Desired KOAAT Member Attributes
o Team members must possess the ability and willingness to serve outdoors in a variety of weather conditions as well as rough terrain.
o Experience or an interest in the outdoors as well as working directly with the public in a highly visible setting is desirable.
o The ability to project a positive and competent image while working in busy public areas as well as when speaking to groups and when assisting other agencies is desirable.
o Members should exhibit enthusiasm for public service projects
o Individuals fifty years or older are encouraged to apply as past efforts have shown that a diverse group serving together contributes to the dynamics and effectiveness of the group. This age group of individuals has in the past provided a valuable source of experience and leadership to their peers.
Service Activities
Environmental & Outdoor Recreational
o Planting trees and other vegetation
o Removing flood debris and recycling wood debris into useable wood chips
o Providing erosion protection of various types to shoreline and stream banks
o Assisting with prescribed burning programs
o Developing fireguards prior to prescribed burning efforts
o Providing ADA access to outdoor facilities
o Assisting with development of Watchable Wildlife areas and facilities
o Renovating efforts on numerous types of outdoor recreational areas including trails, docks, shelters, campgrounds, beaches, etc
o Assisting with development of ADA access to various public outdoor facilities and opportunities
o Development of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails
o Renovating playgrounds to bring them in compliance with new standards
o Development and renovation of public information centers within parks
o Developing and conducting public surveys concerning environmental and recreational efforts and conditions
o Assisting in the planning and managing of park related projects specific to each site
o Assisting in the budgeting and record keeping of statewide projects related to outdoor recreational community projects
o Organizing statewide recreational projects for the KDWP and local communities as needed
Environmental and Safety Programs
o Develop and present informative public programs connected with outdoor opportunities, safety, and education
Emergency Disaster Response and Recovery
o Team members will assist local agencies by responding to local disaster sites and providing whatever assistance they are capable of
o Team members will assist other agencies whenever possible with initial community recovery efforts after a natural disaster
o Agencies team members might be called to assist would include the Division of Emergency Management, Red Cross, FEMA, as well as local agencies and communities
Community Need Addressed
Each member of KOAAT serves to make vast differences in our State's natural resources by participating in projects that have long-term effects. Our Corps will focus on environmental stewardship by providing direct service to improve at-risk ecosystems. We will do so by mitigating the impacts of drought, tornadoes, and ice storms but primarily by direct service to eradicate invasive species, such as Japanese honeysuckle. By providing public programs in the parks, we also hope to increase behavioral changes that will assist in recovery of the at-risk ecosystems.
Position Outcomes
Invasive plants will die off, allowing a healthy native plant community to reestablish and flourish. Dead or hazardous trees will be removed and new specimens planted and flood debris removed, resulting in improved public areas on state park property and public lands. Lands restored are accessible to public. Spread of invasive species will be controlled, healthy native plant communities will thrive, shoreline access will be improved and members and the public will enjoy a healthier environment. The public will make greater use of the parks.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Childcare for full-time members only.
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
CPR, First Aid, NIMS, CERT and more.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
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
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, 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
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment