AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs which take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, conservation and more. AmeriCorps members make people safer, stronger, healthier; to strengthen communities and to Get Things Done for America. This position is rewarded by serving their country, student loan deferment, new skills and training, a monthly living allowance, health care, an education award to help pay for college, and career opportunities.
This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of the Idaho Chapter and the Silver Creek Preserve.
For more information regarding member living stipend, benefits and education award, please visit the AmeriCorps Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) website.
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive sttement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor (Site Coordinator and/or AmeriCorps Program Coordinator) in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation. This position is contingent on funding. This position does have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.
The Steward Assistant will serve with Conservation staff and serve in teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans.
- Stewards preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
- Identifies, map and controls exotic species
- Monitor and research exotic species and habitat ecology
- May maintain and operate tools and equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, tractor, ATV, fire management equipment, etc.)
- Collect native seeds
- Use GPS technology to record areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types
- Use GIS and tablet technology to map monitoring and treatment sites
- Repair and replace wildlife friendly fencing to protect TNC’s property from trespass cattle and protect native species
- Remove fences in areas identified as needed to facilitate wildlife movement
- May organize volunteer events, engage local participants to treat invasive species, remove fencing, plant native plants, etc.
- Improve coordination among stakeholders and partners working on fuels reduction, forest restoration, and invasive plant control
- Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
- Scheduling and coordinating logistics for special events and/or meetings
- Recruit, manage, train and retain volunteers to serve alongside TNC staff and at TNC events
- Review and implement TNC policies and procedures regarding volunteer programs including training TNC staff
- Manage the coordination and logistics of planning, execution and impact of various environmental outreach programs.
- Perform administrative functions as required
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Interact with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners
- May serve in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances
- Perform duties following detailed instructions and general supervision and established guidelines
- Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments as designated by supervisor
- Prioritize service independently
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor
- Recruit, train and manage community volunteers
- Performs administrative duties as required
- Willingness and ability to travel within the geography assigned
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with MS Office
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines
- Valid driver’s license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Knowledge of native plants
- Ability to serve alone in remote areas at times with limited communications
- Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy
- Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports;
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.