Corps Member 2018 (US AmeriCorps)
About EarthCorps
EarthCorps is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization with a mission to build a global community of leaders through local environmental service. EarthCorps' Corps Program is an intensive year-long training program that unites young adults (ages 18-25) 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, offered through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). As such, all applicants must meet the requirements to become an AmeriCorps member and abide by AmeriCorps policies. AmeriCorps members will join international exchange visitors from around the world as they work to restore the environment of the Pacific NorthwestDuties & 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%
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
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:
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
- Creating a strong internal community
- Working in a multi-cultural community
- Exposure to local PNW community and issues
- Understanding of leadership theory and personal style
- Leading a variety of community environmental restoration events
- Leading in a diverse, multi-cultural setting
-Pacific Northwest Natural History
-Ecological Restoration Overview
- Watershed and Vegetation Management
-Volunteer Event Management
-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
-Cross-Cultural Communication
-Safety: Field Health & Safety, Risk Mgmt., Site Safety, First Aid, CPR, Driving
-Leadership Skills & Practices
-Performance Evaluations
-Safety: Field Health & Safety, Risk Mgmt., Site Safety, First Aid, CPR, Driving
-Leadership Skills & Practices
-Performance Evaluations
Required Qualifications
- Ability and desire to work hard, outdoors and in all weather conditions
- Commitment to cooperation and teamwork with peers from around the world
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps and ability to complete term of service
- 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
- Completed high school diploma/GED
Desired Qualifications
- Between 18-26 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 fields
- Capacity to learn and grow in a service-based training position
Corps Member Terms of Service
- STATUS: Temporary, Exempt – Enrolled in AmeriCorps through CNCS
- AmeriCorps members must abide by policies set by CNCS and complete 1700 hours of service, including mandatory trainings
- PERIOD OF SERVICE: February 6 – December 13, 2018
- RATE OF PAY: Living stipend of $1,385/month
- TYPICAL HOURS OF SERVICE: 7:20 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, with occasional Saturdays mandatory. Alternating 4- and 5-day weeks. (1/2 hour lunch does not count towards AmeriCorps hours)
- Overnight retreats and education sessions must be attended to fulfill program requirements