The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has launched a new program in Minnesota, to focus on sustainable living and energy issues.

In its first year, the new Minnesota Green Corps will fund 22 corps members, including 18 full-timers. Each member will assume one of five position types:

• Local Government Energy Conservation Specialist — According to the 31-page Minnesota GreenCorps member guidance (PDF): “This member works with a local government (city, county, school district) to assist the entity in reducing energy use and costs for its buildings and fleets. The member collects and analyzes data, helps develop recommendations, and conducts other efforts that will lead to these goals.”
• School Waste Prevention Specialist — “This member works with a local government, post-secondary educational institution, or school district to reduce solid waste, and to increase reuse, recycling and composting in school facilities.”
• Living Green Outreach Specialist — “This member works with a local government, educational institution, or community nonprofit to conduct community campaigns to reduce waste and to encourage environmentally friendly actions in the community by community members.”
• Local Food System Specialist —”This member works with a local government, educational institution, or community nonprofit to encourage marketing of locally-grown food in the community, and/or to encourage community members to grow food in community gardens or in their backyards.”
• Urban Forestry Specialist — “This member works with a local government or community nonprofit to assess opportunities for urban trees on public land, including inventorying existing tree species. The member will also conduct public outreach on the importance of urban trees in the community, including stormwater management and energy conservation.”

Applications (doc) are due August 3rd, and the 11-month service term begins September 9th. Full-time members earn $11,400, with a $4,725 AmeriCorps Education Award (to use for tuition or student loans at qualified institutions).