Big Sky Watershed Corps – AmeriCorps Member

The Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program created through collaboration between the Montana Conservation Corps, the Montana Watershed Coordination Council and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Montana. The BSWC utilizes community based initiatives to protect, preserve and restore local watersheds throughout Montana.

Position Overview

Big Sky Watershed Corps is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals. Primary duties of the Big Sky Watershed Corps Member (CM) include working with the Host Site staff to complete tasks related to project design and implementation, community outreach and education, volunteer generation and management and reporting functions. The CM works under the direct supervision of the Host Site Supervisor and the Big Sky Watershed Corps Program Staff to ensure successful completion of program objectives. The CM is an AmeriCorps Member and is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps Members. 

BSWC members develop projects to protect local water resources, such as watershed inventories, stream and riparian restoration, re-vegetation projects, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, abandoned mine reclamation, and irrigation improvements. BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education. They engage with local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, and trainings. They develop curriculum, focus on issues with local solutions, implement outreach initiatives, and organize public meetings and events for community stakeholders. BSWC members consistently engage volunteers for training and events that relate to watershed health and protection. Members also develop a skilled and influential recurring volunteer-base to support local efforts.

• Term of Service: 1/10/2022 - 11/18/2022             
• Living Stipend: $711 biweekly
• Health Insurance: Provided at no cost
• Education Award: $6,345 upon successful completion of the program
• Member Assistance Program: Free access to confidential mental health counseling, medical advocacy, financial assistance, legal assistance, life coaching and more

Responsibilities

• Work with Host Site staff to develop and implement watershed-related field projects.
• Assist Host Site staff in the completion of watershed-related plans.
• Recruit and manage volunteers on field and service projects; ensure participant safety on all projects.
• Develop materials (brochures, posters, PowerPoint presentations) to use in community presentations.
• Conduct community outreach to educate community stakeholders about watershed-related issues.
• Work with schools and/or youth groups to develop field projects or educational presentations.
• Maintain accurate personnel, safety and project records.
• Complete and submit required program reports in a timely manner.
• Help complete and submit relevant grants.
• Help develop and write watershed-related plans, proposals and reports.                                    

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• College degree (B.A./B.S.), preferably in watershed, agriculture, environment, or education related field.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, ability to pass a motor vehicle records check, US Citizenship or ability to work in the US.
• Strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment.
• Ability to provide personal transportation to worksites, housing, and trainings.

Additional Desired Experience:

• Previous watershed-related experience, fieldwork, data collection & analysis or plan development.
• Previous teaching or volunteer management experience.
• Ability to work with and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Open and adaptable to new environments, different perspectives and rural communities.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with local stakeholder, watershed or natural resource groups.                                                                       

Additional Information

MCC seeks to provide access and opportunity to a diverse group of staff and participants, while continuing to identify and reduce barriers to being involved in our organization and programs. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.