Youth Corps Coordinator

Youth Corps Coordinator

Under general supervision of the Environmental Education Coordinator, develops and implements all aspects of a multi-faceted youth development work program coordinating Polk County Conservation’s Youth Corps. Oversees the Youth Corps program and serves as the program coordinator. Assists with community outreach and engagement in the Environmental Education Division.

This is a year-round, full-time position (FTE 1.0). 

Illustrative Examples of Work:

1. Maintains and establishes contacts and partnerships with federal, state, and non-governmental personnel to increase the diverse number of program project sponsors; coordinates internal and external communication and networking with applicable departments and organizations for the Youth Corps program; presents to local organizations to promote the Youth Corps program. 
2. Recruits and trains Crew Leaders and Crew Members; develops Youth Corps materials including but not limited to, handbooks, forms, applications, timesheets, interview rubric, letters of communication, hire packets, work project reports, and behavior reports; oversees Youth Corps crews and delegates duties and responsibilities to seasonal Crew Leaders. 
3. Oversees and reviews behavior reports, administers disciplinary action, including suspensions and/or terminations of Youth Corps participants; tracks Youth Corps expenditures, projects, hours and statistics. Prepares end-of-year program reports and presentations as necessary.
4. Acts as an environmental educator in the field; provides on-site project support and ensures on-site safety protocols; collaborates and coordinates with staff and partners to determine appropriate conservation work projects and coordinate work project site logistics. 
5. Coordinates overnight service camping trip. Orders and supports the repair and maintenance of tools and equipment and maintains inventory
6. Assists in promotional strategies and media plans for Youth Corps recruitment; assists in grant writing coordination and sponsor/donation collaboration.
7. Assists with various projects in multiple departments as assigned.
8. Performs related duties as assigned. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the current principles and practices of effective supervision with youth and young adult age groups.
• Knowledge of current conservation and environmental issues.
• Knowledge of general construction methods and natural resources management. Knowledge of general safety guidelines and practices.
• Skill in organization and mentoring. 
• Ability to multitask and to be flexible with responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of seasonal staff.
• Ability to act independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively interact with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to problem solve and respond competently to a variety of unforeseeable situations.
• Ability to efficiently use computer applications, data management, word processing and spreadsheet/data analysis.
• Ability to read, write, and effectively communicate orally and in writing in English.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate a truck/van with trailer hook-up in different terrains.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other agency representatives, media, volunteers, and general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.
• Ability to operate audiovisual equipment.
• Ability to read GPS maps and coordinates, satellite photos, and maps.
• Ability to have a flexible work schedule (to include nights and weekends, if needed)
• Ability to oversee contracted Youth Corps members, volunteers, off-grounds crews, and work release individuals on various projects, tools, and equipment. 

Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental science, natural resource management, biology or other related field, and
• Three years experience working with youth, including one year of working in an outdoor setting. 
• Experience supervising youth is preferred. 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Special Requirements:·        

• A criminal background check is required.·  
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and Physical Capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position as shown on the attached Physical Capacity Profile.
• CPR/AED and First Aid is required within six months of hire. 
• A valid State of Iowa (Class D endorsement) driver’s license is required.