Conservation Intern

This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA's mission is to preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. 

Project Sponsor: Underwood Conservation District    
Project Location: 170 NW Lincoln St., White Salmon, WA 98672

Position Overview:

2 key goals stand out for the Intern position: 1) Provide natural resource conservation education to young students and adult landowners, including lessons on water conservation, water quality, native plants, firewise principles, livestock management, and forestry. Year-round, 50% of time. 2.) Assist UCD staff in planning and conducting natural resource conservation projects such as tree planting, weeding, streambank stabilization, fuels reduction work, riparian fencing and off-stream watering facilities. Year-round, 50% of time.  

Responsibilities:

(to include, but not limited to):

1. Coordinating efforts of one watershed enhancement committee, the Jewett Creek Streamkeepers.
2. Providing educational assistance to local schools in watershed educational activities.
3. Community outreach efforts, helping community members become more aware of resource values in their communities.
4. Helping to perform monitoring of water quality/quantity in Underwood Conservation District watersheds.
5. Assisting in on-the-ground restoration activities.
6. Other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
7. Complete a Community Action Project that is identified by the Intern, researched, and implemented during the term of service.
8. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
9. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
10. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Qualifications:

Position Requirements:

1. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation. Must comply with NWSA Personal and Organizational Vehicle Use Policy detailed at the end of this position description.
2. Attend a mandatory orientation in Trout Lake, WA from 2/7 to 2/11, quarterly Intern trainings in Trout Lake, WA (food and lodging provided for orientation and trainings), and monthly Intern meetings. Intern is responsible for transportation to and from all mandatory trainings and meetings, which may be up to several hours away from their project site.
3. The intern must have the following gear or equipment: outdoor work clothing and boots for all seasons.
4. Will be required to work some evenings and weekends.
5. Ability to drive standard size pickups with standard (stick shift) transmission.
6. Ability to hike for extended periods in rough terrain, including steep, forested mountains, and wading in mountain streams, at times in adverse weather conditions (rain or snow).
7. Physical ability to perform strenuous outdoor work such as tree planting, weed removal, and moderate lifting/carrying gear in a backpack.
8. Desire to serve with others to promote education, environmental stewardship and an ethic of service.
9. Ability to attend local meetings.
10. Ability to work in a team environment with diverse groups of people, including students of varying ages, landowners and other community members.
11. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
12. Represent the Underwood Conservation District and Northwest Service Academy in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partners, colleagues, community volunteers, students and the general public.
13. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
14. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
15. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
16. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
17. Selection, placement and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Register and a national FBI fingerprint check.
18. Regular and reliable attendance.
19. Members are eligible to serve up to 4 terms of service and receive AmeriCorps Education awards for each term of service up to the value of 2 full time education awards only. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inform NWSA of any previous service in an AmeriCorps program, regardless of whether or not they completed the previous term(s) of service. NWSA is not liable for providing an Education Award to a member if they are not eligible under the Corporation for National and Community Service AmeriCorps guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Interest or experience in natural resources and biology.
2. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member and with individuals.
3. Knowledge of computer skills such as Word processing programs, email, spreadsheets and databases.
4. Strong organization ability and attention to detail.
5. Interest or experience in educating youth.

Compensation:

1. A total taxable living allowance of $11,800.
2. Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $5,350. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, 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.
3. Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
4. Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
5. Child care allowance for those who qualify.
6. We can assist the member in finding low cost housing.

Transportation Information:

1. While a personal vehicle is not required for this position, the Intern is responsible for transportation to and from 3-4 mandatory trainings in Trout Lake, WA, including an initial five-day orientation (lodging included in trainings). Regardless, offers are contingent on your driving record and personal vehicle insurance coverage meeting the minimum requirements detailed at the end of this position description.
2. Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site and to attend NWSA trainings and meetings.
3. Project site is not accessible by public transportation.
4. Organizational vehicle is available for service activities.

Service Dates: February 7 - December 16, 2011

To Apply:

Step 1:

• Complete your application Online at the AmeriCorps website
• If you do not already have a username and password, you must Create A Profile  
• Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking "Applications" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu.
• To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy-MAC
• Select the position listing and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

Step 2:

Submit the additional materials listed at Mt. Adams Center.