P2 Professional

AmeriCorps Position Description
Position Title: Restoration Project Manager
Project Sponsor: Scappoose Bay Watershed Council (www.scappoosebay-wc.org)
Project Location: 57420-2 Old Portland Road, Warren, Oregon 97053
Organization’s Mission: Working towards healthy communities and creeks from headwaters to bay.

Position Summary: The Restoration Project Manager (RPM) will work with the Watershed Council and council staff to identify and implement restoration projects that will help to improve the overall health of the watershed. Restoration projects will focus on protecting and restoring creek corridors and wetlands. The RPM will work closely with public and private property owners to both develop and implement on-the-ground projects (50%). The RPM will help to maintain native plant nurseries at two local high schools (20%). The RPM will work with monitoring staff to determine appropriate monitoring requirments for projects (20%). The RPM will work with the Coordinator to review available information about the watershed; identify additional restoration needs; and develop long-term project priorities for the watershed (10%).

This is an AmeriCorps position with the newly created Professional Placement program (P2), offered through the Northwest Service Academy’s Lower Columbia Center. P2 has been designed to provide opportunities for highly qualified men and women to serve on compelling, environmentally focused projects. A win-win situation is achieved by placing highly qualified professionals in an environment that allows them to transition into this promising field while contributing to the developmental needs of a small non-profit or a transitional program with a larger organization. See www.p2professional.org/blog/ or www.nwserviceacademy.org.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
* Work with public and private landowners to design and implement habitat restoration projects.
* Work with the Council Coordinator to identify and develop scopes of work for new projects.
* Work with local high schools and volunteers to maintain two native plant nurseries * Work with monitoring staff to develop monitoring plans for projects.
* Maintain project files and work with the Coordinator to ensure that reporting requirements are met.
* Assist with volunteer events such as planting days, clean-ups, and community events.
* Represent the Watershed Council at community and professional meetings.

Position Requirements:
* Experience in restoration of riparian and wetland plant communities in the Pacific Northwest.
* Ability to identify native plants in the field and in a nursery setting. * Abilty to work on complex projects with timely management of required tasks. * Ability and willingness to work outdoors, in inclement weather, and in steep hazardous terrain.
* Ability to operate power tools and hand tools needed to complete restoration work.
* Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
* Proficient with Microsoft Office software products.
* Regular access to a reliable vehicle.
* U.S. Citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
Preferred Qualifications:
* A genuine enthusiasm for conservation and the mission and vision of the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council.
* A good sense of humor and the ability to adapt to changes in schedule and a busy environment.
* Desire to work in a highly collaborative team-based environment.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Ability to create project maps using GPS or other mapping tools.
* Knowledge of chemical and mechanical control techniques for noxious weeds.
* A background in hydrology and/or engineering, preferably with a focus on stream and/or wetland restoration.

Member Benefits Include:
* A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,250).
* Training fund of up to $500.
* Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
* Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
* Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
* Child care allowance for those who qualify.
* The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council provides a dynamic work environment, opportunities to attend professional conferences and trainings, and a work space in an attractive location next to Scappoose Bay with access to boat docks and a natural area with trails.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2008 NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled. Type of position: Professional Placement
Service Dates: July 15, 2008 – June 15, 2009 Length of Term: 1,700 hours
How to apply:
Step 1: Submit an interest letter and resume to Janelle St. Pierre, Coordinator at Scappoose Bay Watershed Council, 57420-2 Old Portland Road, Warren, OR 97053 or sbwc@opusnet.com. No phone calls or visits please.
Step 2: Complete your application and send it to Margi Guilfoyle at margi@p2professional.org: (All application materials can be found on the “How to Apply” page of our website)
* Application – Complete the AmeriCorps Application. It may be submitted by mail, fax or email
* Two Written References – Please ask your recommenders to complete the NWSA Reference Form. It may be submitted by mail, fax or email.
* Certification Form – Print, sign and date the Certification Form. This document MUST be submitted by mail to our offices at 55 SE Main, Portland OR 97214.

Questions about the position? Contact: Janelle St. Pierre, sbwc@opusnet.com
General questions about P2, Northwest Service Academy, or AmeriCorps? Contact:
Margi Guilfoyle
Professional Placement Coordinator
NWSA Lower Columbia Center
55 SE Main Street, Portland, OR 97214
503-234-2383 ext 118
fax 503-232-0166
margi@p2professional.org
www.p2professional.org/blog/
www.nwserviceacademy.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER