CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM

The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life changing service opportunities that engage Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities, alongside a 22 Member cohort (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, expression, 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 a predominantly white space, 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

Stormwater Outreach Coordinator

 

PROJECT PARTNER

City of Portland, Environmental Services Bureau,

Green Street Steward Program portlandoregon.gov/bes/52501

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Stormwater Outreach Coordinator position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps program and the Bureau of Environmental Services, Green Street Steward program. The Green Street Steward program (GSS) works in close collaboration with community partners and residents for clean rivers, healthy watersheds and livable, sustainable communities through promoting and stewarding Green Street facilities (i.e., bioswales). In acknowledgement of the many benefits to human and watershed health provided by green streets and other green infrastructure, we pursue equity in service delivery.

 

The Stormwater Outreach Coordinator will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members by inviting community members to participate in the care of green streets through community education and watershed stewardship activities. Green Streets function optimally for watershed health when knowledgeable residents keep a watchful eye out and assist in green street care.

 

The Member will connect with community groups, organizations, and businesses to cultivate partnerships for potential projects and stewardship activities (25%); develop and deliver training and stewardship activities in low-income, racially diverse communities in close cooperation with partners (25%); recruit and train volunteers and manage data (20%); and develop and organize materials to foster green street stewardship (10%).

 

The Member will participate 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):

  • Recruit community volunteers to become Green Street Stewards and support their stewardship
  • Develop, plan, and execute green street stewardship projects in close partnership with community organizations and city bureaus and programs with a focus on opportunities in low-income, racially diverse
  • Establish innovative methods and projects to foster green street
  • Strengthen existing and develop new relationships with communities representing Portland’s underserved populations.
  • Serve closely with the city and its partners, and act as liaison between the city and interested neighborhoods, community and business groups, and
  • Develop, coordinate, and lead stormwater outreach and education activities with low-income, racially diverse community high schools, and immigrant
  • Manage the Art of Stormwater
  • 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

  • Experience with diverse populations, particularly communities of color, immigrants, and people with limited economic
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to provide
  • Ability and willingness to work outdoors, work in inclement weather, occasionally work evenings and weekends, and to lift up to 40
  • Ability to work independently and develop individual learning goals, projects goals, measurable outcomes, timelines, and
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal communication
  • Desire to serve diverse communities to promote education, environmental stewardship, and an ethic of
  • Openness to learning about and discussing racial equity and social justice issues, and to serve as part of a diverse team.
  • 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 speak a language other than English (especially any of the “Safe Harbor” languages https://portlandoregon.gov/transportation/72502).
  • Reside in a low-income community or community of color in
  • Desire and ability to recruit, assist, and motivate
  • Interest/experience in natural resources, stormwater management, and/or environmental
  • Familiarity with the region is helpful, but not
  • Experience with data collection, data entry, and GIS desired but not

 

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).

 

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

  • The office is in downtown Portland at 1120 SW 5th Ave, 6nd Floor, Portland, OR, 97204 (a.k.a. Portland Bldg.) Service in the field will take place in a variety of locations in the city of Portland, primarily in east Portland and North
  • Service sites are accessible by public transportation and by
  • Bike parking is available at the Portland
  • City vehicle is available for service activities as needed. Member is covered by City’s auto insurance

 

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 Svetlana Hedin at svetlana.hedin@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-8764:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter (1 page)

Contact information for three references

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS?

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