P2 Professional

AmeriCorps Position Description

Position Title:  StreamTeam Program Assistant

Project Sponsor:  Clark Public Utilities, StreamTeam www.StreamTeam.net  

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.northwestserviceacademy.org  

Project Location:  8600 NE 117th Avenue, Vancouver, Washington 98668

Position Summary: The StreamTeam started in 1992 and has grown to a regionally recognized volunteer environmental restoration effort of Clark Public Utilities. Since the program’s inception, volunteers from a variety of backgrounds have planted over 600,000 native trees to bring salmon back to Salmon Creek. Annually over 800 volunteers plant trees, monitor local water quality, manage non-native plants and provide environmental outreach to protect local water quality and quantity. The StreamTeam interacts with approximately 20,000 people each year through outreach and educational opportunities in the community. This program is facilitated by one staff coordinator with limited assistance of a six person NWSA/AmeriCorps field team.

The StreamTeam Program Assistant will assist the StreamTeam Coordinator in developing high quality, on-the-ground restoration and outreach activities in the Salmon Creek and East Fork of the Lewis Watersheds. These activities might include; program development, community event design and implementation, volunteer recruitment and coordination, outreach, and grant writing opportunities.
 
A large portion of the member’s time (approximately 70%) will include large event planning, program outreach, environmental education and the development of volunteer leaders. Our goal is to provide the one-on-one attention necessary to cultivate volunteer leaders. Once volunteer leaders are trained and active, the position will be able to focus on other program needs such as grant writing. Less than half of the time will be spent in the field.
 
General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): 
 ? Collaborate to design and implement restoration and outreach activities including: community tree plantings, volunteer led monitoring events, presentations, volunteer training, non-native plant management, and large community events.
 ? Identify and develop volunteer leaders.
 ? Provide outreach, training and education.
 ? Collaborate with staff and NWSA/AmeriCorps field team to meet program goals.
 ? Act as a conduit between NWSA/AmeriCorps field team and StreamTeam Coordinator to improve StreamTeam experience.
 ? Assist with facilitation of project monitoring (i.e. water quality and wildlife).
 ? Engage and coordinate volunteers at evening and approximately 12 Saturday volunteer events (corresponding days off are given).
 ? Complete and submit all necessary CPU, 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: 
 ? Ability to effectively work independently and with teams on multiple, simultaneous, diverse tasks with attention to details, accuracy and process. 
 ? Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to work effectively with people of diverse talent and background including NWSA/AmeriCorps field team, staff, landowners and volunteers.
 ? Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and self-initiative to prioritize multiple projects in order to meet individual and StreamTeam deadlines.
 ? Ability to promote teamwork and collaboration.
 ? Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
 ? Flexibility to modify work schedule as needed.
 ? Genuine interest in the success and growth of volunteers and the program.
 ? Demonstrated excellent written and verbal skills, including presentation and public speaking skills.
 ? Experience with environmental education, volunteer management, and large community event planning.
 ? Positive and flexible attitude with strong work ethic.
 ? Willingness to work outside, often on uneven terrain and in inclement conditions.
 ? Ability to drive a large vehicle such as a 15 passenger van and/or four-wheel drive vehicles with trailers (training provided). 
 ? Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
 ? Ability to successfully pass a drug test (random or otherwise) conducted by project sponsor.
 ? 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
 ? 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: 
 ? Computer literacy in Microsoft Programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Publisher).
 ? High level of customer service with a variety of individuals.
 ? Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
 ? Independent, self-motivated, cooperative person who can work in a team and individually.
 ? Natural Resource/Biology background (studies a plus, but not a requirement).
 
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 Stream Team provides the opportunity to become part of a team of individuals equally committed to service to the environment and to the community.

 Transportation Information: 
 ? Organizational vehicle is available for service activities. Member is covered by organization’s vehicle insurance policy.
 ? Project site is accessible by public transportation.
 
Application Deadline: On-going until filled.       NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center 
Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled.      Type of position: Professional Placement (P2)
Service Dates:  January 13, 2010-December 13, 2010
 
 
How to apply: 
Step 1: Submit an interest letter and resume to Lisa Beranek at StreamTeam@clarkpud.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 or in-person to our offices at 55 SE Main, Portland OR 97214.
Questions about the position? Contact: Lisa Beranek, StreamTeam@clarkpud.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