Gorge Ecology Institute - Get Involved!

AMERICORPS POSITION DESCRIPTION

Type of Position: LINKS AmeriCorps Member

Length of Term:
300 hour position (2-4). 30 hours per week for 10 weeks or 8 to 14 hours per week for 22 week position.
OR
900 hour position. January 5-July 17, 2008

Application Deadline: ASAP

Service Dates:
Aug. 29-Nov 14, 2008

Compensation:
$1959 stipend (before taxes over 2.5 month period), $1,000 education award upon completion, training opportunities & loan forbearance.

Position Title: Environmental Educator (1 positions)

Project Partner: Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute

Partnering Organization's Mission: Creating life-long learning opportunities that foster a sense of wonder and community stewardship in the natural systems of the Columbia River Gorge.

Project Location: The office is located at 203 Second St; Hood River, OR 97031. Much of time will be spent at field sites in the Gorge Region in Hood River, North Wasco, Skamania and Klickitat Counties.

Transportation Information: A reliable vehicle is preferred. Carpool options will likely be available with other staff and volunteers. Mileage reimbursement will be made for CGEI approved travel.

Position Summary: Learn about local ecology, teach kids about science, gain experience in environmental education and conservation stewardship.

The Environmental Education will have the opportunity to learn about local ecology and inspire future stewards of tomorrow through interning as an Environmental Educator. The Environmental Educator will assist CGEI Staff and volunteers with several programs, including the 10-week SECRETS Ecology Education programs and field trips, afterschool and Outdoor School programs, as well as other Gorge Ecology day camps and programs. In addition, the Educator will have the opportunity to work on conservation stewardship and research projects with the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and local schools! More information about the education programs can be found online at http://www.gorgeecology.org/programs.htm

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Teach Winter and Spring sessions of the SECRETS of our Forest Home and SECRETS of our Shrub Steppe Home programs.

2. Coordinate school involvement in stewardship and conservation research programs.

3. Run educational activities at Pathfinder Outdoor School.

4. Review program plans in advance and assist in preparation and cleanup of all programs.

5. Assist with preparation and clean up of props and supplies.

6. Coordinate volunteers and partners as needed.

7. Complete and submit all necessary LINKS AmeriCorps Program paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

8. Attend and complete LINKS AmeriCorps Program orientation and enrollment session (approximately 2 hrs).

9. Wear an appropriate LINKS identifier and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Requirements:

1. Communicate and interact in a positive and professional manner with various populations such as community volunteers, teachers, rural and urban students.

2. LINKS members must be at least 17 years of age at the time of enrollment in the program.

3. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

4. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

5. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.

6. Submit to a criminal history background check and National Sex Offender Registry search.

7. Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

1. Interest in science and respect for nature.

2. Desire to inspire interest in natural world to children.

3. Knowledge or experience of natural history, ecology, or education.

4. Ability to communicate effectively with young children.

5. A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle is preferred, but carpooling may be arranged.

6. Physical fitness for outdoor work (field trips, camps, and stewardship days).

Member Benefits Include:

· Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $1,000. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or for trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.

· Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay a portion of the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

· Training in Environmental Education and Columbia River Gorge Natural History & Ecology.

· College and High School level Internship or practicum credits may be earned (institution dependent).

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email your résumé to links.recruitment@esd112.org and to programs@gorgeecology.org

Step 2 - Complete your application online at the AmeriCorps website. AmeriCorps Application

1. If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile. Create A Profile

2. Once you have created a profile, log in and complete an application by clicking “Applications” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu.

3. To apply to this specific position, click “Search Listings” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu and search for program name LINKS.

4. Select the position listing and click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the page.

Questions about the project? Contact: Jamie Sheahan, Executive Director at (541) 387-2274 or programs@gorgeecology.org.

Questions about AmeriCorps, LINKS or our recruitment process? Contact:

LINKS
2500 NE 65th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661
f 360) 360-694-2491
p 360) 750-7500 x 114
links.recruitment@esd112.org

Unable to Apply On-line? Click here: http://www.esd112.org/links/resources.html.

Email your resume to links.recruitment@esd112.org and programs@gorgeecology.org. Please include the position title in subject line.

An Equal Opportunity Employer