Member service could include tree inventorying, tree planting events, gravel bed nursery design/construction/management, Emerald Ash Borer management plan development, citizen volunteer recruitment/training/utilization, and outreach and education events. Community Forestry Initiative Members will serve one term of service in a full-time or part-time capacity (40 or 25 hours per week).
Service Activities
Fulfill the duties and tasks outlined by the assigned service site in its Community Forestry Corps
Service Plan, specific activities may include:
o tree inventorying,
o planning and implementing tree planting events with volunteers and/or host site staff,
o gravel bed nursery design/construction/management,
o Emerald Ash Borer management plan development and implementation,
o citizen volunteer recruitment/training/utilization, and
o serve as a host site tree ambassador, providing outreach, education, and community
engagement about the importance of trees in our communities.
• Report data in online systems in a timely and accurate manner. Follow protocols in reporting
on duties and/or tasks completed, including impact to the greater community.
• Follow all required safety procedures at service site.
• Submit timesheets once every two weeks.
• Demonstrate regular, timely attendance at service site. Adhere to a regular schedule of inperson service, determined by the service site.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with Program Manager, AmeriCorps program staff,
Site Supervisor, and other service site personnel.
• Attend all required training sessions and meetings; travel as necessary.
• Assist with statewide preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters which
includes supporting schools and communities in disaster relief activities related to COVID-19
closures and social distancing procedures
Community Need Addressed
Community Forestry Corps Members serve at a nonprofit or public agency with a mission to help communities mitigate and prepare for climate change with a focus on preserving and increasing tree canopy.
Position Outcomes
Members serve at a nonprofit or public agency with a mission to help communities mitigate and prepare for climate change. By preserving and increasing tree canopy, members create a positive impact on our planet and the wellbeing of Minnesota communities, including urban settings.
Trees purify the air, offer shade, attract birds and wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and impact mental health. Currently, Minnesota urban areas need to double their tree canopy to reach the state canopy goal.
71% of Minnesotans live in an "urban" setting
Only 18.4% of urban spaces currently have tree canopy cover
The Minnesota state target for urban canopy is 40%
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment