P2 Professional

AmeriCorps Position Description

Position Title:  Environmental Contaminants Associate

Project Sponsor:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/

NWSA Mission: This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA’s mission is: To preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. www.nwserviceacademy.org
 
Sponsor Mission: Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Project Location: Portland, Oregon

Position Summary: The Environmental Contaminants Associate will assist in performing technical analysis of various chemical contaminant issues facing Oregon’s threatened and endangered species. Many risk assessment tools and models will be used in this position. Here is a rewarding opportunity to assist in conserving Oregon’s amazing fish and wildlife while gaining valuable experience. The position exists within the Environmental Contaminants Division of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office, which is an Ecological Services field office of the Fish and Wildlife Service. This division is staffed by dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced biologists who are excited to work with the AmeriCorps candidate.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
* Technical Writing
* Research of information sources using the Internet, published literature, and subject-matter experts
* Gather, organize, and interpret biological and toxicological data
* Manage a variety of tasks in an efficient manner
* Report to supervisor and coworkers on a regular basis
* Maintain professional attitude and behavior
* Complete and submit all necessary U.S. Fish and Wildlife, NWSA and AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
* Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:
* Education or work experience equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree
* Competence with Microsoft Office software applications : Word, Excel, and Power Point
* Basic proficiency with data management and statistical software (e.g. Access, SYSTAT)
* Ability to work independently
* Ability to write clearly and concisely
* Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively
 * U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
* Ability to commit to the full term of service for which you are applying.
* Successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through
 NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.
* Regular and reliable attendance.
* Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program.
 Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two
 terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only
 eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the
 type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that
 term.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Understanding of basic toxicology principals
* Experience in risk assessment
* Understanding of statistical principals and skill in using current statistical software
* Knowledge of biological theories, principles, and experimental design
* Familiarity with basic population dynamics concepts
* Skill in analyzing and interpreting data

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.
* Flexible work environment

Transportation Information:
* Organizational vehicle is available for service activities.
* Project site is accessible by public transportation
* Bus tickets are available for service activities

Application Deadline: Aug 28, 2009  NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews: Sept 7-10, 2009   Type of Position: Professional Placement (P2)
Service Dates:  Oct 5, 2009-Aug 27, 2010

How to apply:

Step 1: Submit an interest letter and resume to Elizabeth Materna elizabeth.materna@fws.gov    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 or in-person to our offices at 55 SE Main, Portland OR 97214.
Questions about the position? Contact: Elizabeth Materna elizabeth.materna@fws.gov
  
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