Make a difference using your passion for community engagement and desire for environmental impact! Join Michiana Council of Governments (MACOG) as a Sustainability Specialist. MACOG will have 15 Full-Time Specialists who will be instrumental in implementing key initiatives that will benefit local communities. As a Sustainability Specialist, your role is crucial to the successful execution of services identified by local governments, non-profits, and other stakeholders. Your work will directly impact environmental stewardship and economic resiliency for local communities.
Service Activities
Sustainability Specialists have the opportunity to make a difference in their county of choice via hands-on projects aligned to environmental stewardship and economic resiliency. Specialists will engage in activities based on their host site's unique needs.
View the member experiences below to see the impact made by Sustainability Specialists:
* Brandon - https://rb.gy/mp2fj- a senior Biology major planning on using the AmeriCorps Education Award toward a PhD.
* Acadia - https://rb.gy/yb47q- will leverage the skills gained via AmeriCorps toward a masters in Environmental Education and one day owning a sustainable farm.
* Carrie - https://rb.gy/bgm0h- an artist that is inspired by community building and the idea that the work being done today will serve generations to come.
Community Need Addressed
Sustainability Specialists build capacity via hands-on service across the following high-impact areas:
*Conservation and biodiversity
*Energy efficiency and clean energy
*Food systems, waste, climate change, water
*Active transportation
*Broadband and digital equity
*High-quality child care
Position Outcomes
MACOG Sustainability Specialists have been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts. By advocating for green building, renewable energy, and environmental protection, MACOG has played a vital role in preserving the region's natural resources for future generations.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Living Allowance (up to $22,000 for Full-Time Members)
Health Insurance (Full-Time Members, no cost to members)
Education Award (Future College & Trade School or Prior Public Student Loans - up to $6,895)
Education Awards can be gifted to a dependent (if service member is over 55)
Loan Deferment & Interest Forbearance
Child Care assistance
Professional Development & mentoring
Alumni Network
Skills you will gain
Training will include skills and topics like time-keeping; project management; data gathering and analysis; communication styles; sustainability; economic resilience; reflections on service; civic engagement; etc.
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, Select and implement well-considered solution
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, 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
Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, 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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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 the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment