POSITION SUMMARY:

The Habitat Restoration Specialist is a seasonal AmeriCorps position with EarthCorps. This position plays a critical support role to our field services team by serving as a project assistant and supporting crews in the field.

Habitat Specialists will spend 80% of their time coordinating or implementing habitat restoration projects, providing logistical support for crew services and carrying out on the ground restoration as part of a three-person specialist crew. They will also spend 20% of their time in EarthCorps workshops, retreats, orientations, and outside trainings. The Habitat Specialist will have the opportunity to serve as an informal advisor and mentor to EarthCorps crews.

This position is managed by an EarthCorps program manager and supervised by EarthCorps project managers, and is offered through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). As such, all applicants must meet the requirements to become an AmeriCorps member and abide by AmeriCorps policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Coordination:

• Assist project managers with field projects, volunteer events, and site documentation.
• Serve as on-site project leader for EarthCorps in the absence of a project manager.
• Order and deliver materials to habitat restoration crews working in the field as needed.
• Practice public speaking and networking skills through communications with agency contacts, outreach opportunities, and a culminating capstone project.

Crew Support/Leadership

• As assigned, establish clear goals & objectives with habitat restoration crews including quality/quantity of work, timeline, and safety standards.
• Foster and encourage leadership development and interaction among crew participants.
• Lead by example and inspire a shared vision while serving alongside EC restoration and volunteer crews in all weather conditions.
• Assist in the maintenance and management of field infrastructure (tools, vehicles, facilities, and equipment).

Field Work

• Assist science team with monitoring, data collection, and other duties as needed.
• Carry out field work, including: invasive plant removal, native plant installation, green storm water, infrastructure maintenance, integrated pest management, volunteer management and trail work as part of a three-person specialist on an assigned basis.
• Support the logistics team when needed by helping maintain tools and equipment, prepare and food shop for camping trips, manage facilities maintenance, deliver materials to crews, etc.

Communication:

• Conduct effective and timely communication with supervisor, agency personnel and field staff.
• Prepare timely oral and written reports, which include project packets, daily work logs, work projects summaries, equipment use and maintenance logs, effective feedback and incident reports.
• Strive for professional, clear, and open communication amongst the field services team, all staff and agency contacts.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and awareness of cultural differences and commitment to working in an inclusive environment.

TERMS OF SERVICE:

• PERIOD OF SERVICE: January 11 – December 14, 2020
• TYPICAL HOURS OF SERVICE: 7:00am-5:30pm Tuesday through Friday, some evenings, overnights, and weekends are required
• Stipend of $1925/month

Habitat restoration is physically demanding service that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions.  Each year new members consistently underestimate the physical and mental requirements. The Habitat Specialist must have the capacity to perform restoration tasks in challenging physical situations and ability to motivate others. Service regularly involves:

• Long days of repetitively shoveling, digging, and swinging heavy tools.
• Heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. and bending.
• Working, eating, and sometimes camping in the outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat/cold/rain.
• Walking on steep or uneven terrain up to 8 mi. (13 km) while carrying 40 lbs. (18 kg) of weight.
• Performing herbicide applications.

Please consider the nature of the work prior to applying and let us know if you have any specific questions or concerns.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• US (any state) driver’s license and comfort driving 12 passenger vans and large trucks.
• Possession of or ability to acquire a WA State pesticide applicators license.
• Experience leading and facilitating in a team setting.
• Familiarity with restoration techniques.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest ecology.
• Works well independently and is self-motivated.
• Capacity to delegate, multitask, stay organized and be responsive.
• Professional and positive attitude and experience in a customer service setting.
• Effective cross-cultural communication.
• Experience leading crews in habitat restoration work.
• Experience with the use and maintenance of hand and power tools.
• Experience with front and backcountry camping equipment, e.g. tents, stoves, and meal planning.

BENEFITS:

• AmeriCorps education award of $6,095 upon completion of 1,700 hours of service and all program activities.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training provided if needed.
• Days off permissible as designated by EarthCorps (with 4 personal days as standard).
• Holidays will be paid as designated by EarthCorps.
• Medical Insurance is provided.
• Subsidized ORCA Pass for bus transportation.
• Boots, pants, t-shirt, rain gear, and safety equipment provided.

EarthCorps does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, religion.