Engagement Specialist

Michigan United Conservation Clubs

Huron Pines AmeriCorps Position Description

POSITION TITLE:                                Engagement Specialist

PRIMARY SERVICE LOCATION:       Lansing, Michigan

RESPONSIBLE TO:                      Shaun McKeon, Education Director

Founded in 1937, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation. Its mission is to unite citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage

Organizational Values

• Fosters a conservation stewardship ethic in the public
• Protects the rights of the public to hunt, fish, trap and recreate outdoors
• Encourages the public to connect to our resources through active recreation
• Advocates for sustainable conservation practices and resource stewardship through sound scientific management.

The Engagement Specialist will be involved in a wide variety of projects involving conservation throughout the state of Michigan. This position will contribute to habitat restoration projects on public land and waters, coordinate volunteer efforts and develop outreach materials to be shared throughout the state.

The successful applicant should have a strong natural resource, recreation or education background, knowledge of wildlife and be comfortable working collaboratively with people.  The member should be able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and have the ability to work independently.  The member may be required to complete tasks in the field in a variety of adverse weather and terrain conditions. Preference will be given to candidates with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Some hands-on experience with on-the-ground conservation projects are preferred. Driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.                                                                           

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF SERVICE:

The Engagement Specialist will be involved in a diverse set of projects to improve natural resources and educate the public on conservation issues. Some experience interacting with the public and working with adults and youth is preferred.   Onsite training will be provided.  The member will be involved in developing new conservation programs and implementing existing projects, including using volunteers to conduct wildlife habitat management projects and conduct restoration and habitat improvement on public land.  The member will design and develop outreach to inform the public about current programs and to highlight MUCC programs.  Service locations include MUCC headquarters in Lansing and a variety of field sites throughout the state.  Most travel will be day travel, some evenings and weekends will be required. Strenuous physical activity may be required.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

During the 10-month service, the member will participate in a variety of activities and projects.  These projects can be broken down into a few buckets; habitat, education and outreach.

Program: Wildlife Habitat Projects (On the Ground program)

• Habitat Restoration on Public lands.
• Volunteer management and coordination.
• Cooperation and coordination with the statewide network of MDNR biologists and regional land management partners.

Assist with coordination of 3-5 field trip groups of students to conduct habitat work on public lands and provide environmental programming to those groups

• Creating and implementing new habitat partnerships/projects.

Program: Education and Outreach

• Attend 8-10 outdoor focused outreach events providing hands-on learning opportunities for youth and adults to learn about Michigan’s lands, waters and wildlife.
• Conduct a presentation, highlighting Michigan’s wildlife, fish or habitat and present to 3-5 student groups.
• Attend multiple sports shows to highlight the important conservation work of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Huron Pines and AmeriCorps to the public.
• Help plan one training session for fellow Huron Pines AmeriCorps members.
• Spend time teaching conservation concepts to youth at the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp.
• Developing new educational programs/presentations for a variety of outreach events throughout the state.

Program: Expanding the Mission of MUCC

• Strengthen relationships between MUCC’s 40,000 members and our affiliate clubs to our statewide programs.
• Create presentations to collaborate more directly with the public on terrestrial and aquatic habitat projects.
• Researching, connecting with and sharing MUCC presentations/discussions with new unaffiliated organizations interested in conservation and volunteerism.
• Developing educational and promotional materials.
• Help to expand MUCC brand awareness through the use of social media

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• Prepare and submit 2-week schedules, timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms
• Conduct at least 2 presentations to community groups about Huron Pines AmeriCorps
• Engage at least 30 volunteers in conservation activities
• Submit monthly detailed reports of service and 4 “Great Stories”
• Provide regular project updates and photos for program use
• Represent yourself as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member at all times
• Attend required trainings provided by the AmeriCorps Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree in natural resources management, conservation, education, biology, ecology, recreation, or fish and wildlife (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Computer efficiency (typing, email, word processing, excel, google suite products)
• Ability to pass a background check*
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• Commitment to conserving the forests, lakes and streams of Michigan
• Background in fishing and hunting or willingness to learn preferred.

On occasion, service will be required at an off-site location. Use of a personal vehicle will be required to perform duties (mileage will be reimbursed). This is a 40-hour-per-week position and runs from January 11-November 17, 2023. Benefits include a $16,502 living stipend, health insurance, $6,495 education award and student loan deferment (if requested) and exclusive recreational offerings.

Applications and directions are available at www.huronpines.org/americorps and will be accepted until Friday, October 7th Please check the website for possible recruitment deadline extensions.

Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Amanda Vanaman, the AmeriCorps Coordinator at (231) 340-1146 x30 or amanda@huronpines.org.

*Registered sex offenders are not eligible for AmeriCorps positions.

How to apply:

Apply