Conservation Corps Seeks Assistant Program Manager for Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers

The IDEC Assistant Program Manager manages all aspects of Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa’s role in the IDEC program, which is a collaborative initiative between the Corps, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The IDEC program provides a unique college-to-careers pathway for underrepresented STEM college students, specifically individuals who self-identify as women, Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC), and/or individuals with a disability, who want to pursue a career in environmental and natural resources fields. Students receive a fellowship, mentorship, and paid internship during their academic journey.

 

The IDEC Assistant Program Manager responsibilities include managing the development and delivery of the fellowship component of the program, providing ongoing support to current participants to access resources and leverage the breadth of the partnership across the three agencies, coordinating recruitment activity for future IDEC fellows, and stewarding the partnership among the state agencies collaborating on IDEC.

Key Responsibilities:

• In partnership with staff at the Department of Natural Resources, design, implement, and administer the overall IDEC Program, including goals and outcomes, key performance measures, outreach and recruitment plans, application and selection process, agency-sponsored mentorship and intern programs, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Create, implement, and coordinate the mentorship program component of the project to ensure that participants are successfully matched to a mentor who can facilitate the economic, financial, social, and cultural barriers affecting successful entry into natural resources and environmental careers.
• Coordinate summer internships in conjunction with the DNR IDEC Project Manager and CCMI’s IDEC Coordinator, including a rotational internship experience for the fellows’ first summer, and agency placement internships for subsequent summers.
• Coordinate the development and awareness of paid internships, or intern-like work experiences, with partner state agencies, educational institutions, as well as the DNR to ensure that students receive exposure to the work of the DNR, MPCA, and BWSR.
• Through regular check-ins with IDEC fellows, provide support needed to successfully complete their STEM degrees (examples include helping students identify sources of financial support, helping students access childcare, coaching students in time management, etc.)
• Administer fellowship stipends/scholarships to participants twice a year in coordination with CCMI finance team.
• Coordinate recruitment for future IDEC cohorts (typically up to 15 students) in conjunction with IDEC Coordinator and CCMI recruitment team.
• Coordinate and participate in application review and selection of IDEC fellows in collaboration with the DNR IDEC Project Manager and CCMI IDEC Coordinator.
• Support fellows in finding employment in the environmental field after graduation.
• Collaborate and partner with DNR IDEC Project Manager in the program design, implementation, and administration for IDEC activities and program offerings.
• Evaluate the program to ensure a high-quality program that meets the needs of communities, project partners, and participants.
• Prepare program reports and presentations for the DNR IDEC Project Manager and to share program accomplishments with multiple stakeholders including Conservation Corps Program Manager for Individual Placements and Senior Leadership Team.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Three to five (3-5) years demonstrated experience coordinating or implementing programs within or across large organizations.
• Proven ability to work effectively with, interact and communicate with individuals coming from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Knowledge of barriers that affect underrepresented groups, and the ability to successfully minimize or remove those barriers for participants.
• Familiarity with post-secondary educational systems to mentor participants on necessary coursework related to STEM careers, financial assistance, and/ or other beneficial programs offered to assist participants.
• Knowledge and understanding of natural resources programs and public agencies to connect program initiatives and requirements to future sector and market needs.
• Self-starter, strong initiative, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and translate it into information that is useful to IDEC program management team and agency sponsors in decision-making.
• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or closely related field preferred.
  
  

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should apply by sending a resume AND cover letter to HR@conservationcorps.org. Please include IDEC Assistant Program Manager in the email subject line.

Application Deadline: February 22, 2023

 

---

CCMI requires all employees and AmeriCorps members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 OR submit a medical or religious exemption request.

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All positions at CCMI may require duties outside of normal responsibilities.

CCMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its staff and members. Employment decision with CCMI will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. CCMI does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military service, union membership, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regards to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Women, BIPOC, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.