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International Crew Member 2022

About EarthCorps

EarthCorps (EC) is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that believes people and nature can thrive together and seeks to build a global community of leaders through local environmental service.  Putting our mission into action looks like an intensive (six-month/year-long) training program that unites young adults (ages 18-26ish) from across the United States and around the world. EarthCorps is committed to becoming a more liberated and anti-racist organization. Through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, EarthCorps is building a network of leaders who have the cultural competency and skills to build a new future, while restoring vital lands and waters and connecting people to nature. This work is ongoing and the organization is committed to being transparent with program participants about our work, as well as including their input to drive the direction of the organization towards a healthier, welcoming, and sustainable community for us all.  

Position Summary

The international Crew Member position with EarthCorps is a 3-month service learning experience for non-U.S. citizens, which takes place in Seattle, Washington, USA. Young environmental leaders from countries outside the United States will join US AmeriCorps members to develop skills in environmental service, community building and leadership. International Crew Members are sponsored by EarthCorps on a J-1 Trainee Visa.

Duties & Responsibilities

FIELD SERVICE (80% of program)

Corps Members work on a crew of 5-7 young adults performing environmental restoration. A Crew Leader guides the crew as they complete restoration projects 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 (percentages are approximate and subject to change):

  • Invasive plant removal (manual), 35%
  • Invasive plant control (herbicide), 10%
  • Native plant installation (planting), 15%
  • Restoration site maintenance, 15%
  • Trail construction/maintenance, 15%
  • Volunteer management, 8%
  • Erosion control, 2%

Multiple camping trips (typically in the summer months, from 3 to 10 days per trip)

Restoration is physically demanding service that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. Each year new members consistently underestimate the physical and mental requirements. Service regularly involves

  • Long days of repetitively shoveling, digging, and swinging heavy tools,
  • Heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. (22.5 kg) and bending,
  • Working, eating, and living 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 let us know 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 environmental restoration theories and concepts, natural resource management and global environmental issues, basic botany and ecology of the Pacific Northwest, leadership skills, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication. Outcomes for each theme include:

  • Habitat Restoration:
    • Understanding of Best Management Practices of ecological restoration
    • Exposure, knowledge and skill in the restoration and conservation field
    • Exposure to PNW restoration industry and local environmental network
    • Modeling of effective pace, quality, and quantity to fit environmental industry standards
  • Community building:
    • Creating a strong internal community
    • Working in a multi-cultural community
    • Exposure to local PNW community and issues
  • Leadership:
    • Leading in a diverse, multi-cultural setting
    • Leading a variety of community environmental restoration events
    • Understanding of leadership theory and personal style
  • Corps Member Education & Training (in workshops and/or in the field) includes:
    • Pacific Northwest Natural History
    • Ecological Restoration Overview
    • Watershed and Vegetation Management 
    • Urban Forestry
    • Volunteer Event Management
    • Diversity Training
    • Cross-Cultural Communication
    • Safety: Field Health & Safety, Risk Mgmt., Site Safety, First Aid, CPR, Driving
    • Leadership Skills & Practices
    • Performance Evaluations

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, religion.

Required Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Ability to work hard in all weather conditions,

·       Commitment to cooperation and teamwork with peers from around the world,

·       Conversational English ability

·       Eligibility for J-1 Trainee Visa

·       Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (22.5 kg); Hike up to 8 miles (13 km) while carrying 40 pounds (18kg) of weight for up to 9 hours per day.

Desired Qualifications

·       Between 18-28 years old,

·       Experience in outdoor field work or physical labor,

·       Commitment to community service and previous experience in volunteer service,

·       Enthusiasm for environmental conservation, science, recreation or other related field,

·       Capacity to learn and grow in a service training position.


Corps Members will be expected to follow additional procedures relating to public health and the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19, while in the field and out. This includes the wearing of face coverings and necessary distancing between crew members in the field, among other crew protocol. All Corps Members must be fully vaccinated with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine before beginning their service.

Corps Member Terms of Service


·       STATUS: Exchange Visitor under J-1 Visa training program - Temporary, Exempt

·       PERIOD:  – September 12 - December 9, 2022 (must be able to commit to the full term)

·       RATE OF PAY: Living stipend of $1,000 month (taxable so take home money will be a bit less)

·       TYPICAL HOURS OF SERVICE: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday,

o  some Saturdays required, some Mondays off

Benefits


·       Homestay provided (room and board)

·       Days off permissible as designated by EarthCorps

·       Holidays will be paid as designated by EarthCorps

·       Medical Insurance

·       ORCA Pass for bus transportation

·       Education & Training·       Boots, pants, t-shirt, rain gear and safety equipment provided

Deadlines and Start Dates

Please submit your completed application as soon as you are able. New applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. 

 

We encourage applicants from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities to apply, especially those from historically marginalized communities.

To Apply

Qualified candidates must visit https://www.earthcorps.org/apply/ to complete the application form and upload the necessary documents. Applications are complete, and therefore will be reviewed, once all of the following have been submitted via the online application:

·       General Information

·       Resume / C.V.

·       Personal Statement

·       Copy of your Passport’s picture page

·       Candidate Nomination Form

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