Education Assistant – AmeriCorps Bellingham, WA

Education Assistant – AmeriCorps Bellingham, WA

Service dates: 1/12/2009 – 11/20/2009

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association http://www.n-sea.org

Project Location: 2445 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226

Position Summary: The Education Assistant position will help address the decline of wild salmon stocks in

Whatcom County by expanding Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association's (NSEA) operational capacity in the

following ways: (1) assisting in the development, coordination, and implementation of NSEA's monitoring, restoration, and

education programs (2) recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers and interns working on a variety of NSEA

monitoring, restoration, and education projects (3) assisting in the evaluation and development of NSEA monitoring,

restoration, and education programs. The Education Assistant can expect to spend about 40% of their time implementing

NSEA programs, 40% increasing volunteer involvement, and 20% of their time evaluating and developing NSEA

programs.

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

1. Organize, coordinate, and facilitate large community public events.

2. Develop and update new and existing NSEA outreach and educational materials, including displays for public events, NSEA's quarterly Fish Tales newsletter, NSEA's monthly Fish Bytes electronic newsletter, and event publications.

3. Coordinate and facilitate outreach events, booths, and additional outreach activities in the community, including educational presentations featuring NSEA's salmon recovery efforts to community groups, clubs, college classes, elder hostels, rotary groups, businesses, and others.

4. Recruit, coordinate, support, and manage volunteers to support community events and NSEA programs.

5. Coordinate business sponsorships and in-kind contributions for community events.

6. Create and distribute press releases highlighting NSEA's salmon recovery work in relation to community interests.

7. Document work goals, projects accomplished, targets met, and develop a program guide for future organization use.

8. Train and provide orientation for NSEA volunteers.

9. Maintain NSEA's database of volunteer records, tracking hours and grant earmarks corresponding to NSEA outreach programs.

10. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.

11. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

12. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:

1. Personal vehicle is required for service activities and mileage reimbursement is approved.

2. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.

3. Passion for the environment and salmon recovery.

4. Ability to work with a diverse population of community volunteers and students.

5. Proficient use of computer programs including: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point and Adobe PhotoShop, PageMaker, and InDesign.

6. Basic knowledge of stream ecology, with a preferred emphasis on Pacific Northwest natural history, water quality parameters, macroinvertebrates, Pacific salmon, the salmon lifecycle, native plants, and stream restoration.

7. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

9. Well-organized and able to multi-task.

10. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.

11. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

12. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

13. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.

14. Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.

15. Regular and reliable attendance.

16. Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. BA in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Environmental Journalism or related field.

2. Experience presenting to large groups (20+ people).

3. Experience working with a diversity of individuals.

4. Experience preparing publication materials for outreach and environmental education.

Member Benefits Include:

1. A total taxable living allowance (before taxes) of $1036.00.

2. 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, 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.

Transportation Information:

1. Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Application Deadline: Will occur as qualified applications are received. NWSA Center: Mt. Adams Center

Interviews: Will interview as qualified applications are received. Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: January 12, 2009 - November 20, 2009 Length of Term: 1700 hours

How to apply:

Step 1 - Complete your application in one of the following two ways:

Online at the AmeriCorps website AmeriCorps Application www.americorps.gov/Default.asp

If you do not already have a username and password, you must Create A Profile https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do

-Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking "Applications" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu.

-To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy.

-Select the position listing and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

OR

Download application materials from the How to Apply https://nwserviceacademy.org/apply.cfm page of our website and submit them to Stephanie Ludlow:

- Application - Complete the NWSA AmeriCorps Application and submit it via email (preferable), mail, or fax.

- Two Written References - Have your recommenders fill out the NWSA Reference Form and send it directly to NWSA. References may be submitted by email (preferable), mail, or fax.

- Certification Form - Print out, sign and date the Certification Form. This document must be mailed to our office.

Step 2 - Send resume and cover letter to Stephanie Ludlow at [email protected].

Questions? Contact Stephanie Ludlow at 509-395-3465.

Stephanie Ludlow

Recruitment Coordinator

NWSA - Mt. Adams Center

2453 HWY 141

Trout Lake, WA 98650

T (509) 395-3465

F (509)395-3689

www.nwserviceacademy.org

www.mtadamscenter.org