AmeriCorps Position Description

Position Title: Education and Outreach Coordinator

Project Sponsor: Walama Restoration Project www.walamarestoration.org

NWSA Mission: This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA's mission is: To preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. www.nwserviceacademy.org

Project Location: Springfield/Cottage Grove/Eugene, OR sites within 20 miles of each other

Position Summary: This position will play an important role in new programs that integrate on-the-ground land restoration, field monitoring, and education events that help build a sense of place for local youth and other community members. Goals for these programs include strengthening community outreach and participation in watershed restoration, and expanding school-based environmental education programs. The member will spend 70% of his/her time on recruiting volunteers, coordinating and facilitating projects in the field, 20% of his/her time organizing materials to compile for curriculum and field guides, 5% of his/her time traveling to and from sites, and 5% of his/her time performing office duties related to program activities. Tasks will include volunteer coordination, school recruitment, curriculum development and gathering field data.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

·      Partner with teachers, students and WRP staff to design and construct a native plant nursery on school grounds.
·      Assist in planning and leading activities in native plant nursery on school grounds.
·      Assist in planning and leading environmental education and field restoration activities for middle and high school students in both the class and field.
·      Assist in designing and tailoring a riparian ecology/restoration curriculum guide to meet the needs and schedules of a variety of time-constrained school groups.
·      Design a volunteer recruitment program for monthly restoration activities at various natural areas in Eugene, OR.
·      Compile a comprehensive guide for growing and maintaining native plants for water and pollinator conservation.
·      Solicit donations of project materials.
·      Assist with general office duties related to position.
·      Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
·      Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
·      Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:

·      Desire to serve with people to promote education, environmental stewardship, and an ethic of service.
·      An independent, self-motivated and creative individual who enjoys working outdoors with various groups of people.
·      Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partners, community volunteers, students and the general public.
·      Serve occasional weekends.
·      Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
·      A cooperative manner and willingness to learn and retain new skills related to restoration and experiential education.
·      Personal vehicle is required for service activities and mileage reimbursement is provided. Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation of such.
·      Ability to lift up to 50lbs.     
·      18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
·      U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
·      Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
·      Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
·      Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.
·      Regular and reliable attendance.
·      Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that term.

Preferred Qualifications:

·      Interest or experience in botany, natural resources and/or restoration ecology.
·      Familiarity with the Southern Willamette Valley region is helpful, but not required.
·      Desire and ability to recruit and manage volunteers.
·      Interest or experience in nursery maintenance.
·      Previous experience working in environmental education a plus.
·      A strong desire to work effectively with middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds.
·      Associates or Bachelors Degree in a related field.
·      Familiarity with Windows, Microsoft Publisher or Pagemaker a plus.     

Member Benefits Include:

·      A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1036).
·      Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
·      Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
·      Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
·      Child care allowance for those who qualify.
·      Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.

Transportation Information:

·      Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service sites. Mileage re-imbursement will be issued at federal standard rates.     

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email your résumé and cover letter to the Project Sponsor for this position – Stephanie Schroeder, steph@walamarestoration.org.  Please include the names & contact information for three references. The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. All recommended candidates will also interview with Northwest Service Academy.

Step 2 - Complete an application online at the AmeriCorps website https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do

1. If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile by clicking “Apply to Serve.”
2. Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking “Applications” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu.
3. To apply to this specific position, click “Search Listings” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy.
4. Select the position listing and click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the page.

Questions about the position? Contact: Stephanie Schroeder at steph@walamarestoration.org or 541-484-3939.

General questions about AmeriCorps, NWSA or our recruitment process? Contact:

Susan Navrotsky
Statewide Individual Placement Program Coordinator
NWSA Lower Columbia Center
55 SE Main Street
Portland OR 97214
503-234-2383 ext 106
fax 503-232-0166
susan.navrotsky@esd112.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER