Outreach and Youth Associate

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: Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
Project Location: 911 Western Ave, Suite 523, Seattle, WA 98104

Position Overview:

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust leads and inspires action to conserve and enhance the landscape from Seattle across the Cascade Mountains to Central Washington, ensuring a long-term balance between people and nature. The Outreach & Youth Associate will be heavily involved in the maintenance and growth of public involvement and stewardship in the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

The Greenway Trust Volunteer Program currently includes several hundred volunteer events each year conducting tree planting, invasive plant removal, trail work and other enhancements on public lands in the corridor. The Outreach & Youth Associate will be integrally involved in volunteer recruitment and public outreach, while helping lead both mid-week and weekend volunteer events for youth groups, schools, corporate teams, and both adult and youth individuals.

This position is ideal for an outgoing, energetic, organized individual with a passion for the outdoors and experience working with the public. Ideal candidates will have experience and enthusiasm for working with youth, as well as outreach coordination experience (speaking to groups, canvassing areas with flyers, etc.).

Responsibilities:

(to include, but not limited to):

1. Outreach: Advertise events with local media and finding other creative ways to inform students, employees and retirees, faith-based organizations, and other diverse groups about volunteer opportunities.
2. Recruitment: Research and attend volunteer recruitment fairs at schools, businesses, community festivals, etc.
3. Event Leadership: Lead field events in the Greenway, including Saturdays and other events during the year, which includes developing relationships with and educating volunteers about the Greenway, site history, and other relevant information.
4. Coordination: Assist in volunteer event registration, emailing detailed project information for each event, and track volunteer involvement in the Greenway database, which includes detailed data entry.
5. Recognition: Writing thank-you letters and sending out personalized notes, t-shirts and mugs.
6. Other tasks as requested.
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. Must 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. Personal vehicle is required for service activities and mileage reimbursement is approved.
4. Flexible schedule to enable attendance at regular weekend events (most Saturdays) and occasional evening meetings.
5. Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
6. Proven personal initiative and ability to handle multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced environment, to prioritize, use good judgment, and problem solve.
7. Strong written communication and public speaking skills.
8. Professional demeanor.
9. Demonstrated experience as a team player.
10. Experience working with volunteers and a passion for leading and working with youth.
11. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
12. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
13. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
14. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
15. Selection, placement and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Register and a national FBI fingerprint check.
16. Regular and reliable attendance.
17. 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. Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
2. Experience with marketing and outreach.
3. Education or experience in natural resource fields.
4. Standard computer skills as well as experience with database management (including Microsoft Office).
5. Experience with restoration and trail maintenance techniques.
6. Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR training desired.

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. Personal vehicle is required for this position and 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. Organizational vehicle is available for some service activities.
3. Project site is accessible by public transportation.
4. Bus tickets and monthly/annual transit passes are available for service activities, and will be provided by the project sponsor.

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.