POSITION SUMMARY:

As EarthCorps crews preapre to return to the field, we are seeking additional Corps Members to join our team.

Crew Members are the ones out in the field every day working on teams and doing the physical service necessary to restore green spaces across the Puget Sound region.  This is a training-level, seasonal AmeriCorps position with EarthCorps.  Incoming 2020 Crew Members will serve from June through December.

The Crew Member position is a training-level, seasonal position with EarthCorps. As AmeriCorps Members, crew 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.

As EarthCorps crews return to the field this summer, we are taking necessary steps to implement additional social distancing protocol.  The physical, environmental service projects being done in the field will be very similar to those done previously.  However, many Corps Program activities and systems are likely to look a bit different.  These new systems include transportation to and from service sites, layout of activities at service sites, implementation of trainings and workshops (small group trainings, remote trainings, digital workshops, etc.), and a reduction in community interactions and volunteer events, among others.

DUTIES AND 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: Crew Members are responsible for the efficiency of accomplishing projects and the quality of the final product under supervision from project staff. All 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 typical percentage of the program):

• 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.

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.

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 and 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. WE will be shifting 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 term of service
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (22.5 kg); Hike up to 8 miles (13 km) while carrying 40 pounds (18kg) 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 900 hours of service, including mandatory trainings
• Workshops and education sessions must be attended to fulfill program requirements

BENEFITS:

• AmeriCorps education award of $3,047 upon completion of 900 hours
• Days off permissible as designated by EarthCorps
• Holidays will be paid as designated by EarthCorps
• Medical Insurance
• Education & Training
• Boots, pants, t-shirt, rain gear and safety equipment provided