Organization: About Chehalis River Basin Land Trust
The Chehalis River Basin Land Trust (CRBLT) is a 21-year-old land trust working solely within the Chehalis River Basin. Its mission is “to conserve, protect and restore ecologically significant lands within the Chehalis River Basin.” CRBLT has conserved lands within Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Thurston counties through fee simple acquisition (1530± acres) and conservation easements (2530± acres). And it has also conducted numerous restoration activities, most notably along the Chehalis River in the creation and continuing improvement of The Chehalis Discovery Trail.
Office site: 417 North Pearl Street, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone: (360)-807-0764
email: chehalislandtrust@yahoo.com
Website: chehalislandtrust.org
Service Position: Description and General Duties
The primary goal of this position is to develop and present free land conservation classes and workshops for the local community. These activities will connect people to the significant natural resources of the basin and increase appreciation for the forests, rivers, creeks and wildlife of the Chehalis Basin.
In addition, the service member will participate in a project to expand the Grays Harbor Stream Team program. The successful candidate will help to plan and participate in a Stream Team kickoff event, volunteer orientation/learning, monthly restoration projects, annual site reviews, community outreach, and field studies including a bioblitz.
The individual will benefit from Chehalis Watershed Tours which will include visits with key project sponsors and project locations; this will contribute to understanding of key natural resource issues facing the Chehalis watershed and the diversity of perspectives represented by its local citizenry.
The selected individual will be expected to use social media to reach out to the greater community with an emphasis on young conservationists 18 to 35 years of age. The goal is increased membership, volunteers, and support, and participation. Social media will also begin conversations to build interest, visibility, and recognition of the importance of conservation to local citizens, to water, and to wildlife in the Chehalis River Basin.
The WCC service member will be trained in land stewardship skills such as identifying native and invasive plants and animals and species of concern, photo documentation, baseline site review data collection, the use of GPS, riparian restoration; how to recruit and retain volunteers; how to work with the adults, families and school children in educational and outreach activities.
Qualifications:
• Personal interest in and commitment to conservation of the natural environment; field experience helpful but not required. Training will be provided.
• Capable of managing diverse tasks in a complex environment and working with diverse groups;
• Good project management, interpersonal, and organization skills;
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; familiarity with GPS and mapping software a plus;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and develop strategic partnerships;
• Self-starting and highly collaborative; inspires confidence and trust in others;
• Tenacious, able to respond creatively and with good judgment to challenges;
• A hard worker, willing to be hands-on and brings optimism and a high energy level to daily work;
• Exercises high ethical standards.
• Candidates must be 18 to 25 years old.*
*Age restrictions are based on legislative mandate, limited exceptions may be made for Gulf War era II veterans, reservists, and dependents, and participants with a sensory or mental disability.
• Use of a personal vehicle will be required but mileage will be reimbursed.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Minimum wage ($9.47/hour)
• AmeriCorps Education Award ($5,775) upon successful completion of a one-year service term.
• Forbearance on existing student loans
• Medical Insurance
All applicants MUST apply on-line to WCC at: www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/
-AND- Email a cover letter, resume and 3 references to: chehalislandtrust@yahoo.com