CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM

The Confluence AmeriCorps program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. These positions are life changing service opportunities where the Member addresses critical, environmental needs in low-income communities and communities of color. This position is a dynamic combination between serving a community on a dedicated project (80%) and joining a cohort of Members to engage in professional and leadership development activities (20%). www.confluencecenter.org

 

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is engaged in predominantly white spaces, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply.

 

Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.

 

DATES OF SERVICE

September 9, 2020 – July 30, 2021 (11 months – 1700 hours)

 

POSITION TITLE

Waste Prevention Educator

 

PROJECT PARTNER

Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling https://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/SWR/

 

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling, and will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members. Member will focus on:

  • Encouraging Washington County community members to waste less food at home. Currently, about 40% of food in the US is wasted, which wastes money, land, fresh water and other resources while contributing to global GHG emissions. Preventing food waste has emerged as a priority across diverse stakeholders as a way to increase food security and protect the environment. As part of the Eat Smart, Waste Less campaign, the Member will educate community members about wasted food prevention through a series of tactics including, but not limited to: event tabling at farmers markets and other community events, door-to-door canvassing in multifamily communities, movie viewing events and presentations to community groups (50%).
  • Encouraging community members to prevent waste and recycle at home, with a focus on historically underserved communities. The Member will assist staff in offering technical assistance to multifamily property managers and providing education and outreach to multifamily communities upon request. Assistance will include delivering educational materials; providing direct education through community presentations, door-to-door outreach and event tabling. The Member will recruit Master Recycler volunteers to help with outreach and education efforts (30%).

 

  • Participating in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Program, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):

  • Develop relationships with program partners such as community groups, property managers and Master
  • Coordinate events such as movie-viewings, discussion groups, or other waste-related education
  • Provide direct public information to community members through presentations, door-to-door outreach and at community
  • Identify and communicate material, information, and resource needs required to perform
  • Prepare and distribute education materials related to
  • Recruit, train and coordinate volunteers for waste reduction outreach
  • Collect and enter data related to outreach and education projects in Word, Excel, Salesforce and other programs as needed.
  • Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Knowledge of public education methods and techniques including public
  • Possess excellent communication skills and be able to take on supervised coordination of assigned
  • Highly motivated with a strong commitment to
  • Experience with diverse populations.
  • Ability to manage
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and
  • Possession of a driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving
  • Position requires a significant amount of walking and the ability to lift up to 30
  • Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice
  • Ability to serve as part of a diverse
  • Regular and reliable attendance and
  • AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing in both English (advanced) and Spanish (intermediate).
  • Possession of a 2- or a 4-year college degree with some education/training in communication, public relations, education, environmental studies or related
  • We strongly encourage applicants who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in the environmental field to
  • Consideration may be given to applicants who live or have lived or worked within our service

 

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

  • $14,279 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,298 monthly, before taxes).
  • $6,195 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
  • Loan Forbearance
  • Health Care Insurance
  • Child Care Reimbursement
  • $100 Training Fund
  • Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking
  • May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

 

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS?

Ashlie Tainer | Operations Coordinator | 503-349-0935 | atainer@confluencecenter.org

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

  • Public Service Building, 155 N. First Ave, Suite 160, Hillsboro, OR 97124
  • Various locations throughout Washington County, Oregon
  • Member will have access to County
  • Member will be eligible for mileage reimbursement from the County for use of Member’s personal vehicle as agreed upon by County
  • Member may be provided a TriMet public transportation

 

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Apply to Confluence:

 

STEP 2: Apply to Project Supervisor: (Conducts first round interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence) Email the following items to Kimberly Buzdygon at kimberly_buzdygon@co.washington.or.us and/or call at 503-846-3651:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter (1 page)
  • Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)