or the position, contact [email protected].
If you have questions about the application process or the status of your application, contact [email protected].

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.