CREW MEMBER 2020 (JUNE – DEC.)

About EarthCorps

EarthCorps is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization with a mission of developing leaders to strengthen community and restore the health of our environment. EarthCorps’ Corps Program is an intensive training program that unites young adults (ages 18-26) from across the United States and around the world to learn skills in habitat restoration, leadership, and community building, . EarthCorps program participants are part of a diverse group of emerging environmental leaders committed to teamwork, service, and personal growth.

Position Summary

The Corps Member position is a training-level, seasonal position with EarthCorps. As an AmeriCorps Member, corps members will work on outdoor environmental restoration projects throughout the Puget Sound Region. Their work directly improves the resiliency of our land by restoring habitat, improving water and air quality, reducing erosion, sequestering carbon and engaging the broader community to become stewards of our shared resource.

In addition to impactful service, corps members have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally through training, implementing environmental projects, feedback and reflection. Corps members learn valuable team building skills as they work on their communication, conflict management and leadership capacity.

Duties & Responsibilities

FIELD SERVICE (80% of program)

Corps Members work on a crew of 5-7 young adults performing hands-on environmental services. A Crew Leader guides the crew as they complete restoration projects at various sites, and in partnership with various land management agencies, throughout the Puget Sound region (in urban, suburban, and rural settings).

Project Implementation: Corps Members are responsible for the efficiency of accomplishing projects and the quality of the final product under supervision from project staff. Corps Members and staff are responsible for the safety of themselves, their fellow workers, and members of the public who may be involved with projects.

Field Service Projects (and estimates of their percentage in typical program years):

  • Invasive plant removal (manual)            35%
  • Invasive plant control (herbicide)          12%
  • Native plant installation (planting)         15%
  • Restoration site maintenance                15%
  • Trail construction/maintenance             15%
  • Volunteer management                        8%

Typically, there are multiple camping trips associated with the field projects (week-long, normally frontcountry). We will provide updates on how social distancing protocol will affect the ability to run projects which would typically require crews to camp.

Environmental restoration is physically demanding service that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. New members consistently underestimate the physical and mental requirements. Service regularly involves:

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

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

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS (20% of program)

Corps members participate fully in retreats, workshops, and field trainings. These sessions provide skills and context for the restoration work that corps members complete. Topics rotate between field skills, leadership skills and community building skills. Workshops are typically discussion and/or lecture based. The range of topics are meant to give an introduction to topics in the field of restoration and develop interpersonal skills.

  • Habitat Restoration:Understanding of Best Management Practices of ecological restoration
  • Exposure, knowledge and skill in the restoration and conservation field
  • Exposure to PNW restoration industry and local environmental network
  • Modeling of effective pace, quality, and quantity to fit environmental industry standards
  • Community building:Creating a strong internal community
  • Working in a multi-cultural community
  • Exposure to local PNW community issues
  • Leadership:Understanding of leadership theory and personal style
  • Leading a variety of community environmental restoration events
  • Leading in a diverse, multi-cultural setting

We are committed to retaining the workshop/training aspect of the EarthCorps program. As we work to implement social distancing protocol and slow the spread of COVID-19, the workshops will inevitably change form. You will likely see a shift toward small group trainings, remote trainings, and digital community workshops.

Required Qualifications

  • Ability and desire to work hard, outdoors and in all weather conditions
  • Commitment to cooperation and teamwork with peers from around the world
  • Eligibility for AmeriCorps and ability to complete your term of service
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (22.5 kg); Hike up to 8 miles (13 km) while carrying 40 pounds of weight for up to 9 hours per day
  • Completed high school diploma/GED

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in outdoor field work or physical labor
  • Commitment to community service and previous experience in volunteer service
  • Enthusiasm for environmental conservation, science, recreation, or other related fields
  • Capacity to learn and grow in a service-based training position
  • Between 18-26 years old

Corps Member Terms of Service

  • PERIOD OF SERVICE: June 15 – December 10, 2020
  • RATE OF PAY: Living stipend of $1,577/month
  • TYPICAL HOURS OF SERVICE: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. However, about half of the weekends are typically three-day weekends for the crews. Once placed onto a crew, you will know your exact schedule going forward.
  • STATUS: Temporary, Exempt – Enrolled in AmeriCorps through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). AmeriCorps members must abide by policies set by CNCS and complete at least 900 hours of service, including mandatory trainings and program activities.

We encourage applicants from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and functional limitations to apply, especially those from historically marginalized communities.

Benefits

  • AmeriCorps education award of $3,047 upon completion of term (at least 900 hours and all program activities)
  • Days off permissible as designated by EarthCorps
  • Holidays as designated by EarthCorps
  • Medical Insurance
  • Education & Training
  • Boots, pants, t-shirt, rain gear and safety equipment provided

Deadlines and Start Dates

EarhCorps is looking for new members to join our crews full-time from June through December of 2020.

Submit your application soon to ensure consideration!

Priority will be given to applicants who are able to serve this entire term. If you you are interested, but have other availability, we still invite you to apply. Please explain this in the short answer portion of your application. We will consider and determine whether or not we are able to accommodate alternative service terms.

To Apply

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to begin your application.  You will be asked to submit basic personal information, a current resume, a few short essay answers, and provide contact information for two references.