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Flexible Schedule
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Saint Paul, MN 55123
General Description iLABS are Dakota County Library’s Makerspaces that offer technology such as 3D Printers, sewing machines, video production, audio production and more, free of charge to the public. iLAB Volunteer Mentors work one-on-one with customers, assisting with creative and technical projects that use iLAB equipment and software. Locations Galaxie Library - Apple Valley Heritage Library - Lakeville Pleasant Hill Library - Hastings Wescott Library - Eagan Date/Time Flexible, Volunteer and Library identifies a recurring day and time they will be available Duties & Responsibilities Share specialized skills related to one or more pieces of Maker equipment or software used in the iLab such as quilting, sound mixing, or graphic design. Assist customers with their specific creative or technical projects related to iLAB equipment. Connect customers with library staff when library information resources are needed. Minimum Qualifications Must be 18 years or older. Must satisfactorily complete an interview and criminal background check process. Must provide own transportation to and from the library. Must demonstrate proficiency at an intermediate or advanced skill in the technology mentorship area. Must complete a background check with Dakota County (if applicable). Desired Skills Strong communication skills. Comfortable interacting with customers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. Patience, creativity, and willingness to help customers learn and solve technical problems. Minimum Time Commitment Ability to commit to one or more 2-3 hour sessions during a quarter (3 months) with the opportunity to re-commit. Activity Level Mild. May include walking short distances over relatively level terrain. Periods of standing or sitting will be required. Comfortable shoes recommended. Required Training Volunteers will receive basic iLAB training before they start which will include an overview of the reservation system and resources for learning about equipment and software. Training will also include guidelines for teaching and mentoring in a library setting, as well as expectations for safety, conduct, and communication. Contact Information Ben Coburn Adult Services Manager Dakota County Library 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123 651-450-2965 ben.coburn@co.dakota.mn.us
Date Posted: May 11, 2022
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Flexible Schedule
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Saint Paul, MN 55122
General Description Since 1997, WHEP volunteers have been monitoring wetland health throughout Dakota and Hennepin counties. They provide important information to city and county planners, engineers, resource managers, and other professionals. The valuable data collected during the season is shared with local decision-makers and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help give a better picture of local water quality and wetland biodiversity and health throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. WHEP volunteers annually monitor and evaluate wetland health based on species diversity and population of macroinvertebrates (dragonflies, snails, etc) and plants. Volunteers use wetland assessment protocols and tools to provide valuable wetland data to their local decision-makers. Volunteers work in city-based teams and are guided by team leaders. Volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds but all share a common interest in understanding and protecting wetlands. All training and equipment is provided by Dakota County. Location/Date/Time Registration will begin in April. Each person will join a team designated by city of choice. The event schedule is determined by the team leader from each city and varies with each team. The program runs May through August (various dates and times determined by team and city). Schedules are available in May. Duties & Responsibilities Participate in group outings as assigned by the group Help collect samples Participate in lab work Attend the assigned trainings Minimum Qualifications Able to stand for periods of time in uneven terrain Enjoys working in groups outdoors Doesn’t mind working in a wet environment Some weekend hours required If under 16, must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older) Minimum Time Commitment 20 - 40 hours during the summer season, hours vary by volunteer Activity Level Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Recommended Training No current experience is required. All trainings are provided for by the county. Below are the three training sessions and locations. Training Field Methods and Intro to WHEP Date/Time Monday, May 23 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Location Dakota Lodge/Thompson County Park - West St. Paul Macroinvertebrate Identification Saturday, June 11 Session 1: 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. or Session 2: 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Heritage Hall Room 203 Inver Hills Community College - Inver Grove Heights Vegetation Identification Thursday, June 30 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. Empire Lake Picnic Shelter/ Whitetail Woods Regional Park - Rosemount Additional Information For additional information about this program, check out this intro video or visit the MN WHEP website. Contact Information Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator Dakota County Communications 1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033 Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us
Date Posted: May 11, 2022
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Flexible Schedule
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Saint Paul, MN 55122
General Description It takes time and money to handle all the waste we throw away. When we reduce the amount of stuff we buy and eventually throw away, we end up with more time, space and money. Fix-It Clinics provide an opportunity for residents to receive free assistance from repair savvy volunteers guiding them through each step from troubleshooting to completed repair. Several volunteer opportunities are available to help at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful. General volunteers to greet residents are needed as well. Location Heritage Library 20085 Heritage Drive Lakeville, MN 55044 Date/Time Saturday, May 21 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Duties & Responsibilities Assist residents in simple repairs of items Provide and encourage a friendly environment of learning and troubleshooting Guide people through each step from troubleshooting to completed repair Minimum Qualifications Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering. General volunteers to greet residents are needed as well Must be 16 or older Minimum Time Commitment 4 hours Activity Level Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity. Comfortable, sturdy shoes recommended. Additional Information For future dates and more information, check the Dakota County website.
