Community Outreach Facilitator
Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program
Government-Civil Service | Seasonal | Onsite | Des Moines
Posted: 11/2/26
Job Description
The Community Outreach Facilitator plays a crucial role in supporting and expanding the Polk County Conservation Community unity Volunteer Program. This position works directly in the field alongside PCC staff and community volunteers, providing on-site guidance and support on community volunteer-assigned projects and at scheduled events that connect community volunteers with meaningful outdoor work. This role is highly field-focused, with an emphasis on being present with community volunteers in natural areas, helping them succeed in their assigned projects, and strengthening community involvement in conservation.
One Three-Quarter Time Community Outreach Facilitator will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps volunteers develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé; earn a living stipend ($16,620) paid out equally over the course of 1200 hours of service; and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion ($5,176.50) to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. This position is a Three-Quarter Time volunteer, who will serve a minimum of 1200 hours over 39 weeks, serving 39 hours per week.
This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation, and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk County. Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County. However, these positions will be serving with Polk County Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program, and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits, and federal requirements.
Volunteer Schedule:
The typical weekly schedule will be established with the selected candidate to ensure they do not exceed 40 hours per week, candidates can expect the typical schedule to fall within Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Every service day will include two 15-minute breaks; additional breaks must be taken if the temperature is above 85 degrees
A 30-minute lunch period is included with every service day; these 30 minutes cannot be counted towards the required service hours during the term
Hours during the week can be flexed to ensure the volunteer has a sustainable workload when a special evening or weekend event is scheduled during a given service week, volunteer will have access to event calendar a minimum of two weeks in advance of the scheduled event
Volunteer will serve 1-2 Saturdays per month during their term; most Saturday events take place from 10 AM to 12 PM
Volunteer is expected to show up before the start of an event to assist with setup and logistics and to stay after the end of the event to assist with cleanup and inventory of supplies
Evenings and weekends are built into the schedule with a minimum of two weeks' notice prior to a volunteer being assigned
Listed below are key annual events that occur during the spring and summer:
May | Spring Into Action | Woodland Restoration
June | National Trails Day | Trail Construction
April, May, June | Tree Planting at identified priority woodland
*Volunteers must not serve any hours on the major federal holidays – New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This includes checking emails, self-directed training, or teleservice. If the Host Site is open on one of these holidays and volunteers are expected to serve, the site supervisor should work with Program to gain approval for this volunteer service prior to the holiday. For any of the other federal holidays, including MLK Day, Presidents Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Veterans Day, Host Sites will communicate expectations of volunteer service in advance. If the Host Site is closed on one of more of those lesser holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas eve) or the Host Site recognizes other workdays when major federal holidays fall on weekend days, volunteers should not check their email, complete timesheets, or do teleservice on those days either unless they follow the procedure above. Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the volunteer has a compelling personal circumstance.
Address
2616 36th St
Essential Job Functions
Essential Functions:
Develop and implement practices for recruiting new community members for Polk County Conservation as well as retaining current participants
Creation of email campaigns for online outreach
Development of social media posts and videos promoting conservation projects to increase engagement from a younger demographic
Represent Polk County Conservation’s Community Volunteer Program through in-person outreach activities, such as communicating with community members while out in the field and outreach booths with partner organizations
Schedule and coordinate activities by assigning registered attendants to appropriate tasks based on age, skillset, and interests
Communicate effectively with the public regarding project details, expectations, proper tool use, and logistical information
Facilitate small groups during events to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently
Provide assistance with preparation by collecting tools and PPE supplies, preparing mulch buckets for tree planting events, providing demonstrations of how the task should be completed, provide additional in-field support to community members assisting with the natural resources project, and participate in the event when not assisting with the previously listed tasks
Train community volunteers on specific tasks and techniques relevant to project assignments
Proper tool usage, such as shovels, trowels, dandelion weeders, loppers, handsaws, folding saws, and pruners
Participate in and complete additional trainings essential for service duties at the discretion of Polk County Conservation Staff
Non-Essential Functions:
Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to natural resource management
Train with full-time staff to learn about the maintenance and care for tools, equipment, vehicles, the Natural Resources Headquarters workshop, and the hangars located on the Leh’s property
Participate in water quality monitoring across Polk County
Receive training on water quality testing procedures from Polk County Conservation Water Quality Program Coordinators
Provide integral water quality data to allow broad analysis of the water quality in Polk County, Iowa to identify if intervention
Volunteers may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description that support the AmeriCorps program design and will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will volunteers be asked to perform prohibited activities.
