Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) and Willamette National Forest have partnered to increase participation of target audiences in programs and careers in resource conservation and public land management. We seek an AmeriCorps candidate who possesses strong skills and interest in resource management, community engagement, conservation education, and event planning. The successful candidate will be able to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish, have a degree in communications, education, and/or natural resources, demonstrate an ability to work independently, and possess strong written and oral communication skills. The work will be jointly developed, and progress checks and adjustments made, by the selected candidate and both agencies.
Location
The intern will be supervised and located for the most part at NYC’s campus in Eugene, OR; an exciting beautiful city of 150,000. With a multitude of outdoor recreational activities, it is located approximately 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 80 miles from superb downhill and cross-country skiing. It is home to the University of Oregon, the world-class Hult Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous other amenities available in a vibrant and diverse university community. The quality of life in Eugene and the surrounding Willamette Valley is truly extraordinary.
Organizational Backgrounds
Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service, summed up the mission of the Forest Service— "to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run." National forests and grasslands encompass 193 million acres of land, which is an area equivalent to the size of Texas.
Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development through teamwork, education, and challenge. As of 2013, NYC has provided opportunities to over 17,000 youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. NYC programs focus on education, challenge, community, leadership, and empowerment. NYC's 33-year history of success has been made possible through a broad-base of support from individuals, public partners, businesses, and community organizations.
Internship Summary
The Community Engagement Resource Steward will work with the Willamette National Forest Public Affairs officer, The Willamette and Siuslaw National Forests Civil Rights Unit, and NYC’s management team to identify and attend appropriate community functions, with the intent to connect diverse populations to opportunities on public lands. A portion of time will be spent working from the Willamette National Forest Supervisor's Office in Springfield, Oregon. This internship will require evening and weekend work hours attending community meetings and outdoor-related events. The selected individual will work directly with members of the public and volunteers to accomplish critical projects for both organizations. The selected candidate will possess strong leadership and independent working skills. A willingness to engage with a variety of people and generate conversations is required.
Areas of Responsibility
• Attend functions and represent Northwest Youth Corps and Willamette National Forest in a professional manner.
• Coordinate and lead educational and recreational field trips for community members through the Outdoor Ambassadors program.
• Develop and maintain strong connections with stakeholders and community groups to increase awareness of opportunities with the Forest Service and Northwest Youth Corps.
• Recruit youth and young adults to participate in Northwest Youth Corps programs.
• Coordinate and manage the efforts of volunteers and interested community members as needed.
• Precisely and accurately track all accomplishments and other helpful metrics to increase exposure of NYC and the Forest Service.
• Respond to questions from the community in a timely manner.
Desired Skills
• Fluent in Spanish and English
• Demonstrated experience working in diverse communities
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in all aspects of work
• Experience leading activities with youth
• Strong writing skills
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Friendly and personable
• Strong computer and analytical skills
• Appreciation for working in conservation education and with the community at large
Education / Experience
Education - A Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in communications, natural resources, environmental studies, social services, or a relevant field.
Experience - Previous experience which demonstrates organizational skills, youth and community engagement, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and familiarity with a wide range of communications strategies will all be necessary to succeed in this position A proficient set of computer skills and database experience are required. In addition, the candidate must at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record as some travel will be required, and must pass a criminal history check.
Terms of Employment
This is a full time, 10 month, 1,700 hour position. Workload varies seasonally and will require long days and/or evening and weekend responsibilities periodically.
Compensation
• $17,000 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis. Housing is not provided.
• Health insurance plan, training, loan forbearance, interest accrual relief, City of Eugene bus pass
• $5,775 education award (upon successful completion of service term and all program requirements)
• The living allowance and education award are taxable
Service Activities
• Attend functions and represent Northwest Youth Corps and Willamette National Forest in a professional manner.
• Coordinate and lead educational and recreational field trips for community members through the Outdoor Ambassadors program.
• Develop and maintain strong connections with stakeholders and community groups to increase awareness of opportunities with the Forest Service and Northwest Youth Corps.
• Recruit youth and young adults to participate in Northwest Youth Corps programs.
• Coordinate and manage the efforts of volunteers and interested community members as needed.
• Precisely and accurately track all accomplishments and other helpful metrics to increase exposure of NYC and the Forest Service.
• Respond to questions from the community in a timely manner.
Community Need Addressed
• Attend functions and represent Northwest Youth Corps and Willamette National Forest in a professional manner.
• Coordinate and lead educational and recreational field trips for community members through the Outdoor Ambassadors program.
• Develop and maintain strong connections with stakeholders and community groups to increase awareness of opportunities with the Forest Service and Northwest Youth Corps.
• Recruit youth and young adults to participate in Northwest Youth Corps programs.
• Coordinate and manage the efforts of volunteers and interested community members as needed.
• Precisely and accurately track all accomplishments and other helpful metrics to increase exposure of NYC and the Forest Service.
• Respond to questions from the community in a timely manner.
Position Outcomes
The Community Engagement Resource Steward will work with the Willamette National Forest Public Affairs officer, The Willamette and Siuslaw National Forests Civil Rights Unit, and NYC’s management team to identify and attend appropriate community functions, with the intent to connect diverse populations to opportunities on public lands. A portion of time will be spent working from the Willamette National Forest Supervisor's Office in Springfield, Oregon. This internship will require evening and weekend work hours attending community meetings and outdoor-related events. The selected individual will work directly with members of the public and volunteers to accomplish critical projects for both organizations. The selected candidate will possess strong leadership and independent working skills. A willingness to engage with a variety of people and generate conversations is required.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
project management, partnership building, leadership, youth development
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
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
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, 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