This year the VSCC will focus its efforts on enhancing acres of public lands, improving trails and waterways, and recruiting volunteers as active stewards of local parks and trails. The Career Development Members will assist in reaching these goals by completing a Park Ranger Career Development curriculum. This curriculum covers all areas of park operations and will prepare members to be the best qualified candidates for positions in public land management careers.
Service Activities
Duties:
• Completing the entire curriculum
• Participating in prescribed burns
• Contributing to trail improvement projects
• Developing, scheduling, promoting, and supervising volunteer projects
• Submitting time sheets and monthly reports
• Engaging with park guests
• Answering questions about park facilities and programs
• Developing and leading Environmental Stewardship programming (Interpretive Programs) for park visitors
• Participating in all trainings assigned by AmeriCorps Program Directors and Site Supervisors
During service Career Development Members will report to their Site Supervisor for daily tasks, scheduling, and direction. Members will submit time sheets and monthly reports to their AmeriCorps Program Director.
Community Need Addressed
There is an increasing demand for individuals with prior working experience for paying positions with Virginia State Parks. The program aims to prepare members to be the best qualified candidates for any position in public land management by providing a Department of Conservation and Recreation approved Career Development curriculum to each member. Through this training curriculum, members will engage in efforts to enhance acres of public lands, improve trails and waterways, and recruit volunteers as active stewards of local parks and trails. These 8 members will serve in conjunction with 48 other AmeriCorps members within the VSCC to enhance 657 acres of parks and public land, improve 104 miles of trails or waterways, and recruit 1,120 volunteers.
Position Outcomes
Members will end the program with enough service experience to qualify for positions in public land management. The curriculum covers areas of park operations, including administration, visitor services, resource management, security, and building and ground maintenance.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Housing, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Registered Technician Pesticide Applicator, Apprentice Sawyer, Certified Interpretive Guide, Wildland Firefighting Certification
Skills you will gain
developing, scheduling, promoting, and supervising volunteer projects and stewardship programs,
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, Facilitate group planning, 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