This summer, young adults will get the chance to work outdoors in farm fields and local waterways while assisting soil and water conservation district with projects across Minnesota.

Conservation Corps Minnesota is accepting applications for the Conservation Apprentice Academy through Feb. 28 for SWCD apprentice positions and similar apprenticeships at 31 locations.

Mower SCWD is one of the sites that will hire for the summer.

“Our apprentice will be a huge help this summer, staying busy assisting our staff with the seeding program, spot checks on easement sites, water monitoring and soil health work,” said Justin Hanson, Mower SWCD manager.

Summer conservation jobs open for young adults

Austin-based Mower SWCD will have its apprentice apply conservation practices, such as surveying and staking; GPS recording of boundaries; seeding; and delivering and setting up a seed drill. The person will review and record observations at easement sites; input data in a district program; organize Reinvest in Minnesota folders; provide oversight on construction projects; and assist staff with land surveys.

Mower SWCD has a longstanding partnership with Conservation Corps, including Corps members pulling out hundreds of tires from the Cedar River; clearing river hazards for canoes; and removing the invasive buckthorn plant.

Apprentices, who must be age 18 to 25, will serve from May 16 to Aug. 12. Typical schedules run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in office and outdoor settings, with some evening and weekend hours possible.

Apprentices receive a monthly living stipend of $1,255 and, upon successful completion of the summer term, a $1,515 education award.

Funding for these positions is provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.

Participants also receive skills training, job experience, health insurance and student loan forbearance during the service term.

Housing is not provided.

Applicants should have a positive attitude and strong commitment to service and community work; willingness to work independently and on a team; ability to communicate effectively with staff, community members and landowners; ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions and lift 50 pounds; a valid driver’s license; and pass criminal history record checks. Training or experience in natural resource management, agriculture, GIS/GPS and MS Office is preferred but not required.

Applications can be completed online for the Conservation Apprentice Academy at www.conservationcorps.org/apply

Questions? Contact Kellie Lager, recruitment coordinator: [email protected] or 651-209-9900 x31.