The Sustainability AmeriCorps Member: 1) Provides programmatic/project support of urban environmental restoration volunteer projects (tree planting, litter cleanups, waterway cleanups, trail building, etc.), led by HON’s community partners; 2) Leads residential energy efficiency improvement projects.
Orientation, volunteer management, project management, and technical skills training will be provided. AmeriCorps Member will receive additional life skills, educational enrichment, and professional development training opportunities, including: 1) Membership in Nashville's Center for Nonprofit Management’s Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (if elected); 2) Quarterly AmeriCorps social networking sessions; and 3) Regularly scheduled Hands On Nashville staff and supervisor meetings. The successful candidate will report directly to Hands On Nashville's Sustainability Manager. A criminal history background check is required for this position.
Service Activities
manage a Volunteer Leader Program supporting HON’s environmentally-focused community partners; recruit/train/communicate with/place Volunteer Leaders for partner agencies; guide volunteers in installing attic insulation, applying weather-stripping, caulking air gaps, updating lighting; provide environmental education awareness to volunteers and other community members; project preparation and post-project tasks include: procuring project supplies, conducting site visits, conducting energy audits on homes, recruiting homeowners volunteers, keeping in contact with project partners, etc.; serve as liaison between HON, homeowners, and other community partners. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Community Need Addressed
The Sustainability Program engages volunteers in completing environmental restoration projects for community partners and residential energy efficiency improvements that support low-income homeowners.
Position Outcomes
The AmeriCorps Member will support Hands On Nashville's Sustainability Program, which annually partners with area nonprofits and government entities and engages volunteers in environmental restoration projects that improve the quality of life for greater Nashville area residents.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Training
The Hands On Nashville (HON) AmeriCorps Program builds stronger communities through service. Members are instrumental in: building capacity to enhance the ability of our community partners to carry out their missions; improving public lands, streams, and greenways; offering food access through urban agriculture; supporting low-income homeowners; impacting youth education; and much more.
Skills you will gain
Engaging adult volunteers in service; working independently and as part of a team; written and oral communication skills; ability to schedule, prioritize, and carry out tasks independently; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint); ability to drive a large van and trailer.
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, 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