Host Site Overview: The Tallgrass Prairie Center (TPC) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa would like to host an eleven-month AmeriCorps member to help us expand our impact and manage the natural areas entrusted to us. We are looking for someone who is passionate about environmental conservation and also want to apply and/or expand their skills in natural areas management. This member will serve with an AmeriCorps Communications Associate who is completing a second service term at the Center.
The Tallgrass Prairie Center is a nationally recognized center for ecological restoration of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Our mission is empowering people to value and restore resilient, diverse tallgrass prairie. We conduct research and provide technical support for roadside vegetation managers, farmers, conservation professionals, and native seed stakeholders. We are also responsible for the restoration and management of Irvine Prairie, a nearly 300-acre prairie-in-progress in Benton County, and 64 acres of university grounds near the TPC encompassing prairie, woodland, and native seed production plots. In early 2021, the TPC was given responsibility for management and promotion of the UNI Biology Preserves.
Site Supervisors: Kristine Nemec, Roadside Program Manager, and Laura Jackson, Director
Minimum Member Qualifications:
● At minimum members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or working on attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service
● Be 17 years or older (no upper age limit)
● Have a valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification
Position Outline: While the TPC has much of the equipment and skills for management of the UNI Biology Preserves, the TPC lacks the capacity to recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to help with the labor-intensive aspects of natural areas management. There is also a need to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of natural areas. The volunteer coordinator will implement these responsibilities.
Member Duties:
- Complete Green Iowa AmeriCorps performance metrics in collaboration with host site
- Maintain records of service projects in Green Iowa AmeriCorps Reporting Logs
- Submit quarterly reports of activities
- Maintain a detailed timekeeping record of service hours and activities
- Complete a Professional Development Project
- Participate in mandatory AmeriCorps trainings (Orientation and Life After AmeriCorps Training) and National Days of Service (MLK Day and September 11)
Orientation to TPC and associated UNI and community-based natural areas
● Study TPC website and publications to learn about TPC programs, projects, partners, and history
● Participate in staff meetings and Biology Preserves Committee meetings
● Visit and become familiar with campus preserves, Irvine Prairie, and community natural areas and their plant communities, history, management plans, and principal stakeholders
● Pursue relevant training on prescribed fire, herbicide application, chainsaw use, and natural areas management, and become proficient in the use of all safety equipment and procedures
Natural Areas Management (Lead Role)
● Improve the diversity and resilience of TPC, campus, and community natural areas through collaboration and volunteer coordination
● With guidance from the Biology Preserves Committee and TPC staff, implement strategies to increase awareness and use of the Biology Preserves and other university natural areas, including Irvine Prairie
● Build on the existing system for recruiting, training, and coordinating UNI faculty, staff, and student volunteers
● Communicate with stakeholders and partners to prioritize stewardship needs and maximize the effectiveness of volunteer workdays that may include brush removal, seed collection, and prescribed burns
● Prioritize safety by seeking out appropriate training and consistently adhering to safety procedures; document all safety training of volunteers
● Communicate regularly with volunteers and show appreciation for their efforts
● Keep accurate records of management activities and contacts to maintain year-to-year continuity despite AmeriCorps and student turnover
● Augment Plant Materials program capacity by coordinating AmeriCorps members from other AmeriCorps host sites
● Coordinate with AmeriCorps Communications Associate
Education and Outreach (Supporting Role)
● Support TPC project managers and AmeriCorps Communications Associate with stakeholder communications, programming, and events
● Develop and curate a collection of educational activities to be used by TPC staff, students, volunteers, and AmeriCorps members
● With guidance from TPC staff, prioritize and respond to requests for prairie-related educational and community engagement activities as schedule allows
● Table at workshops or conferences that may be held to build community support for the Tallgrass Prairie Center; some overnight travel to conferences or workshops within Iowa may be possible (up to 10 nights total over the length of the position)
● Additional related duties as they arise or assigned by Supervisor in coordination with TPC program managers
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
● Interest in ecosystem restoration and natural areas management
● Ability to walk two miles over level terrain carrying a 25-lb. pack
● Able to obtain an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Category 6)
(for control of invasive species) and S-130, S-180, S-190 certification for prescribed fire
● Strong organizational skills
● Small-team collaboration skills
● Strong interpersonal communication skills
● Attention to detail
● Safety-oriented
● Strong record-keeping and reporting skills
● Organized
● Self-motivated
● Punctual
● Accountable
● Passion for helping environmental causes
● Plant identification skills
● Experience with fieldwork such as invasive species control and prescribed fire
● Comfortable interacting with a variety of people from different backgrounds and age groups
● Comfort serving independently in rural and office environments
● Experience with event planning and use of social media
● Knowledge of Microsoft, Adobe, and G-Suite apps, including Google Calendars, Google Documents
Members can expect to gain the following skills/experiences in this position:
● Experience coordinating with natural resource professionals at a nationally recognized center
● Plant identification skills
● Invasive species management skills
● Experience coordinating volunteers to accomplish natural resources management objectives
● Experience implementing tours and educational activities at public outreach events
● We can help you obtain an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Category 6).
(for control of invasive species) and S-130, S-180, S-190 certification for prescribed fire
This is an AmeriCorps service position
Term Commitment: October 1, 2026–August 31, 2027
Anticipated service schedule for this host site is 8:00/9:00 a.m. – 3:00/4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 8:00/9:00 a.m. – 2:00/3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends as projects required.
Living Allowances are distributed evenly in monthly installments by the University of Northern Iowa over the course of the service term and pro-rated for months where members are not serving the full month. Please note this is considered taxable income and the monthly installments will vary depending on how you fill out your tax information.
Flexible time off is available throughout the term of service, however members are responsible for ensuring they complete the required minimum number of service hours by the end of the service term. The weekly service commitment of 27-30 hours per week helps provide some flexibility in the member’s schedule for vacation and sick time.
Outside employment and school attendance is allowable during off hours.
Program Benefits: Monthly living stipend distributed by UNI,
Segal Education Award upon successful completion,
AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program (MAP), Federal loan deferment qualification, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualification, and interest accrual repayment, training and certifications, individualized professional development opportunities and funding. Members may also be eligible to qualify for childcare assistance through the program - contact program staff for more details.
To apply
On the Green Iowa AmeriCorps website (https://www.greeniowaamericorps.org/open-positions), click Apply Here, complete an 11-month position application, and select Tallgrass Prairie Center as a host site.