Position Details

Stewards Individual Placements (SIP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. SIP, in partnership with the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program, is seeking a Community Assistance Fellow to focus on projects in Oregon and SW Washington.

The long-term results of the program will include increased miles of trails, acres of conserved natural lands and associated improved public access, and the implementation of outdoor recreation and education programs.  There may be opportunity to travel to project locations, but given the pandemic, travel is curtailed until it is again deemed safe and necessary.

The Fellow will work and communicate with an Oregon RTCA lead during their fellowship. They will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. The Fellow will also coordinate and participate in any RTCA and Conservation Fellow trainings and “gatherings”.

*Please note that COVID-19 will impact the location of this position. If offered, the selected Fellow will likely be required to work from a location outside of the Portland, OR office for a period of time until the office is open. Because of the nature of the pandemic, we cannot predict when or if this may happen during the fellowship.

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with staff members on technical assistance projects and programs related to outdoor recreation, conservation, and community development, focused on public lands (including Federal land).
• Research and document community profiles for identified target communities in Oregon & SW Washington, to include community description, socioeconomic context and planning and outreach opportunities.
• Help to develop and plan for meetings, facilitate planning discussions and create meeting notes.
• Develop conceptual maps and trail, park and open space designs.
• Assist in writing planning documents.
• Perform outreach to community groups and local government agencies to establish contact and present information about the technical assistance program.
• Assist staff planners in the development of public engagement materials and events: scheduling and planning meetings and community engagement events, developing site inventories and analyses, writing articulated vision, goal and objective statements, developing planning and design recommendations, and assisting with program development.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum age is 18, maximum age is 30.
• Planning (community, urban, regional, park, recreation, environmental, conservation, transportation, etc.), Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource/Land Management, Environmental Studies, Communications, or similar majors preferred, but open to a variety of bachelor’s or master’s degrees and recent grads with a strong background in community engagement, partnership development, team building, and critical thinking/problem solving skills.
• United States citizenship or permanent residency. Fellows must undergo a government background check if selected.
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week).

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Landscape architecture or spatial design experience.
• Experience in community planning/organizing and working with teams.
• Organized and can think critically about how to work through and prioritize steps in a community planning process with multiple partners and invested stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of people in diverse communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (graphic design skills a plus).
• Familiar with virtual and social media tools to support community engagement.
• Passion for working in the environmental field supporting conservation and equity issues.
• Specialized experience with one of the following: landscape architecture, planning, design, GIS, or a related discipline
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and meet deadlines

Benefits:

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $6,195 (pre-tax)
• Living Allowance: $580/week (pre-tax)
• Health insurance coverage for 11-month term (medical insurance with Cigna is available)
• Travel expenses paid to participate in RTCA trainings or “gatherings” (when held)
• Up to $2,500 for professional development support (aligned with role and goals)
• Public Land Corp eligibility: After completing 640 hours, the Public Land Corps provides a special hiring status when applying for permanent NPS positions.