Forest and Conservation Worker jobs in Watertown, SD

Title: Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Pipestone National Monument Individual Placement

Stipend: $600/weekly and $280/weekly housing allowance

Dates: April 22, 2024- October 18, 2024

Term: 26 weeks, full time

Reports To: National Park Service

Location: 36 Reservation Ave Pipestone MN 56164

Status: 900-hour AmeriCorps Service Term

Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $3,447.50 after successful completion of term

Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps’ Mission

It is the mission of the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps to lead our nations back to cultural and ecological well-being. The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps is specifically designed to engage Native American youth and young adults. Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps serves local tribal communities in the regions we operate. Indigenous persons and/or area tribal members are highly encouraged to apply.

AmeriCorps Mission Statement:

AmeriCorps mission statement is “to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based direct national and community service.”

National Park Service Mission:

Mission of the National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

ALCC Pipestone National Monument Individual Placement (IP) Overview:

Pipestone National Monument has a three-fold purpose: protect the pipestone quarries for use by American Indian people; preserve, protect, and interpret natural and cultural resources; and provide for the benefit and enjoyment of all people. American Indian people have quarried pipestone for countless generations to create pipes used in prayer and ceremony. The entire park is a sacred place to many people. The primary mission of the park Natural Resources Program is the monitoring and protection of the fragile tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

The ALCC Pipestone Individual Placement intern will help in the success of tallgrass prairie restoration, exotic invasive species removal, scientific monitoring, and developing a new pilot program to engage Native American youth in conservation careers. The remainder of the internship will focus on building relationships with tribal partners, developing opportunities for cultural learning and understanding, identifying obstacles and solutions, and laying the groundwork for future program growth with additional tribal partners.

Essential functions and responsibilities:

This ALCC Pipestone National Monument IP will work to complete tasks and projects outlined below.

1) Provide Leadership to Intertribal Lands Corp enrollees.

• Set an example for youth participant.
• Model leadership among their peers.
• Assist natural resources staff in project supervision and program operations.
• Provide education on prairie plant identification, ecological processes, and cultural and park history to the ILC enrollees.
• Lead ILC in everyday activities under the direction of Natural Resource staff.

2) Assist with natural resources projects including invasive plant management.

• Remove invasive plants by hand or mechanical means (machete, clippers, weed wrench, etc.)
• Inventory invasive plant treatments using GIS equipment.

3) Program development for future ALC utilizing Ancestral Lands Corps model.

• Develop relationships with key stakeholders, including Tribal Employment Rights Office contacts, park partners, and conservation organizations.
• Draft recommendations and plans for FY25 program, including recruitment, housing, transportation, budget, work plans, learning goals, training, and team building.
• Advise Park managers on culturally relevant structure and programming for PIPE participation.

• Ability to plan and organize complex projects.
• Strong social and cultural skills to interact effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Written communication skills.
• Interest in biology, ecology, or other environmental fields.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Indigenous persons and/or area tribal members are highly encouraged to apply.

• Associate or bachelor's degree preferred in biology, ecology, and/or other environmental fields.
• Applicants must be within the ages of 18-30 and/or a Veteran up to 35 years of age.
• Indigenous persons and/or area tribal members are highly encouraged to apply.

Apply Now!

To apply, please complete the online application including an updated resume and cover letter. Any questions please contact Andrea Hanks at ahanks@conservationlegacy.org