Field Team Member (29 AmeriCorps Positions)

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.northwestserviceacademy.org

Project Location: 2453 Hwy 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650

Team Summary: Mt. Adams Center field teams are composed of four members and two Team Leaders. Teams will focus primarily on trail work in front and backcountry settings throughout Washington, Oregon, and/or California, but may also be engaged in a variety of restoration projects such as building riparian fences, tree planting, forest fuels reduction, non-native species removal and environmental education. Teams work and travel throughout Washington, Oregon, and/or California over the course of their term.

Below are examples of field teams (all teams are subject to change for the 2010 season):

The Pacific Crest Trail Teams works from northern California to northern Washington doing trail work exclusively on the PCT. Throughout the season, the team hosts volunteers and works with them on the trail. PCT teams travel and camp in front and backcountry sites for most of the term.

The Mt. Hood Team works in the Zig Zag Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest. The team lives in a historic Forest Service cabin and works on a variety of trails in a front-country setting.

The Gifford Pinchot (GP) Team splits its time working on the Pacific Crest Trail and its feeder trails in both the Mt Adams District and the Cowlitz District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Residential Summary: Some teams may be based out of the Mt. Adams Center in Trout Lake, Washington. Satellite teams will spend the majority of their term away from the Mt Adams Center, either camping at project sites for weeks at a time or living in housing located near their project site for the entire term. These teams may stay at the Mt. Adams Center intermittently during training days or between projects. All team members assist with residential chores such as meal preparation, cleaning and recycling at their housing site, the Center and at camping sites.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): 1. Work as a team member to complete various restoration projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. 2. Drive NWSA vehicles to project sites. 3. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner. 4. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days. 5. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements: 1. Capable of handling physical nature of the projects including hiking up to 15 miles; lifting up to 50 pounds; and working on your feet outdoors in rugged terrain and in all types of weather for 8+ hours a day. 2. Capable of safely driving a four-wheel drive vehicle with a trailer. 3. Capable of serving on a team in a residential setting including working together to resolve conflict; staying with the group at all times; acting in a manner that maintains all teammates’ emotional and physical wellbeing. 4. Desire to serve with people to promote environmental stewardship, education, and an ethic of service. 5. Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partner(s), colleagues, community volunteers, students and the general public. 6. Desire and ability to live and serve in the out of doors for extended periods of time. 7. Participate in all aspects of the residential program, including living at the established site(s), completing household chores and helping create a positive, healthy living environment. 8. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term. 9. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. 10. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award. 11. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying. 12. Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency. 13. Regular and reliable attendance. 14. 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: 1. Familiarity or interest in local environment and education resources. 2. Flexibility with changing assignments and schedules. 3. Independent worker and self-starter. 4. Experience or interest in participating in and organizing outdoor activities. 5. Willingness to try new things, learn new things, experience new things. 6. Personal or professional experience working or recreating in the outdoors.

Member Benefits Include: 1. A total taxable living allowance (before taxes) of $6,035, which is divided into $1,005.83 per month before deduction of taxes and monthly program fee. Please note: each month a program fee of $476.00 is deducted from this amount to cover food, training and field trip expenses. 2. Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $2,362.50. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, 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. 3. Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable). 4. Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included). 5. Child care allowance for those who qualify. 6. Free housing is provided for this position.

Transportation Information: 1. Organizational vehicle is available for service activities. 2. Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site.

Application Deadline: On-going until filled. NWSA Center: Mt. Adams Center Interviews: Will interview as qualified applications are received. Type of position: Field Team Service Dates: May 24, 2010 - October 29, 2010 Length of Term: 900 hours

visit: http://mtadamscenter.org/open-positions.cfm