The Nature Conservancy’s Montpelier office
is looking for a full-time AmeriCorps member!
The Nature Conservancy’s Vermont Chapter is now accepting applications for a full-time AmeriCorps position beginning September 24, 2007 and ending August 22, 2008. The position, Stewardship Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, is based Montpelier, VT. Benefits of this exciting service opportunity include a $12,825 (pre-tax) living stipend, a $4,725 (pre-tax) educational award, health insurance, childcare for state-eligible members, varied training opportunities, and the chance to do meaningful conservation work. This position is offered through an AmeriCorps network called the Vermont Community Stewardship Program, a project of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Members in this program make an 11+ month commitment to perform services related to either conservation of natural resources or housing advocacy for non-profit organizations around the state.
Position Duties: The Stewardship Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator (SA/VC) will be based out of the Montpelier office and will work on any of 37 nature preserves throughout Vermont. The SA/VC will also run the volunteer program for The Nature Conservancy in Vermont. Volunteers will primarily be recruited to assist in science and stewardship activities but may be asked to help in other program areas. The SA/VC will work alone and with other Conservancy staff, and will frequently supervise volunteers. In October, and from April through August, at least half of the time will be spent in the field, with preparation and reports completed at the Montpelier office. In the summer, many long workdays with extensive driving, and commensurate time off later, can be expected.
Stewardship Assistant duties include: Controlling invasive exotic plants, maintaining walking trails and signs, constructing small trail structures such as walkways, marking property boundaries, monitoring conservation easements, assisting with vegetation sampling and monitoring, and assisting with restoration of forests by planting cuttings or seedlings. After training, the SA/VC may be asked to lead volunteer workdays at preserves. With training, the SA/VC may be asked to research and create or update weed management plans, site conservation plans and restoration plans for specific preserves. The SA/VC may be asked to deliver presentations or perform other outreach functions in regards to hunting and invasive species. The SA/VC will also assist with workday preparation, equipment maintenance, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping.
Volunteer Coordinator duties include: Aggressive recruitment of volunteers for scheduled work days (including making phone calls, sending mailings, contacting the media, producing publicity flyers and a volunteer newsletter), tracking volunteer hours in a Microsoft Access database, updating volunteer mailing lists, compiling data for the volunteer recognition program, and thanking volunteers. Extensive interaction with the Conservancy’s network of local volunteer preserve stewards can be expected. The SA/VC may be asked to create public outreach materials and give presentations to small groups. S/he will assist in supervising two easement monitoring interns during the summer.
Required qualifications: Able to work independently and with a diversity of volunteers; tactful; able to get along well with people and to be both a leader and a team player; a go-getter who is energetic and eager to learn; able to use good judgment in making decisions out in the field; computer literate; organized; some knowledge of natural history or natural resources management; familiarity with topographic maps and use of compass; valid driver’s license and ability to drive standard shift; ability to do physical labor for long hours in an outdoor setting.
Desirable qualifications: Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Word and Excel; familiarity with use of Geopositioning Satellite (GPS) tools; familiarity with ArcGIS software; knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop; experience producing small newsletters, flyers, and similar publications; experience as a volunteer or organizing other volunteers; experience using survey maps; experience doing trailwork, including installation of structures such as plank walkways and signs; familiarity with Vermont flora and fauna, with emphasis on identification of non-native invasive species; willingness to become a certified pesticide applicator; first aid and CPR or willingness to become certified; flexible schedule.
Begin and end dates: September 24, 2007 -- August 22, 2008.
Benefits: $12,825 stipend (pre-tax) for full-time position, $4,725 education award (pre-tax) at end of term, health insurance, childcare if state eligible, and numerous and diverse training opportunities.
To apply:
AmeriCorps application forms can be downloaded from the Vermont Community Stewardship Program webpage at http://www.vhcb.org/vcsp/about.html or requested by phone (ask for Francis Sharpstene at (802) 828-3253). Application forms are also available from The Nature Conservancy (ask for Kim Ward at (802) 229-4425 x 100).
Applications must be postmarked by August 30, 2007 in order to be considered.
Please send a completed AmeriCorps application, a resume and two written letters of recommendation to: Emily Seifert, Stewardship Manager, The Nature Conservancy, 27 State St, Ste 4, Montpelier, VT 05602. Phone (802)229-4425 x119; fax (802)229-1347. eseifert@tnc.org
Information on the Vermont Chapter of The Nature Conservancy
