Crew Member 2019 (Sept.-Dec.)

About EarthCorps

EarthCorps is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization with a mission of developing leaders to strengthen community and restore the health of our environment.  EarthCorps' Corps Program is an intensive year-long training program that unites young adults from across the United States and around the world to learn skills in community building, habitat restoration, and leadership. EarthCorps program participants are part of a diverse group of emerging environmental leaders committed to teamwork, service, and personal growth.

Position Summary

The Corps Member position is a training-level, seasonal position with EarthCorps. As an AmeriCorps Member, corps members will work on outdoor environmental restoration projects throughout the Puget Sound Region. Their work directly improves the resiliency of our land by restoring habitat, improving water and air quality, reducing erosion, sequestering carbon and engaging the broader community to become stewards of our shared resource.
 
In addition to hands-on field service, corps members have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally through training, workshops, feedback, and reflection.  While working on close-knit teams, Crew Members gain valuable experience and skills in communication, conflict management, and leadership. AmeriCorps Crew Members will join international exchange visitors from around the world as they build a global community, sharing insight and inspiration.

Duties & Responsibilities

FIELD SERVICE (80% of program)
Corps Members work on a crew of 5-7 young adults performing hands-on environmental services. A Crew Leader guides the crew as they complete restoration projects at various sites, and in partnership with various land management agencies, throughout the Puget Sound region (in urban, suburban, and rural settings).
 
Project Implementation: Corps Members are responsible for the efficiency of accomplishing projects and the quality of the final product under supervision from project staff. Corps Members and staff are responsible for the safety of themselves, their fellow workers, and members of the public who may be involved with projects.
 
Field Service Projects (and estimates of their typical percentage of the program):

• Invasive plant removal (manual)              35%
• Invasive plant control (herbicide)            12%
• Native plant installation (planting)          15%
• Restoration site maintenance                   15%
• Trail construction/maintenance               15%
• Volunteer management                             8%

Multiple frontcountry camping trips (more in the summer, usually 3-5 days/trip but can be up to 10 days)
 
Environmental restoration is physically demanding service that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions.  New members consistently underestimate the physical and mental requirements. Service regularly involves:

• Long days of repetitively swinging heavy tools, shoveling, and digging.
• Heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. and bending,
• Working, eating, and sometimes camping in the outdoors in all weather conditions
• Walking on steep or uneven terrain up to 8 mi. (13 km) while carrying 40 lbs. (18 kg) of weight
• Working in extremes of heat or cold

Please consider the nature of the work prior to applying and contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.
 
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS (20% of program)
Corps members participate fully in retreats, workshops, and field trainings. These sessions provide skills and context for the restoration work that corps members complete. Topics covered include basic botany and ecology of the Pacific Northwest, environmental restoration theories and concepts, topics in natural resource management and global environmental issues, leadership skills, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication. Outcomes for each theme include:
 

Required Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Corps Member Terms of Service

• STATUS: Full-Time, Temporary, Exempt
• Enrolled in AmeriCorps through CNCS.  This is a quarter-term (450-hour) AmeriCorps position.
• AmeriCorps members must abide by policies set by CNCS and complete at least 450 hours of service, including mandatory trainings.
• PERIOD OF SERVICE: September 3, 2019 – December 12, 2019
• RATE OF PAY: Living stipend of $1,484/month
• TYPICAL HOURS OF SERVICE: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Monday – Friday, with occasional Saturdays mandatory.  Alternating 4- and 5-day weeks. 
• Overnight retreats and education sessions must be attended to fulfill program requirements

Benefits

BENEFITS:

• AmeriCorps education award of $1,566 upon completion of term (at least 450 hours and all program activities)
• Days off permissible as designated by EarthCorps
• Holidays will be paid as designated by EarthCorps
• Medical Insurance
• Subsidized ORCA Pass for bus transportation
• Education & Training
• Boots, pants, t-shirt, rain gear and safety equipment provided

Deadlines and Start Dates

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.  Please submit your completed application as soon as possible to ensure your materials are considered.

Priority Consideration Deadline: July 1, 2019

To Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below to begin your application.  You will be asked to submit basic personal information, essay answers, and a current resume with contact information for two references.