Natural Cities Program Assistant

The Urban Ecology Institute promotes the stewardship of healthy urban ecosystems by improving science and civic education for middle and high school youth and by working with urban neighborhoods to protect and restore critical natural resources.

We are seeking a Natural Cities Program Assistant (1 opening) for a one year term of service through AmeriCorps *VISTA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Natural Cities Program is a model for community-based restoration of an urban ecosystem. The goal of the program is to help community groups in and around Boston to identify and protect critical ecological resources in the urban watersheds around Boston. The Natural Cities AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers work with our community partners and neighborhood associations in Boston, helping to get residents involved in the cleanup and redevelopment of sites in and around Boston. Their energy, knowledge and enthusiasm will be focused on reaching diverse groups and engaging them in the many different levels of participation available in the redevelopment projects.

Tasks will include: 

1) Working with UEI attorneys to encourage public involvement in parcel restoration and redevelopment and assisting with presentations to community groups.
2) Researching topics in urban ecology.
3) Helping identify priority sites for restoration and recreational use, based on ecological, social, and legal information.
4) Managing a volunteer-based inventory of Boston?s urban forest.
5) Providing ongoing support in the form of organizing events and helping community groups with research to build projects.
6) Managing a small-grants project for community members and groups.
7) Performing shared general office tasks.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for a hard-working, dedicated, self-starter who desires a rewarding and challenging experience. Only applicants dedicated to a year of public service through AmeriCorps*VISTA, should apply. You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.

Required: Excellent writing and communication skills; attention to detail; ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize; well organized; commitment to the empowerment of low-income people and communities; interest in leadership development; ability to work with diverse groups of people; ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team; ability to work in fast paced, but friendly environment; basic Microsoft Office computer skills. A positive attitude and sense of humor are a must.

**Please visit our website at www.urbaneco.org for more details regarding our organization, job duties and qualifications**

START DATE: August 2005. Full time for one year.

COMPENSATION: AmeriCorps*VISTA will provide a living allowance of about $400 paid twice a month basis. For all members that complete a year of service, they may choose either a $4725 education award or $1200 stipend.

How to Apply:
Early applicants will be given top consideration. All applicants must submit an AmeriCorps*VISTA application which can be found at https://recruit.cns.gov. Applications will not be accepted after April 30th.

Applicants are also asked to send a cover letter, resume, and 3-4 page writing sample to:

Aaron Toffler
Natural Cities Program
Urban Ecology Institute
355 Higgins Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 
toffler@bc.edu