Community Engagement Specialist

~ The Confluence AmeriCorps program advances environmental justice through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. ~

• Interested in connecting people with the nature around them?
• Looking to develop leadership skills and learn about watershed health and how it affects all of us?

These positions are life changing service opportunities where the Member engages in addressing critical, environmental needs in low-income communities and communities of color. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and joining a cohort of other Confluence AmeriCorps Members for professional and leadership development opportunities (20%).

Position Overview

In Partnership with the Confluence Environmental Center, the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council and Multnomah County seek a Community Engagement Specialist to develop creative education and outreach strategies to engage local populations in stewardship activities in the lower Sandy River watershed, especially Beaver Creek.

With rural headwaters, Beaver Creek flows through Gresham, Troutdale, and through the Mt. Hood Community College campus where SRBWC office is located. Beaver Creek is home to endangered salmon and is the most populated and urbanized section of the Sandy watershed. The Community Engagement Specialist will educate the community regarding the benefits of several large upcoming projects, including culvert replacements causing road closures, to salmon and watershed health.

Duties include developing partnerships with diverse groups (20%), representing SRBWC at public outreach events, provide tours and presentations (20%), coordinating and leading stewardship activities like plantings and cleanup events (20%), and developing written materials (20%). The Member will participate in Confluence led professional development activities: Professional Development Series, completing a Change Agent Project, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

• Dates of Service are September 6, 2017 – July 27, 2018 (11 months – 1700 hours)
• Project Partners are Sandy River Basin Watershed Council & Multnomah County 

Responsibilities

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with staff to create an outreach plan targeting communities in the lower Sandy River watershed.
• Partner with programs on Mt. Hood Community College campus including tour guides, natural resources programs, and programs supporting diverse student populations to engage students in the Salmon Safe certification process.
• Plan and deliver tours and presentations on the Beaver Creek watershed.
• Coordinate and lead groups during stewardship events such as cleanups, plantings, and the annual Eco-Blitz.
• Develop educational materials to communicate information to a public audience.
• Develop an individually tailored project to propel organizational engagement in the lower Sandy River watershed and inform future outreach programs in the targeted area.
• Represent SRBWC and the Beaver Creek Conservation Partners at tabling outreach events.
• Write newsletter articles and reports to SRBWC and partners regarding project progress.
• Present information at SRBWC Board Meetings and Beaver Creek Conservation Partner meetings.
• Complete and submit all necessary Confluence/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Abide by Confluence and AmeriCorps program policies.
• Attend and complete all Confluence/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, training's, team meetings and national service days.
• Wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Ability to serve independently and as a part of a team in a small office setting.
• Communicate regularly with staff regarding project ideas, obstacles, and implementation.
• Personable with good verbal and written communication skills, including communicating with the public  Self-motivated with the ability to set own schedule and meet deadlines.
• Ability to serve in varied conditions including wet and cold weather and uneven terrain.
• Must be available to work some evenings and weekends.
• Computer literate: able to use Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of restoration ecology and/or ability to learn riparian restoration concepts.
• Willingness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues.
• Positive attitude and passionate about engaging diverse audiences in watershed restoration.
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through the Individuals State of Residence, State of Service, and FBI criminal identification systems. Also, must obtain a satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal vehicle to access remote sites not served by public transportation and to carry outreach materials.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Russian, or other language.
• Resident of East Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, or surrounding communities.
• Background in any: ecology, environmental education, outreach, communications, leadership.

Note: AmeriCorps Members can enroll in multiple terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards. In other words, you can blend summer, part-time and full-time service positions and receive awards as long as the combined service terms don’t exceed two full terms. You can also serve additional terms and elect not to receive an award. Please click here for full information.

Member Benefits Include:

•  A taxable, monthly living allowance ($12,630 paid over the term of service).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible Members receive an education award of $5,815. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Basic medical insurance (covers Members only, not dependents).
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.
• $100 training fund available.

Logistics

Service Project Location:

• Sandy River Basin Watershed Council office at Mt. Hood Community College: 26000 SE Stark Street, GE Building, Gresham OR 97030

Transportation Information:

• Member is responsible for their own transportation to SRBWC office and off-site locations.
• Personal vehicle strongly preferred, and mileage will be reimbursed for service related travel.
• Public transportation is available to SRBWC office via bus lines 20 and 81.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter and three references to Sara Ennis.
• Application Deadline Wednesday July 5th, 9:00 AM.

~ Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing career development opportunities. Confluence is an AA/EEO employer. Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process. ~