Green Careers Field Mentor

Job Description

Job Description

Green Careers Field Mentor

Time: Seasonal, with opportunity to become a full time, salaried position conditional on funding availability 

Program Dates: June 15 - November 15, start and end dates flexible

Location: Twin Cities, MN

Deadline to apply: Rolling Applications

ABOUT SPARK-Y:

Spark-Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering youth with hands-on education rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Since 2013, over 13,000 youth have participated in our award-winning programs, sparking personal and professional development, and collective care for the Earth we all share. Learn more at Spark-Y.org 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Are you passionate about environmental stewardship and enjoy meaningful outdoor work? Join our team to help oversee Spark-Y’s work in urban habitat restoration and provide training in native landscaping, forestry, and watershed management to make a tangible difference in Minneapolis communities.

As a Field Mentor, you will help oversee efforts to maintain native habitats, care for trees, and improve water quality throughout Minneapolis. You will lead participants in our pathways program to care for native gardens and implement rain garden projects. You will help facilitate our structured mentorship program designed to build essential career skills while creating pathways to future employment in this growing field. This position reports to our Operations Functional Area Lead.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee a team of 8-15 part time sustainable landscaping staff through positive mentorship, training, and logistical oversight
• Oversee crews of 3-10 people at a time for onsite field work 
• Revise and expand training curriculum related to forestry, urban habitat management, and green stormwater infrastructure
• Plan and facilitate volunteer events and youth education events, with support from Spark-Y’s education and project management staff
• Accountable for accurate and timely data entry regarding onsite field work
• Track and organize project metrics and use real time data to inform daily operations
• Support of client stewardship and day to day communication with clients
• Plan and facilitate 5-10 hours of weekly training and independent learning in native landscaping, habitat maintenance, forestry, and career development
• Assist with other organizational duties as needs arise, such as volunteer engagement, development, social media, facilities management, and more
• Travel to various project sites throughout Minneapolis

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, or another related field
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Capacity to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• 3+ years of experience in landscaping, habitat restoration, or forestry
• Experience with team leadership
• Education or mentorship experience

NON-ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of best practices related to urban forestry and native habitat management
• Familiarity with power tools such as weed trimmers
• Demonstrated leadership experience 
• Valid driver's license

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• $24 - $28 per hour, based on experience
• PTO (Seasonal): Eligible for accrued personal/sick time and 2 paid holidays during the seasonal employment period
• Mileage reimbursement ($0.30/mile) for qualified work-related travel
• Professional references and networking support for career advancement

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

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