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

Sustainability Project Coordinator

 

PROJECT PARTNER

Portland Public Schools pps.net/sustainability

 

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and Portland Public Schools. The Sustainability Project Coordinator will advance Portland Public Schools goals to provide support to our low-income neighborhood schools in sustainability education and student-driven projects. With more students and communities engaged, PPS Sustainability efforts to shift the culture towards sustainable living, stewardship and connection will create a healthier, lower impact, and more empowered community.

  • 20% Provide support and education around waste diversion programs for staff and
  • 20% Provide engagement and outreach around school sustainability projects and departmental
  • 20% Collect, organize, and report on data related to energy, water, waste, carbon
  • 10% Coordinate and facilitate meetings and workshops with sustainability staff from school
  • 10% Expand equity & inclusion lens for department programs and
  • 20% Participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Program, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development

 

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

  • Develop and implement sustainability education initiatives for custodial staff, teachers, students, administration, and the
  • Collect and share school site stories related to sustainability and green
  • Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings for School Sustainability
  • Build relationships and foster collaborations with
  • Provide outreach for Oregon Green Schools certification
  • Collaborate with District partners to increase sustainability practices and shift school
  • Creatively engage individuals in department
  • Keep up to date on PPS climate justice initiatives and opportunities for
  • 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

  • Must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree
  • Access to a reliable vehicle
  • Enjoys engaging and educating people of all ages, interests, and roles within the school
  • Interest in sustainability, operational systems thinking, climate science and climate
  • Experience in engagement platforms similar to newsletters, email blasts, social media, website management, video, photography.
  • 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

  • Great organizational skills
  • Experience and awareness in resource conservation
  • Experience with Excel, Google Suite
  • Experience with outreach, online surveys, and social media

 

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).
  • Mileage reimbursement and conference/workshop/training associated fees
  • Promotion of work on webpage and social media

 

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

  • Blanchard Education Service Center (BESC) District Building 501 DIxon St, Portland, OR 97227

PPS Schools- District map of sites

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 Peter Ritson at peter.ritson@pcc.edu, 360-936-1649:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter (1 page)

Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS?

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