The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting applications for full-time Environmental Careers & Opportunities (ECO) AmeriCorps members. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a background in natural or agricultural sciences, environmental studies, engineering, government/policy, communications or other related fields. Preference may be given to applicants with a college degree. ECO AmeriCorps members focus on projects to improve water quality and reduce waste in Vermont. Members serve at host sites throughout Vermont.
Service Activities
This depends on the service site location. Potential projects include, but are not limited to:
Soil and water sample collection
Conducting urban tree inventories
Invasive species control
Restoring riparian areas
Grant writing
Macroinvertebrate studies
Wetland delineations
GPS/GIS surveying
Educational outreach
and more...
Community Need Addressed
Environmental stewardship -- water quality improvement, habitat restoration.
Position Outcomes
At least 7 members will be placed in a green job within 30 days of their completion of service, and all 20 members will be trained and/or certified in green jobs during their service.
At least 5 miles of rivers/waterways will be treated and/or improved.
At least 150 acres of public land will be treated and/or improved to improve waterways.
At least 1000 individuals will receive environmental stewardship education and/or training, and at least 100 individuals will report a change in behavior or an intention to change behavior as a result of this education/training.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
This varies by site and can include teamwork, conflict resolution, nonprofit organization, grant writing, public speaking, curriculum development, community education, time management, public relations, desktop publishing, press release writing, project planning and oversight, natural resource management, GIS mapping, invasive species identification, soil and water sampling procedures, soil science, and more.
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