Position Title: Restoration Supervisor

About St. Paul Parks – Environmental Services
The City of Saint Paul is committed to protecting, enhancing, and providing access to the city’s natural resources.  The Environmental Services section coordinates environmental volunteer events, conducts monitoring and research of natural resources in parks, restores and manages vital and unique ecosystems, and provide interpretation and education.  In partnership with non-profit, county, state, and national agencies, we coordinate efforts to restore and improve the natural environment in Saint Paul.

Goal/Purpose of Position

Restoration Supervisors are individuals who work closely with staff to help improve and maintain areas of high ecological significance in Saint Paul.  These volunteers act as leaders to inspire the community to become stewards of Saint Paul’s natural areas.  Restoration Supervisors assist with supervising volunteers during large habitat restoration events.  They also lead small volunteer events in the absence of staff.  Restoration Supervisors increase Saint Paul Parks’ capacity to engage the public in actively restoring and protecting our natural resources.

Major Responsibilities

  • Assist with supervising volunteers during large habitat restoration events (50-150+ volunteers)
  • Supervise, motivate and lead groups of up to 15 volunteers during large events
  • Demonstrate and teach proper restoration techniques and basic principles of habitat restoration
  • Assist staff with overall event management including set-up, registration, and troubleshooting
  • Lead small habitat restoration events (10-20 volunteers) in the absence of staff

Impact

Restoration Supervisors directly contribute to restoring and protecting Saint Paul’s natural areas for future generations.  They inspire others to become stewards of the environment by expanding their understanding of the natural world surrounding them and igniting an appreciation of the outdoors.

Benefits to the Volunteer

  • Increase knowledge in habitat restoration, plant ID, and Saint Paul’s natural history
  • Meet and work with people from partner organizations like the National Park Service, REI, and Conservation Corps of Minnesota.
  • Develop leadership skills in environmental stewardship
  • Share your knowledge & gain experience working with people of different ages and backgrounds
  • Access to Saint Paul Parks’ Natural Resources professionals and resources

Qualifications

  • Enjoy leading groups and working with people from diverse backgrounds and ages
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Experience in and enthusiasm for the outdoors and conservation
  • Physically able to perform manual labor  –  light to moderate difficulty
  • Preferred:  some field experience in habitat restoration and/or knowledge of native and invasive plant species

Special Requirements

  • Volunteer must be 18 years of age or older
  • Volunteer must attend two training sessions (see dates below)
  • Must carry personal cell phone while volunteering
  • Must submit to a background check if accepted into position
  • Submit reports and log volunteer hours once per month during growing season

Forms

Volunteers are required to review, sign and return the following forms:

  • Volunteer position description, consent and liability
  • Volunteer Agreement

Commitment

Commitment is for one calendar year.  Volunteers create their own schedule in accordance with the guidelines below, and are required to track and log hours once per month or as needed.

  • April through October:  minimum of one event per month, on Saturdays or weekday evenings.  Events typically last 2-4 hours.
  • November through March:  other special opportunities may be available, if interested.

Training

If accepted into position, volunteer must attend the following two training sessions:

  • Session I:  Saturday, March 26, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Session includes orientation to Saint Paul Parks, best practices in volunteer event supervision, and techniques for planting and invasive species removal.  And while we’re at it, some fun will be had.
  • Session II:  Saturday April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Session includes tour of a priority restoration site along Mississippi River, on-site field training, demonstration and practice in planting techniques and invasive species removal.

Ongoing educational opportunities for volunteers will be offered (but not required) throughout the year and during the winter months.

Locations

Most habitat restoration sites are in Saint Paul’s Regional Parks, including the 17 miles of parkland along the Mississippi River.

Supervisor

On-site supervisor is the Environmental Services staff.  Overall volunteer program supervisor is the Volunteer Coordinator.  Volunteers contact on-site supervisor for questions pertaining to the on-site/field work, and contact the Volunteer Coordinator for questions regarding their volunteering (schedule, etc).

Application Process

All prospective volunteers will go through a simple screening process that includes a written application and an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator and Environmental Services staff.  Please email application to Beth Albrecht, Volunteer Coordinator, beth.albrecht@ci.stpaul.mn.us