Summary of Position:
This position encompasses many facets: working with volunteers on many levels (recruiting, training, mentoring, organizing); learning and understanding meaningful ways to connect applied science to community needs at the local level; evaluating, designing, and implementing impactful programming for the betterment of the community and environment; and collaborating with all types of groups, from government agencies to civic organizations, school groups, other nonprofits, and community groups. The member is in charge of communications with the Water Quality Team, administers resources for all WQ-focused programs, and connects with the broader community to solve water quality challenges.
Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Related educational background preferred: environmental sciences/studies, natural resource management, sustainability/technology, etc.
• Experience working with or managing volunteers of various demographics preferred
• Public Speaking experience a plus
• Member must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Google suite, Facebook, and GIS preferred
• Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, and consent to a criminal history check.
Weekly Schedule:
9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, some evenings and weekends
Service Term:
900 hours from March 16 – August 31, with an earlier start date possible – please contact Andy Hill for details: andy@mountaintrue.org
Compensation:
A $7,431 living stipend is provided for 900 hour service term members. Upon successful completion of the service term, members will receive an education award of $3,047. While members are serving, they qualify for a health insurance reimbursement, childcare, and student loan forbearance.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Conservation Education (20%)
• Collaborate with community partners to conduct public education events in the Watauga River watershed such as Watershed Days;
• Collaborate with other organizations to plan and execute the Float Fest event;
• Collaborate with other organizations to organize and execute Kids in the Creek and other water quality youth education events
At-Risk Ecosystem Impacts and Trails (30%)
• Plan and assist with live-staking events in the region;
• Utilize VWIN, SMIE and Swim Guide data to address water quality issues;
• Conduct stream clean-ups and strainer removal work days
Volunteer Management (50%)
• Lead MountainTrue’s High Country Regional Office Water Quality Team;
• Manage the SMIE biomonitoring program and VWIN chemical monitoring program through effective volunteer recruitment, training, and management;
• Coordinate Swim Guide bacteria monitoring program
• Expand the reach of the Adopt-A-Stream program;
• Coordinate Watauga County Big Sweep 2020;
• Host a volunteer appreciation event;
• Pursue other opportunities to engage volunteers as they arise
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to fulfilling host site service responsibilities, all Americorps Project Conserve members are required to fully participate in team trainings, service projects and statewide AmeriCorps events. Project Conserve team events will occur approximately twice per month in locations throughout the service area and may require up to three overnight stays.
If you have questions about the position, please contact Andy Hill at andy@mountaintrue.org.
Apply here.