Seasonal Volunteer Specialist

The Volunteer Specialist will support the implementation and administration of ecological restoration volunteer events. Mid-week events are typically planned with school or corporate groups, while Saturday events are open to the public. Group sizes range anywhere from 20-100 volunteers. In the winter, volunteer activities center around outdoor nursery activities, including potting up native species and reorganizing existing pots. Spring and summer work focuses on removal of introduced plants from restoration sites to improve the ecological health of those areas. Fall activities include planting native species into restoration sites. This position supports the Education program during their school year stewardship events and in intensive summer internships. 

Season length: March 5 to November 22, 2024.

The successful Volunteer Specialist will demonstrate a passion for helping people – especially those from communities that are underrepresented in environmental fields and/or are new to environmental topics, ensuring positive connections with nature. This position is ideal for someone with a strong environmental background who enjoys working outdoors in variable weather and with tools for habitat restoration. Applicants ideally have experience leading groups of people in outdoor settings, mentoring teens, and/or performing ecological restoration work. 

Candidates should expect to discuss their experience incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into their work or personal ethic. Every Greenway Trust employee plays an active part in carrying out our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond. 

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust works to steward a landscape that stretches 100 miles from the shores of Puget Sound, across the Cascade Mountains, to Central Washington. The Greenway Trust also coordinates the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area (NHA), which honors the historical and cultural significance of this place and helps to preserve and celebrate its living heritage. The Volunteer Program contributes to the goals of the NHA by engaging those who live, work, and play in the Greenway landscape in stewardship activities to deepen connections with the natural world. 

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator 

Schedule: Full-time, 8.5-month seasonal, non-exempt position. The schedule is dependent upon seasonal need and will include periodic evening and regular Saturday events. Estimated 20% office and 80% field time. 

Location: The Greenway Trust has a hybrid model that combines both remote and in-person work. This position will be based at the Greenway Trust’s Field Office (1980 NW Sammamish Rd., Issaquah, WA 98027). This position requires a reliable personal vehicle for travel to the Greenway Trust’s Seattle office, field trip sites around King County, Lake Sammamish State Park, and more. 

Vehicles and Mileage Reimbursement: The position will have access to a Greenway vehicle for work purposes; a valid driver’s license, insurable driving record, and completion of internal training is required. When usage of a personal vehicle is required (e.g., travel to schools), positions are reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate for mileage. 

Gear & Equipment:  

• Provided gear: Long- and short-sleeved shirts and a hat. 
• Loaned gear and equipment: Rain jacket, personal protective equipment (e.g., work gloves, first aid kit), laptop computer, and cell phone. 
• Positions are expected to provide personal gear, including sturdy hiking shoes and a backpack. 
• Gear stipend: To help seasonal staff purchase or replace personal gear needed to be successful in the field, the Greenway Trust provides a $250 gear stipend. 

How to Apply: Send a resume and cover letter explaining your interest and capabilities to apply@mtsgreenway.org, with the subject line “Seasonal Position.” Your cover letter should not exceed two pages, and should provide examples of the following: 

• Your experience leading activities for groups. 
• Your experience connecting historically underrepresented communities with nature. 
• Your familiarity with the Pacific Northwest and human impacts in the region. 

Finalists will be asked to provide three references. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We believe that when we are connected to nature, our lives are better. We are healthier, happier, and our communities are stronger. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Greenway Trust because we want to better reflect the diverse communities that make up the Greenway NHA, because we believe that equity and inclusion are vital to our mission, and because we want to do our part to create a more just society. We are committed to creating lasting structural changes internally in our workplace and externally in the communities we serve. 

Equal Opportunity Provider: The Greenway Trust is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, genetic information, use of a service animal, honorably discharged veteran, military status, political ideology, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal aptitude and merit.