Date Posted: May 11, 2022
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Flexible Schedule
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Saint Paul, MN 55123
General Description Dakota County Parks is excited to continue Garlic Mustard removal once again at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Garlic Mustard is an invasive species brought over from Europe that outcompetes our native wildflowers and tree seedlings that various native species rely on for food and shelter. It's a biennial which means it completes its life cycle in 2 years. Volunteers pull the second year plants prior to or during flowering. The flowering plants must be bagged up and disposed of, as the plants can still produce seed even after being pulled! Following a brief training, you'll work alongside Dakota County staff and other volunteers to remove the plants from pre-designated areas of the park thanks to our GMC tracking volunteers. Complete a full ten hours of service during the season to win a fun prize as a special thanks to your commitment. Location Lebanon Hills Regional Park 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123 ( Driving directions) Date/Time Tuesdays and Thursdays (and one Saturday) starting April 28 through June 9, 2022. Various times available - choose as many shifts as you would like. PARKING AND MEETING LOCATIONS WILL BE SENT A FEW DAYS BEFORE EACH DATE - PLEASE REGISTER FOR EACH NIGHT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SO WE KNOW WHO TO CONTACT. Duties & Responsibilities Safely and effectively remove this invasive species. Work with a team to remove garlic mustard from predetermined sections of the park. Remove pulled plants by putting them in black garbage bags and leaving the bags at predetermined drop sites. Minimum Qualifications Must be able to walk on uneven terrain and stand/crouch for extended periods of time. Comfortable with walking distances up to 1 - 2 miles per event. Must be OK with getting a little dirty and being outside in nature exposed to the elements. Fun for the whole family and all age groups. If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator before registering. Extra caution should be taken to those who have allergies to bees and plants. Minimum Time Commitment 2 hours Activity Level Moderate - You will encounter uneven surfaces and extended periods of time on your feet. Most of the work will happen while off trail and you may come into contact with wildlife and other natural elements. Includes walking distances of up to 1-2 miles per event. Appropriate shoes and clothing required. Required Training Training will be offered at the beginning of each work night for those that need it. Contact Information Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator Dakota County Communications 1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033 Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us
Date Posted: May 11, 2022
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Flexible Schedule
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Saint Paul, MN 55123
General Description Support Dakota County Library’s annual summer reading and learning program by participating in the Volunteen program. Teens ages 13 - 18 are invited to volunteer with the library to distribute free books and program materials, explain how the program works, and/or assist with summer events. Volunteens may also assist with other projects when needed. Volunteer positions are limited. Please note, application does not guarantee acceptance into the Volunteen program. Please allow up to 4 business days for your application to process. Locations Wescott Library - Eagan, MN Heritage Library - Lakeville, MN Robert Trail Library - Rosemount, MN Farmington Library - Farmington, MN Pleasant Hill Library - Hastings, MN Date/Time Registration begins in April, program runs May - July 2022. Various times and locations will be available at each branch. Duties & Responsibilities Tasks may include but are not limited to: Distribute free books and program materials Explain how the summer program works to library visitors Assist with summer event setup and other program support as needed Minimum Qualifications Between the ages of 13 - 18 during Summer 2022 Interested in working with children and families Attend the orientation session Volunteens and their parent or guardian must read and agree to the volunteer waiver and parental/guardian release forms Required Training Attending the orientation meeting is required to volunteer. Each branch will have a certain training date/time. Activity Level Mild - Accessible to all participants. May include walking short distances. Periods of standing or sitting will be required. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Date Posted: May 11, 2022
