Outreach and Riparian Specialist

Do you have a passion for environmental restoration and justice? Are you interested in serving a diverse community? Are you looking to jump start your career and gain experience working for a non-profit? Look no further! We’re recruiting an AmeriCorps member to lead our environmental education program, conduct community outreach, support our riparian restoration program, and much more. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early-career professional to gain wide-ranging work experience.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and the Johnson Creek Watershed Council. The Outreach & Riparian Specialist will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members in the following ways:

Restoration Projects (25%):

• Design, implement, and maintain riparian restoration projects along Johnson Creek and tributaries under the supervision of the JCWC Riparian Program Manager.
• Conduct creekside landowner outreach and recruitment for restoration work.
• Support workforce development and volunteer training efforts.

Outreach Projects (50%):

• Initiate and lead educational activities with school groups.
• Support coordination of volunteer restoration events.
• Build partnerships with culturally-specific organizations and untapped community groups.
• Create and distribute outreach materials for upcoming events.
• Facilitate volunteer recruitment, communication, and volunteer database tracking.
• Recruit cohorts of watershed interns.

Community Science (5%):

• Support wildlife survey projects and help plan and host educational community events.

The Member will 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:

• Serve with the JCWC Volunteer Program Manager to plan, recruit for, and coordinate volunteer events at sites identified for volunteer stewardship.
• Recruit, coordinate with, and lead educational groups in service-learning projects as COVID permits; use existing or create new curriculum as needed.
• Design, implement, and maintain riparian reforestation projects along Johnson Creek and tributaries, working with partners (Portland Parks and Recreation, City of Gresham, Wisdom of the Elders, AmeriCorps NCCC) as appropriate; conduct initial site assessments and develop planting, monitoring, and weed management plans; order plants and supplies; track and report results and expenditures.
• Conduct project monitoring and reporting at completed and ongoing restoration projects – e.g. photomonitoring, vegetation cover transects.
• Conduct outreach and recruit private landowners for restoration projects as a technical resource, offering trainings with a goal of increasing participation in long-term maintenance, including tours/restoration showcases on private property to encourage peer-to-peer sharing.
• Support social media and website maintenance.
• Manage the tool room, help maintain a clean office, attend meetings, respond to emails, etc.
• 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.

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).
• Travel mileage- not to exceed $500
• Reimbursement for work-related communications expenses (internet connection, cell phone) $100/month for 11 months, not to exceed $1,100
• Up to $1,000 to put towards professional development
• $1,300 in additional compensation

For information on qualifications and more, see the full position description.

How to apply:

See the full position description and instructions here.

STEP 1: Apply to Project Site (conducts first round of interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence)

Email the following items to Cathy Geiger at [email protected], (503) 652-7477 x101 :

• Résumé
• Cover letter (1 page)
• Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)

STEP 2: Apply to Confluence

• Complete the AmeriCorps Application. Basic information will suffice, or submit your resume to the HelpDesk to request autofill. Once completed, apply to the Confluence position.