Skagit Land Trust seeks a Stewardship Event Coordinator to support community stewardship of conservation areas, particularly by recruiting new volunteers and organizing volunteer workparties on Trust conservation areas. This position will be focused on engaging a diverse audience of Skagit County in stewarding Trust lands. Volunteer events introduce community members to Trust lands, while allowing the Trust to improve the ecological condition of at-risk conservation lands. This program resides within the Stewardship department of the Trust and seeks to engage people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in life-long stewardship and conservation activities.

The AmeriCorps member will assist staff with increasing community awareness of Trust volunteer opportunities, and engaging greater numbers of volunteers on conservation areas across the county to help improve the condition of Trust lands. The member will prepare for and lead a wide variety of stewardship field events for volunteers, and will also regularly assist staff and volunteers with stewardship projects such as monitoring properties, marking property boundaries, surveying for invasive species and connecting with conservation area visitors. The member should expect to spend at least 60% of their time serving out in the field.

Applicants should have an academic background in environmental studies or science, ecology, biology, or have some relevant stewardship experience. They should be organized, ready to enthusiastically lead community members with varied backgrounds, comfortable serving outside in the elements, and able to serve independently as well as in a team. This position is contingent on funding.

Pay: Monthly stipend of $1,450 through AmeriCorps program (amount likely to increase slightly)
Duration: September 1, 2020 – July 15, 2021
Benefits: Health Insurance provided by AmeriCorps program. After completing 1700 hours of service an education award of $6,095 is available from AmeriCorps (amount likely to increase slightly)

Requirements:
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment
• Must reside in Washington State at time of enrollment
• This position requires use of a personal vehicle. Mileage for service travel will be reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage rate (57.5 cents / mile in 2020).
• Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week for the entire duration of the placement.
• At least 60% of this position will take place in the field, primarily at Skagit Land Trust conservation areas.
• This position requires an ability to maintain an awareness of site conditions and anticipate potential risks in the field.
• The member should be comfortable serving in the field in inclement weather, and on hot, cold and wet days. The member may regularly need to hike up to 5 miles through brushy and/or steep terrain, with uneven footing, occasionally crossing water, while carrying a pack containing equipment for work in the field.
• The member will regularly utilize hand tools (such as shovels, grub hoes, rakes, loppers, machetes, hammers, and other such similar tools) and may occasionally operate machinery such as weed whackers or augers.
• The member will also regularly serve in the office and sit at a computer for up to 8 hours a day. They should be comfortable with using computers and with utilizing common office software (such as the Office suite). They will sometimes enter information into Trust databases.
• The member will need to maintain accurate records and communicate clearly and professionally with staff, volunteers and members of the general public as needed.
• The member will need a positive attitude and constructive problem solving skills.
• The member will need to reliably make it to the Trust office at scheduled meeting times, with appropriate personal field clothing and gear for site visits.

Responsibilities and Duties:
• Lead or co-lead volunteer workparties focused on safely and effectively accomplishing stewardship tasks on Trust lands.
• Recruit volunteers to serve as field event volunteers and in other positions.
• Compose and coordinate stewardship-related communications with outreach team.
• Maintain records of volunteers and stewardship events.
• Maintain equipment used during stewardship work parties.
• Respond to community member inquiries about volunteering.
• Assist staff in maintaining an online presence.
• Assist with outreach efforts to disseminate information about the Trust.
• Engage with partner networks and community events to increase awareness of the Trust.
• Lead or co-lead field visits with youth groups which have stewardship elements, guided walks to further engage and inform participants, and trainings to ensure volunteers have the necessary skills to carry out their responsibilities.
• Assist staff with other volunteer coordination tasks.