P2 Professional

A m e r i C o r p s P o s i t i o n D e s c r i p t i o n
Position Title:  Green Schools Specialist
Project Sponsor:  Portland Public Schools, 21st Century Schools Department www.pps.k12.or.us 
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
Sponsor Mission: To design and construct school building improvements which provide a healthy environment, empowers the best of teaching, facilitates the academic achievement goals of Portland Public Schools, engages and enhances the community, and demonstrates resource stewardship. 

Project Location:  501 N Dixon Street, Portland, Oregon
Position Summary: The goals for the Green Schools Specialist position include green material and methods education and research, as well as developing PPS green building standards and forming key relationships with research entities, development partners and green organizations. Researching materials and methods: 30%, Green programs, technologies and standards: 20%, O/M best green building practices: 10%, Support public process: 20%, Develop relationships: 10%, Department’s library: 10%

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
* Research NW regional and preferred green materials, building technologies and case studies – from masonry and site improvements to interior finishes and furnishings
* Research various green building standards/programs: LEED, Green Globes, CHPS and compare/contrast options to assist in compiling PPS standards.
* Develop best practices for Operation and Maintenance of green buildings
* Support public design and sustainability workshops/charrettes
* Develop collaborative relationships with research entities, such as Portland Daylighting Lab, Environmental Testing labs
* Establish standards and organization for department’s resource library
* Complete and submit all necessary NCCSP, 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:
* Personal vehicle is required for service activities
* Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation
* High school graduate with minimum of 3 years college education or applicable work experience
* Computer software competence in Microsoft Excel and Word
* Graphics programs, such as Photoshop, InDesign and PowerPoint are also recommended
* Basic knowledge or interest in green building technologies and materials
* General writing and office experience
* Teaching and/or leadership experience
* 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:
* Experience/Interest in architecture, construction, environmental or energy fields
* Ability to research materials and methods and to organize that research for reference
* Website knowledge, experience and/or interest
* PowerPoint experience

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.

Transportation Information:
* Mileage reimbursement will be provided to the member to cover travel in his/her own vehicles for project use.
* Project site is accessible by public transportation
* Monthly/annual transit passes are available for service activities
* The position reports primarily to Portland Public Schools BESC district office with visits to various Portland Public Schools throughout the school year.

Application Deadline:  Aug. 14th  NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews:  Aug. 17-19th  Type of position: Professional Placement (P2)
Service Dates:   8/31/09 – 7/31/10

How to apply:
Step 1: Submit an interest letter and resume to Stefee Knudsen sknudsen@pps.k12.or.us   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: Stefee Knudsen sknudsen@pps.k12.or.us 
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