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 Northwest

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 camping trips (typically in the summer months, most of them frontcountry, up to 10 days/trip)
 
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:
 
-Pacific Northwest Natural History
-Ecological Restoration Overview
- Watershed and Vegetation Management 
-Volunteer Event Management
-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training

Required Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

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

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.