Environmental Education and Outreach 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: Snohomish Conservation District
Project Location: 528 91st Ave NE Ste A, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Position Overview:

The Snohomish Conservation District (SCD) Environmental Education & Outreach Intern is primarily assigned to working with teachers and landowners who reside within the boundaries of the SCD and will work to continue the development of the K-12 classroom educational outreach programs. This includes the Stillaguamish and Snohomish watersheds and Camano and Hat Islands.

The intern will also participate in other District outreach and training opportunities including the conservation plant sale, local fairs and festivals, tours and workshops. He/she will gain a complete understanding of the Snohomish Conservation District and its programs. In addition, the intern will assist the District in outreach to two previously underserved areas: Camano Island and Hat Island.

Responsibilities:

(to include, but not limited to):

1. Classroom Education: (50%) Intern will contact schools and work with teachers to schedule classroom visits and a series of lessons that will help students learn about water/soil conservation, native plants, salmon lifecycles, and other natural systems.
2. Creation/maintenance of lesson materials: Intern will maintain materials already created by past interns, and create any new lessons that will assist with meeting the goals of the teachers in relation to natural resources, water quality, native plants and fish and wildlife habitat.
3. Public Outreach and training: (20%) Intern will assist in setting up booths and attend fairs and community events to provide information on SCD available services and to represent its programs to the public.
4. AmeriCorps Training/Community Action Project: (15%) Intern will attend trainings for IP's that are outlined in the 2011 NWSA Member Handbook and may work on CAP related activities during regular work hours. The Community Action Project is identified by the Intern, researched, and implemented during the term of service.
5. SCD Plant Sale: (3%) Intern will participate in all activities related to the plant sale including: setup, counting, packaging, order filling, and breakdown. This will be a good opportunity to network with others, learn about native plants, and provide support to a highly successful program.
6. Washington State Envirothon: (2%) SCD will be hosting the State Envirothon in April 2011. The intern will assist with setup, events, monitoring test stations, and other activities related to hosting a successful event.
7. Provide outreach to Camano and Hat Island: (10%) The intern will assist in new outreach activities to two areas where previously there has been little outreach and education on environmental issues. This can include activities related to the Firewise program, events at state and county parks, in-school presentations, recycling events, and interactive displays.
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. Will be required to work some evenings and weekends.
5. Ability to work with youth in grades 3, 4 & 5 as well as teens.
6. Ability to drive a government vehicle safely and responsibly.
7. Willing and able to work outside on rough terrain in any weather conditions.
8. Willing and able to climb stairs - office is located upstairs, no elevator is available.
9. Responsible for keeping their own calendar and working unsupervised.
10. Ability to operate a computer and familiar with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer.
11. Dependable, resourceful, creative, punctual and able to work in a diverse work environment.
12. An interest in the environment and conservation.
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. Writing and editing skills.
2. Photography skills.
3. Map reading skills.
4. Experience working in a classroom environment.
5. Knowledge of the Adobe suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop.

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.
7. During work hours: use of District equipment including cell phone, vehicle, camera, and laptop.
8. District will provide rubber boots for Intern.

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. The intern is covered by organization's vehicle insurance policy.
3. Project site is accessible by public transportation.

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.