Job Type: AmeriCorps
Salary Details: $1,945/month, food support, $6,195 education award, health care
Deadline: Jul 15, 2021
Required Experience: 0 – 1 years

See full job description at https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-service-learning–outreach-coordinator-olympia-washington/2685237190

Native Plant Salvage Foundation (NPSF) is now recruiting an enthusiastic and diligent AmeriCorps Member to support our hands-on environmental educational activities for people of all ages. This position will serve NPSF through Washington Service Corps for a 10.5-month commitment beginning on September 1, 2021.

We seek someone who is an enthusiastic learner ready for new challenges that will develop a range of skills, and enjoys working in a team but who is independently driven and comfortable managing specific projects with minimal supervision but regular communication.

Our activities take place in a fast-paced environment, with multiple projects often occurring simultaneously and in different locations in the South Salish region (mostly in Thurston County)  and occasionally in other locations in Washington state.

Term of Service & Coordination:

The term of service will be from September 1, 2021-July 15, 2022. If successful, you will serve as part of two-person staff team (with your supervisor, the program lead) to carry out all the activities of the WSU Water Resources Program and its non-profit arm, NPSF. You will collaborate with a team of dedicated volunteers under the direction of a board of directors.

Desired Traits and Skills:

We seek someone who is committed to working with community members of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to improve the environment. The successful candidate will ideally have many of the following attributes:

  • Interest in and/or actual experience working in environmental education, botany, natural landscaping, water resources, ecological restoration, communications, or related field
  • Precise and creative written, oral and visual communication skills, including attention to detail, especially in spelling, grammar, and numbers
  • Experience recruiting, supporting, or managing volunteers. In lieu of this: experience as a community volunteer.
  • Ability to independently manage projects of various sizes, while providing regular progress reports to supervisor, funding partners and the BOD
  • Interest in leading small research projects
  • Have developed a portfolio of attractive and informative public-outreach materials for print and/or web distribution
  • Knowledge of computer skills with basic applications in Google & Microsoft suites
  • Experience with or keen ability to learn website management (Squarespace) routines and using online marketing platforms (CRM, Facebook, Insta, Mailchimp, Twitter, etc.) for communication with organizational members, volunteers, & members of the public
  • Ability to do physically demanding work (lifting, using tools, hauling potted plants) in all types of weather
  • Capacity to be flexible and cheerful with shifting priorities, and to juggle competing priorities
  • Open to a workplan that mixes indoor administrative & creative work (60-70%) with outdoor field work (30-40%)
  • Evidence of strong work ethic and independent motivation to accomplish goals
  • B.A./B.S. with preference for broad liberal arts background, with emphasis in fields noted above

Benefits:

  • Living stipend of $1,945/month, plus eligible to apply for food assistance through DSHS
  • Post-service Education Award of $6,195 for prior qualifying student loans or future education upon successful completion of required service hours and term
  • Basic health insurance (not including vision or dental)
  • Covered by Labor & Industries insurance
  • Availability of work vehicle for projects
  • Free public transit in Thurston County
  • Childcare costs covered, if eligible
  • Members with student loans can apply to have qualifying loans put into forbearance during service period and payment of up to 100% of the interest that accrues on qualified student loans during service term
  • Training in: Four-season native plant identification; habitat requirements of numerous plant species; native plant propagation; revegetation techniques; strategies for protecting water resources; volunteer management; leadership and skill-building trainings provided by Department of Employment Security/Washington Service Corps; and additional opportunities in relevant areas of interest to successful applicant

To Apply:

Email a letter (see below) outlining your interest in this position, including (1) how your background has prepared you for this position and (2) how you hope this experience will enhance your future work or educational plans. Attach a current resume and any other materials (writing samples, narrative evaluations, educational or artistic materials, etc.) that might support your application. Letters of support are desirable—they should provide evidence of successful past projects or work that required cooperation, clear communication skills, and strong organizational skills.

Email your letter and associated material to: Erica Guttman, WSU Extension Water Resources/Native Plant Salvage Project, at erica@nativeplantsalvage.org.  Feel free to contact Erica by email with questions prior to submitting your application.

All qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate based on sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, Veteran status, or other protected classes.

This position will be open until filled. We will conduct interviews in summer 2021; interview timing will be based on finding suitable applicants.