This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, National Wildlife Federation and the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. NWF and ANWS are seeking an AmeriCorps Member to build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members, to promote environmental justice by engaging communities and partners in opportunities that help develop access to outdoor experiences (Family Fish Camp – 30%), to coordinate salmon education initiatives (Fish Eggs to Fry – 20%), to support sustainable environmental education (Eco-Schools USA, Schoolyard Habitats – 15%), to recruit wildlife stewards to restore/protect wildlife habitat (Garden for Wildlife – 20%), and general outreach and partnership development (15%) in neighborhoods with disparities in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. 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):
• • Act as liaison between NWF staff and ANWS staff/members on joint education programming.
• Coordinate NWF/ANWS involvement in the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Fish Eggs to Fry program including volunteer engagement, alignment with Eco-Schools USA, collaboration with partners, updating a database of participating schools, facilitation of classroom presentations, etc.
• Develop partnerships by networking with local groups/organizations and seeking potential opportunities that expand outreach for NWF’s Garden for Wildlife (Certified Wildlife Habitats) partnership with ANWS and other watershed stewardship activities.
• Plan and coordinate ANWS’s annual Family Fish Camp event, which engages community members in recreating outdoors, through event planning and logistics, volunteer and partner recruitment, budget tracking, promotion and outreach, development of angler education materials, etc.
• Provide outreach presentations to possible new participants/volunteers at large community venues (i.e. Oregon Zoo Education Center), workshops, and conferences - targeting communities with disparities.
• Collaborate and engage with youth and adults from varying demographics.
• Assist in recruitment and training of volunteers, teachers, students, and community members.
• Offer programmatic and innovative ideas to existing procedures that increase the efficiency and accessibility of education programs and local resource offerings.
• Assist with the following communication/marketing activities: website updates, press releases, magazine articles, blog stories, social media, design of flyers/event materials, grant writing, etc.
• Conduct outreach at community events (tabling and presentation of program resources) and compile metrics and other data into excel spreadsheet.
• 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
Environmental Education
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