Education
Interest or passion in the environment, environmental science, Iowa ecology, conservation practices, or community engagement
In progress or completed degree in environmental science, event management, hospitality, or related field
Experience
Outgoing persons with previous experience in community volunteer coordination, event planning, or community outreach are preferred but not required
Possess a valid driver's license and previous driving experience
-Must be comfortable driving on all road types (gravel, grass, highways, rural, and city roads)
-Must be comfortable driving in any environmental conditions (daytime, nighttime, rain, fog, sleet, ice, and snow)
-Must be willing to dirve to any location within Polk County, Iowa
-Must pass a motor vehicle record check before they can operate any county vehicle
Benefits
Volunteers will receive the following training and certifications before service activities begin:
Volunteers will complete CPR/AED and first aid certification through Heart Saver online modules and an in-person practical skills test
Mental Health First Aid training
Iowa Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 4 (Core), 2 (Forestry) and 6 (Right of Way)
-Volunteers must read each designated booklet in order to register for each corresponding category test
-Testing occurs online and utilizes LockDown Browser application that records video of the tester during the timed tests, personal laptops may be utilized for testing or computers will be available for volunteers to use
-Volunteers must receive an 80% or better to receive category certifications
-Volunteers receive their Iowa Pesticide Applicator’s License once all three category tests are successfully passed
National Wildland Coordinating Group Certifications:
S-130 – Firefighter Training
S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
They may also have the opportunity to receive additional certifications in:
L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
IS-700 – NIMS (National Incident Management System): An Introduction
All Environmental Steward volunteers in the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program are required to complete CPR/AED and first aid online modules, Mental Health First Aid training, Iowa Pesticide Applicator tests in Core, 2, and 6, and the National Wildland Coordinating Group online modules of S-130 and S-190 within three weeks subsequent of their official start date. Failure to complete these trainings and certifications in a timely manner will result in a volunteer not receiving integral certifications utilized by the Program. Missing or skipping trainings and certifications could impact the ability of a volunteer to remain enrolled within the Program.
The Volunteer Outreach Representative will receive the following additional training:
Communicating and presenting environmental information to the community and partners using flyers and geographical aspects while out in the field
Shadowing Volunteer Coordinators during public events to learn expectations, community volunteer event rules, priorities during events, event preparation, and event cleanup
Learning how to educate a wide age range of community members assisting with conservation projects through shadowing and in-field practice during events
Identification characteristics of common garden weeds to facilitate garden bed maintenance projects
Public speaking fundamentals with Volunteer Coordinators
Community member recruitment practices using flyers, in-person community outreach, social media, and email outreach
Basic background and history of key Polk County Conservation parks and land parcels where projects take place
Segal Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service
Living Allowance
Professional development seminars and opportunity to network with Polk County staff
Childcare coverage if the volunteer qualifies
Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans
Housing opportunities provided by Polk County Conservation upon request
Certification in first aid and CPR/AED
Mental Health First Aid training
Iowa Pesticide applicator’s certification
Prescribed fire certifications and experience with prescribed fires
Increased knowledge of Polk County’s conservation and restoration practices
Increased knowledge of Iowa’s native and invasive flora and fauna
Network with Polk County employees and with community partners
About the Company
The Polk County Conservation Board’s mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long term protection of Polk County’s natural heritage.
The Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program strengthens communities, expands access to high-quality natural spaces, and advances environmental stewardship throughout Polk County and central Iowa. Through hands-on service, AmeriCorps Volunteers support conservation initiatives, community engagement efforts, and outdoor recreation programming that creates a lasting impact for our local communities and Iowa's unique ecosystems.
Volunteers gain meaningful, hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, community engagement, community volunteer coordination, environmental education, and outdoor recreation programming. Throughout their service term, Volunteers receive direct mentorship and support from community partners and Polk County Conservation staff, helping them build professional skills and prepare them for future careers in conservation and public service.
AmeriCorps Volunteers contribute to a wide variety of conservation and recreation initiatives, including prescribed burns, native tree plantings, invasive species management, habitat restoration projects, community volunteer events, and public land stewardship advocacy. Volunteers also support and expand outreach and recreation programming designed to serve Iowa’s Veteran population and persons with disabilities.
The impact of AmeriCorps service extends far beyond a single term. Volunteers leave a lasting impact on the community, strengthen Polk County’s natural resources, and gain valuable experience that prepare them to become the next generation of the United States workforce.
Travel Required
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
Marissa Merical