PowerCorpsPHL corps members are responsible for the implementation of environmental projects that build, maintain, and/or restore Philadelphia’s green infrastructure. Corps members support City of Philadelphia projects and initiatives to create cleaner, healthier, and safer public spaces and waterways. Serving on crews, corps members provide direct service to tackle pressing environmental challenges, including but not limited to the need for improved storm water management, decreased water pollution, increased use of public lands, revitalized and restored public lands, and the preservation of watersheds.
Service Activities
Tasks include:
• Removing invasive vegetation, dead or damaged vegetation and other organic debris from public lands including inlets, outfalls, parks, recreation centers, green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), and intake systems
• Planting native vegetation, pruning, mulching and caring for trees and other vegetation
• Removing litter and separating recyclable materials
• Conducting preventive maintenance on tools and equipment
• Raking, disposing of leaves, shoveling snow and providing other service that render sites clean, safe, accessible, usable and aesthetically acceptable
• Serving as environmental ambassadors to local residents by communicating service project goals and objectives
• Supporting or leading efforts to clean, paint, organize and maintain public sites
Community Need Addressed
PowerCorpsPHL is a City of Philadelphia AmeriCorps initiative in partnership with EducationWorks that engages Opportunity Youth in transforming their lives through service. PowerCorpsPHL members serve full-time for 6 months with City departments to tackle pressing environmental challenges, including the need for improved stormwater management, increased tree coverage, and revitalized public land. Through a rigorous combination of service and training, corps members develop and practice essential 21st Century workforce skills, including time management, conflict resolution, accountability, teamwork, leadership, and network building. As PowerCorpsPHL alumni, individuals receive the customized support they need to secure career-track employment, pursue post-secondary education, and/or enroll in additional national service.
Position Outcomes
Over the course of one year, corps members will contribute to revitalizing 1,300 acres of public land, planting 1,300 trees, and removing and recycling 80 metric tons of debris from public spaces and inlets.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
OSHA-10 Construction certification
Mastery of 21st century employability skills
Roots of Success Environmental Literacy Fundamentals certification
Complete Career Goal-Setting and Action Plan
Skills you will gain
time management, teamwork, conflict resolution, professional communication, problem-solving, goal-setting, action-planning, fundamental tree and land care skills, public speaking, project management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
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
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
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
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, 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, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment