Seattle Parks and Recreation
AmeriCorps Position
Outdoor Opportunities Program Specialist
The Outdoor Opportunities Program: For the last 24 years, the City of Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation has coordinated a program called the Outdoor Opportunities (O2) program. This is a free program providing outdoor recreation, urban conservation, and environmental stewardship opportunities to inner-city high school students. During the school year, the O2 program facilitates after school environmental education programming, monthly environmental service projects and monthly overnight excursions. The structured after school programming builds upon urban concepts which are then experienced firsthand during urban restoration projects and outdoor expeditions. Types of conservation projects typically include trailbuilding, wildlife rehabilitation, native tree plantings, and wetland and beach restoration. Monthly overnight expeditions traditionally include backpacking, rockclimbing, mountain biking, river rafting, snowshoeing, car camping, canoeing and sailing trips. For more information on the program, go to the website www.seattle.gov/parks/teens/o2/
AmeriCorps Member Responsibilities: The AmeriCorps member will serve alongside O2 program staff in all aspects of the planning, facilitation, and delivery of the program. AmeriCorps members will be expected to:
oCoordinate O2 participant recruitment at local high schools
oProcess participant recruitment: corresponding with students and their families
oDeliver O2 after school environmental education programming
o Help lead O2 overnight trips
o Plan and facilitate O2 service-learning projects
o Research, design and instruct O2 environmental education curriculum
o Coordinate community outreach efforts and develop and foster community program partners
Qualifications:
oAt least 18 years old
oBachelor’s degree preferred
oExperience or desire serving with diverse inner-city populations to
include: low income, at-risk and under-represented communities
oPrevious volunteer experience highly desirable
oCurrent CPR / First Aid certification. Wilderness First Responder / Wilderness First Aid certificate preferred
oExperience with a host of outdoor activities, which include but are not
limited to: backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, snow shoeing and camping
oSelf motivated and independent worker
oWillingness to serve in an outdoor environment, often during inclement weather
oAbility to lift 50 lbs
oAvailable to serve weekends
oValid Washington State Driver’s license
Length of Service: Service can officially begin October 1, 2019 and will end August 15, 2020. Members will work 40 hours per week.
Compensation:
1.Living allowance of $1,450.00 per month provided by WSC (before taxes);
2.Training and experience;
3.Subsidized childcare provided by GAP Solutions Inc. (if qualified and all parties complete required documents);
4.Health insurance (member only and only if no other health insurance coverage);
5.Student loan forbearance (on qualifying loans);
6.$6,095.00 Education Award provided by National Service Trust (upon successful completion of service term commitment and 1,700 hours of service)
To Apply email:
A cover letter and resume to: adama.seck@seattle.gov
If you have any questions, feel free to call Bob Warner 206-760-3839.
The position will be interviewed as resumes are received and open until filled.