The Riparian Habitat Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for supporting the King Conservation District (KCD) Riparian Habitat Stewardship program and associated volunteer events. With service in the office and the field, this position involves labor intensive, multi-faceted duties that require a high level of motivation, versatility, and independence. Duties associated with supporting the Habitat Restoration program include learning about and becoming experienced in freshwater and marine riparian habitat project planning, providing technical assistance, implementing projects, performing invasive species removal, installing native plants, monitoring project health, acquiring project materials, and coordinating volunteers on habitat enhancement projects. Duties associated with administering the volunteer program include recruiting volunteers and planning, organizing, and coordinating volunteer events. Additional projects include assisting with the KCD Annual Native Plant Festival, Orca Recovery Day, and native plant propagation and maintenance tasks at the KCD Native Plant Nursery. The individual holding this position serves independently and as a part of a team of District staff and other AmeriCorps members.

Position responsibilities

• Participate in labor intensive riparian habitat stewardship project planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring. Activities include invasive species removal, planting native plant species, mulching, and replanting sites as needed.

• Recruit local school and corporate groups to volunteer at KCD riparian habitat stewardship project sites.

• Facilitate community volunteer events at KCD sponsored project sites, including habitat restoration sites, the KCD Native Plant Nursery, and other sites as needed. Activities include volunteer recruitment, training, coordination, and recognition.

• Assist with coordinating 3 WCC crew schedules on project sites.

• Assist the WCC crews with project installation and materials acquisition.

• Manage, organize and maintain WCC crew tool cache.

• Assist KCD project managers in providing technical assistance (TA) site visits to rural and urban projects throughout King County. Compile TA pre-site visit maps and site research. Follow up all TA site visits with planting plans, site maps, and best management practice recommendations.

• Coordinate field-based vegetation monitoring of installed restoration projects.

• Support the KCD Nursery with native plant propagation, watering, weeding, and coordination of 2-3 volunteer events per month.

• Participate in KCD Annual Bareroot Plant Festival, including preparing materials, providing technical assistance, and bundling native plants before and during the event.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be between the age of 18-25 on their first day of service (age restrictions are based on legislative mandate, and do not apply to Gulf War Era II Veterans, dependents, or active duty reservists, or those with a mental or sensory disability).

• Per legislative mandate, priority will be given to Washington state residents.

• Applicants must be eligible for AmeriCorps, and able to submit documentation of one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. Learn more about AmeriCorps eligibility on the WCC website.

• Optional: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Studies, Botany, Biology, Natural Resources, Sustainability, etc.).

• Currently hold or can obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

• Currently hold or can obtain a valid Washington Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator’s license.

• Available to serve at least 2 Saturdays per month to coordinate volunteer events.

• Experience implementing stream, wetland, and upland habitat restoration projects.

• Familiar with Pacific Northwest ecology and native plant species.

• Familiar with noxious weed identification and management techniques.

• Able to take direction and serve as a member of a team.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with the public, youth and adult audiences, and diverse landowner populations.

• Use computer programs to write reports, track service progress, and prepare project data and records.

• Travel to various locations throughout King County and Washington State.

• Apply appropriate safety practices in the office and field.

• Able to perform physical activity in all weather conditions.

• Lift up to 50 pounds.

• Use hand tools and operate small power tools.

• Able to drive and operate large vehicles with trailers.

Schedule

This is an 11-month AmeriCorps position starting October 5, 2020, and ending September 11, 2021. Members are expected to serve 40 hours over four or five days each week.

WCC AmeriCorps member benefits

Members serving 11 months will receive a $1,100 biweekly living stipend, in addition to the AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,195) upon successful completion of term. Basic health insurance and qualified loan forbearance is available. As AmeriCorps members, IPs participate in WCC’s high quality training program featuring professionally taught, career-transferable courses. Read more about training opportunities and a full list of benefits on the WCC website.

Application process

Please complete both required steps:

1. Submit WCC online application accessible from the WCC website (select this IP position on application).

a. Note: The WCC online application reference section will prompt returning WCC members to enter their prior WCC Supervisor and Coordinator as references. Applicants may enter additional references.

2. Email résumé and cover letter to nikki.wolf@kingcd.org

About WCC and AmeriCorps

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is an AmeriCorps program that creates future leaders through community involvement and mentorship. The program supports more than 350 members and experienced staff statewide who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to local and national disasters.

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security. Learn more on the WCC website.