The Environmental Services Tree Program works for clean rivers, healthy watersheds and livable, sustainable communities through planting, promoting, and stewarding urban trees in close collaboration with community partners and residents. In acknowledgement of the myriad benefits to human and watershed health provided by urban trees and other green infrastructure, we pursue equity in service delivery.
This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and Bureau of Environmental Services, Tree Program. The Tree Equity Coordinator will assist the Tree Program to plan and develop urban forest and sustainable stormwater capacity in low-tree-canopy, low-income, racially diverse communities in Portland. This position will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members and will serve closely with the Stormwater Outreach Coordinator to develop and implement outreach and education programming. The AmeriCorps member will connect with community groups, organizations, committees and leaders to cultivate partnerships for potential projects (30%); develop and organize materials, activities and events to foster tree stewardship (25%); and plan and execute tree plantings and stewardship activities in low-tree-canopy, low-income, racially diverse communities in close cooperation with partners (25%).
The Member will participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Program, Change Agent Project, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).
Service Activities
• Support Environmental Services’ sustainable stormwater management and human health and safety goals by encouraging community investment and stewardship in clean rivers, healthy watersheds, and livable, sustainable communities.
• Develop, plan, and execute tree planting and stewardship projects in close partnership with community organizations and city bureaus and programs with a focus on opportunities in low-tree-canopy, low-income, racially diverse communities.
• Develop relationships with communities representing Portland’s underserved populations to reach out and provide education.
• Act as liaison between the City and interested neighborhoods, community and business groups, and individuals.
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service requirements.
Community Need Addressed
Advancing Environmental Justice
Position Outcomes
Volunteer Generation
Ecological Restoration
Youth Engagement
Adult Education
Underserved Communities
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
$100 Training Fund
Skills you will gain
Develop increased understanding and sensitivity around issues of equity and environmental justice.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment