Parks Restoration Educator (AmeriCorps, 10.5-month)

The Parks Restoration Educator educates and engages community members of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in the environmental restoration and preservation of Bellingham's Parks through hands-on stewardship and environmental education. The AmeriCorps member will develop and lead volunteer work parties for the public and teach environmental stewardship programs for school-aged students with the goal of protecting and enhancing parklands, increasing biodiversity, and improving wildlife habitat. Duties will include restoration project planning, volunteer outreach, recruitment and tracking, event planning and implementation, risk management, community partnership support, environmental education curriculum development and delivery, native plant nursery maintenance, intern support and mentorship, and stewardship program capacity building. This position is funded through a partnership between Washington Service Corps with Bellingham Parks and Recreation.
 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with focus on environment, education or related field preferred
• Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated, and professional
• Strong organization and excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excited to serve with a variety of ages of volunteers from school-age to adults
• Comfortable speaking publicly in front of 50 or more people and leading groups of volunteers in field work
• Experience with service learning and environmental education with school-aged students
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest native plants and urban wildlife
• Familiar with ecology and restoration principles
• Ability to solve problems creatively and complete tasks independently with only general supervision
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in programming
• Familiar with computer programs such as Publisher, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Willing to serve outdoors in all seasons for long hours, weekends, and occasionally evenings
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and work over uneven terrain on steep slopes in inclement weather

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 18 years of age or older
• Current Washington State driver's license and acceptable driving record for the past three years
• US citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien
• Ability to pass a criminal background and child/adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices)
• All City Employees are expected to follow COVID related mandates and requirements.

BENEFITS:

• Living allowance of $16,502 (distributed over 10.5 months; $1,571 per month before deductions and withholdings) 
• Education Award of $6,495 upon successful completion of 10.5-month commitment (minimum of 1700 hours)
• Basic health insurance and workers compensation coverage
• Loan forbearance and interest accrual reimbursement for qualified student loans
• Childcare assistance for qualifying members
• Networking, training, and professional development opportunities
• A chance to make a difference in our community, schools, and parks!

How to apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references with current contact information to rarobie@cob.org.

Please write "AmeriCorps Restoration Educator Application" in the subject line. Application review will begin immediately. Applicants will also be required to apply online on the AmeriCorps website (link to be sent to finalists). 
 
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently. Interviews for selected candidates are tentatively scheduled for September 1 and 2, 2022.