Help wanted: Minnesota GreenCorps
The MPCA is now accepting applications from individuals interested in AmeriCorps service with Minnesota GreenCorps during the 2013-2014 program year.
What do MN GreenCorps members do?
Minnesota GreenCorps member Nicole Soderholm assisted with a carp removal and research project as part of her service with Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District.
Minnesota GreenCorps is an AmeriCorps program, coordinated by the MPCA, which places AmeriCorps members with organizations around the state to spend 11 months addressing environmental issues. More information on the program is available here.
MPCA is planning to place up to 28 full-time Minnesota GreenCorps members with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions statewide to serve on projects in the areas of:
- Energy conservation
- Waste prevention and recycling
- Living green outreach (includes local foods and air quality improvement/active transportation)
- Green infrastructure(includes stormwater management and urban forestry)
Member activities include environmental education and outreach to people of all ages, mobilizing volunteers, implementing sustainability-related projects, collecting, benchmarking and analyzing data, measuring environmental results, field work, collaborating with local officials and community members, and much more.
Where and when will I serve?
All service positions are for 11 months beginning in mid to late September 2013 through August 2014. Members must complete 1,700 hours of service (around 40 hours per week).
Applicants may choose areas of the state where they are willing to serve, and if selected will be placed at host sites that will include cities, counties, nonprofits, schools, etc. One full time member will be placed with the University of Minnesota, Morris. Qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview in June or July 2013. Applicants will be selected for service starting in late July, until positions are filled.
Benefits of becoming a member
In addition to gaining valuable skills and experience in the environmental field, members receive a living allowance, an offer of health insurance, and loan forbearance. Upon completing the program, participants receive an Education Award which can be used to pay off qualified student loans, or to finance future education.
