AmeriCorps Watershed Health Educator

POSITION TITLE: AmeriCorps Watershed Health Educator
DATES OF SERVICE: September 7, 2022 – July 28, 2023 (11 months – 1700 hours)

PROJECT PARTNERS:
1. Environmental Learning Center at Clackamas Community College
2. Confluence Environment Center
3. AmeriCorps Program     

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a vibrant outdoor learning space designed to enrich student learning through exploration and is seeking a Watershed Health Educator to serve in this AmeriCorps role. The positions’ primary goals include:
   1. Serving as the lead instructor for the ELC’s youth outdoor education programs by developing and implementing curriculum on watershed health, ecosystems, adaptation, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity for field trips, livestreams, and day camps (50%).
   2. Developing and managing a volunteer program that welcomes, informs, and engages community members in several stewardship activities and education programming among the ELC’s wetlands and forest (30%).
   3. The Member will also participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Training Series, completing a Change Agent Project (CAP), team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%). 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):
• Lead watershed health field trips and live stream programs for grade K-5 classes
• Develop camp curricula and serve as camp leader for winter and summer day camps
• Plan, organize, and lead volunteer events to prep educational materials
• Plan, organize, and lead site stewardship events, such as invasive weed removal, mulching, pruning, or planting.
• Develop a Volunteer Engagement Plan and build volunteer base by researching best practices, creating relationships with community partners and tracking data
• Coordinate with Marketing Coordinator to plan outreach activities and put out calls to action via social media, press releases, etc.
• Engage with children in a safe, welcoming and engaging manner
• Interact with parents and teachers in a professional manner
• Follow all safety rules and procedures for work areas
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; attend and complete all training and service requirements; wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events
• Abide by program and AmeriCorps policies. Under no circumstances will Members be asked to perform prohibited activities outlined in the approved grant.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• Knowledge of the natural world and an interest in environmental education
• Experience working with youth while encouraging a fun and enriching environment, engaging the imagination and conveying key concepts
• Familiar with MS applications such as Word and Excel and standard office processes
• Skilled in research, organization and time management
• Ability to work with large groups of students in an outdoor setting while coordinating with other staff
• Effectively communicate with staff, families, teachers, and youth
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, walk on uneven terrain, lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally serve on evenings or weekends
• Exemplify traits that reflect the College’s culture, including integrity, a customer service orientation, cultural competency, trustworthiness, flexibility, and a willingness to change
• Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues
• Ability to serve as part of a diverse team
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability
• AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older at beginning of service term; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving education award; able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
(not required but a mix of any of the following helps):
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Education or a related field preferred but not required
• Experience leading outdoor education programs for youth.
• Experience working with/leading volunteer programs.
• Experience conducting watershed health activities, including invasive plant removal
• First Aid certification
• Oregon Driver’s License to drive ELC van to transport students to field trip sites

MEMBER BENEFITS
• $16,502 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,500 monthly, before taxes)
• $6,495 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
• Loan Forbearance
• Health Care Insurance
• Child Care Reimbursement
• $100 Training Fund
• Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking opportunities
• May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Free access to college’s gym, library, ELC professional development and campus-wide engagement events, including those hosted by the DEI Office and the Multi-Cultural Center
• TriMet monthly pass and access to college’s transportation assistance program

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
• Clackamas Community College - 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR 97405
The ELC resides on the traditional homelands of the Clackamas, Cascades, and Tumwater bands of Chinooks, as well as the Tualatin and Pudding River bands of Kalapuya and the Northern Molalla people.
• TriMet buses and free CCC shuttles from the Max Light Rail at Clackamas Town Center service the campus on a regular basis.

EQUITY & INCLUSION
Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply. Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.
 

How to apply:

Email the following items to Renee Harber at: rharber@clackamas.edu
• Résumé
• Cover letter (1 page)
• Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone