AmeriCorps position with SOLV - Restoration Outreach Coordinator

Come join a dynamic 6 member field team through Northwest Service Academy! Sponsored by SOLV, the Restoration Project Team will work with SOLV staff, volunteers, students, and restoration experts to foster stewardship in the community.

AmeriCorps Position Description Position Title: Restoration Outreach Coordinator

Project Sponsor: SOLV (http://www.solv.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: SOLV Office, 5193 NE Elam Young Pkwy, Suite B, Hillsboro, OR 97124. SOLV has a number of restoration sites in the metro area, to which the team will be reporting directly. Driving directions will be provided with ample time.

Position Summary: The Restoration Project Team will be an integral part of the Team Up for Watershed Health program at SOLV. Each Coordinator will be highly trained by SOLV on restoration techniques, and will get to know the sites very well. Therefore, the team will work closely with SOLV staff in identifying the needs of each site, and developing maintenance plans. Team members will also work at some partner sites, managed by Metro. The two Outreach Coordinators will spend time at the restoration sites, removing invasive plants, and planting, mulching and caging native plants (70%); lead community volunteers and Green Team students through events on site, instructing and encouraging volunteers and doing quality control (15%); and conduct outreach to the community through presentations and meetings (15%).

Team Summary: The field team will not only perform quality site work, provide leadership and conduct outreach, but they will also be representatives of SOLV in their interactions with landowners, site partners and community members. SOLV staff will schedule periodic presentations and meetings for the team to attend, to provide them with the most up-to-date information on regional restoration efforts and the state of the watershed.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): • Collaborate with staff to implement mapping, restoration, maintenance and monitoring projects. • Track and document restoration efforts. • Learn and implement planting techniques and site planting schemes. • Learn and implement physical methods of invasive plant control and associated plant identification. • Serve with and mentor youth and adult volunteers on community projects. • Conduct outreach to engage community members in restoration project implementation. • Present to groups of potential volunteers to recruit for community events. • 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, training's, 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: • Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation. • Ability to work a Tuesday-Saturday schedule during the planting season (October-March). • Be willing to serve outdoors, in various weather conditions. • Physical ability to travel up to 1 mile each day on uneven terrain and lift up to 40 pounds. • Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partners, colleagues, community volunteers, students and the general public. • Serve effectively within a team and commitment to conservation and the environment. • 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: • An independent, self-motivated, creative and resourceful individual who enjoys serving with diverse groups of people. • Interest or experience in natural resources and/or biology. • Desire to serve with people to promote education, environmental stewardship and an ethic of service. • A willingness to ask questions for clarification and job completion. • Ability to speak Spanish a plus. • Strong interpersonal communication skills.

Member Benefits Include: • A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1036). • Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members 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: • Some project sites are available via public transportation. • Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site.

Application Deadline: On-going until filled. NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled. Type of Position: Field Team Service Dates: January 22 - December 18, 2009 Length of Term: 1700 hours (11-months)

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email your résumé and cover letter to the Project Sponsor for this position – Rhyan Grech at [email protected] . 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 your application in one of following two ways:

• Download application materials from the “How to Apply” page of our website and submit them to Sherrie Jackson: a. Application - Complete the NWSA AmeriCorps Application and submit it via email (preferable), mail, or fax. b. 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. c. Certification Form - Print out, sign and date the Certification Form. This document must be mailed to our office. Or

• Online at the AmeriCorps website AmeriCorps Application: a. If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile. Create A Profile b. Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking “Applications” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu. c. To apply to this specific position, click “Search Listings” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy. d. Select the position listing and click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the page.

Questions about the position? Contact: Rhyan Grech at [email protected] or 503-844-9571

General questions about AmeriCorps, NWSA or our recruitment process? Contact: Sherrie Jackson Recruitment Coordinator NWSA Lower Columbia Center 55 SE Main Street Portland OR 97214 503-234-2383 ext 108 fax 503-232-0166 email: [email protected]  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER