Skagit Land Trust seeks a Stewardship AmeriCorps Member to increase community stewardship of conservation areas, particularly by assisting Trust staff to recruit new volunteers, organize volunteer work parties, and set up volunteers to complete independent projects on Trust conservation areas. Through educating the community of the importance of conservation and inviting volunteers to steward Trust lands this position expands Trust capacity to improve the condition of at-risk ecosystems and protect wildlife, agricultural and forest lands and other critical natural areas in Skagit County. SLT’s Volunteer recruitment and community engagement efforts will focus on the inclusion of the wide range of people who live and work in Skagit County.

The AmeriCorps Member will serve in tandem with the AmeriCorps Community Engagement Specialist to increase community awareness of Trust volunteer opportunities. With staff guidance, the Member will develop a wide variety of stewardship field work for volunteers and will also regularly complete core stewardship projects such as monitoring properties, controlling invasive species and connecting with conservation area visitors. The member should expect to spend at least 60% of their time serving out in the field.

Applicants should have an academic background in environmental studies or science, and/or have non-academic experience relevant to stewardship. They should be organized, ready to lead community members with varied backgrounds, comfortable serving outside in the elements, and able to serve independently as well as in a team. This position is contingent on funding.

Pay: Monthly stipend of $1,945.24 through AmeriCorps program

Duration: September 1, 2021 – July 15, 2022

Benefits: Health Insurance provided by AmeriCorps program. After completing 1700 hours of service an education award of $6,195 is available from AmeriCorps. Other benefits through AmeriCorps include assistance with childcare costs and student loan forbearance. Washington Service Corps provides support to Members in other ways. See here for more information: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/service-resource-kit/

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment.

• Must reside in Washington State at time of enrollment.

• This position requires use of a reliable personal vehicle and proof of auto insurance. Mileage for service travel will be reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage rate.

• Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week for the entire duration of the placement.

• At least 60% of this position will take place in the field, primarily on Trust lands.

• This position requires an ability to maintain an awareness of site conditions and anticipate potential risks in the field.

• The member should be comfortable serving in the field in inclement weather, and on hot, cold and wet days. The member may regularly need to hike up to 5 miles through brushy and/or steep terrain, with uneven footing, occasionally crossing water, while carrying a pack containing field equipment.

• The member will regularly utilize hand tools (such as shovels, grub hoes, rakes, loppers, machetes, hammers, and other such similar tools) and may occasionally operate machinery such as weed whackers or augers.

• The member will also regularly serve in the office and sit at a computer for up to 8 hours a day. They should be comfortable with using computers and utilizing common office software (such as the Office suite).

• The member will need to maintain accurate records and communicate clearly and professionally with staff, volunteers and members of the general public as needed.

• The member will need constructive problem-solving skills.

• The member will need to reliably make it to set locations at scheduled meeting times, with appropriate personal field clothing and gear for site visits.

Responsibilities and Duties:

(all duties will follow WA State and SLT Covid-19 guidelines)

• Recruit volunteers.

• Identify appropriate and meaningful projects for potential volunteers.

• Coordinate volunteers completing independent stewardship projects.

• Lead volunteer work parties focused on accomplishing stewardship tasks.

• Communicate Trust policies and procedures to stewardship volunteers to ensure they are safely and effectively accomplishing stewardship goals.

• Maintain equipment used by volunteers and staff conducting stewardship.

• Complete assigned core stewardship projects to improve Trust lands.

• Assist staff with stewardship and volunteer recordkeeping and data management.

• Assist with outreach efforts to disseminate information about the Trust, particularly about volunteer opportunities.

• Assist with maintaining a current and relevant online presence with existing social media and other marketing platforms within the local community.

• Participate in internal and external committees aligned with position responsibilities.

The Stewardship AmeriCorps Member will support the Stewardship Director and Conservation Areas Coordinator but will also enhance the activities of the Development and Outreach Department.

This service opportunity will provide an AmeriCorps Member with ample opportunity to develop skills necessary to achieve success in careers involving stewardship and community engagement. Exact duties may be tailored to the interests and abilities of the AmeriCorps Member.

To Apply: Apply through AmeriCorps website:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=82946