This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and Columbia Slough Watershed Council. The Member will support our k-12 education and habitat restoration programs. This position will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members and focus on leading High School youth mentors and elementary school students as they learn about habitat restoration and assist with a project in a natural area near their schools. Tangential projects include related classroom lesson support, restoration volunteer work party leadership, and preparation and leadership for several restoration focused events such as our Great Slough Cleanup. Time will be spent on k-12 (primarily 4-6th grade) classroom and field trip place-based science education (25%), restoration program focus (including student planting projects) (40%), and outreach and event support (15%). Expected service setting will be approximately 50% office, 25% field, and 25% classroom. Outdoor activities will include leading students in planting or clearing invasive plants (fall and winter months), site surveys (spring and fall,) flatwater paddling (canoe or kayak), and outdoor education.
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
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):
• Leadership role in restoration education program
• Classroom and field trip presentations and support
• Habitat restoration or stewardship work party planning, support, and leadership
• On-the-water programs: safety talk, group paddle leadership, habitat and restoration discussion, Christmas Tree Habitat Creation project
• 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
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, Turn taking, 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