This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps, which places AmeriCorps members in sponsoring non-profit affordable housing and land conservation organizations around the state.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Volunteer Coordinator & Field Assistant will coordinate volunteers and also work on nature preserves primarily located in the Champlain Valley. The Assistant may work alone or with other Conservancy staff, and will frequently interact with and supervise volunteers. From spring through fall, at least half of the time will be spent in the field doing physical labor alongside volunteers, with preparation and follow-up reports completed at the West Haven office. With training, the Assistant will be asked to lead volunteer workdays at preserves. Some long workdays with extensive driving and commensurate time off later can be expected.
OFFICE LOCATION
Based out of West Haven, Vermont, with field work conducted primarily in the Champlain Valley. Some work assignments possible elsewhere in Vermont.
ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Information on the Vermont Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is available at www.nature.org/vermont
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Volunteer Coordinator & Field Assistant may work alone or with other Conservancy staff, and will frequently interact with and supervise volunteers. From spring through fall, at least half of the time will be spent in the field doing physical labor alongside volunteers, with preparation and follow-up reports completed at the West Haven office. With training, the Assistant will be asked to lead volunteer workdays at preserves. Some long workdays with extensive driving, and commensurate time off later, can be expected.
DUTIES
• Recruit, schedule, train, supervise, and track volunteers for a variety of tasks. This involves: making phone calls, sending mailings, contacting the media, producing publicity flyers and a volunteer newsletter, recording volunteer hours in a database, updating volunteer mailing lists, compiling data for volunteer recognition program and organizing an annual volunteer appreciation event.
• Assist with, organize, and staff special events including educational events open to the public (i.e., Natural History Series, etc.), and other events organized for specific groups.
• Control invasive exotic plants.
• Maintain walking trails and signs, and construct small trail structures, such as walkways.
• Check and mark property boundaries.
• Assist with vegetation sampling and monitoring.
• Assist with forest restoration by collecting seeds and planting tree seedlings, and assisting with propagation at the Champlain Valley Native Plant Nursery.
• Other related projects as needed.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of 6 months of training or experience in volunteer coordination, natural science, or natural resource management, or related field.
• Experience with coordinating logistics for public events.
• Good people skills; outgoing and tactful; energetic.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of volunteers and community members.
• Able to work independently and take initiative as well as be a team player.
• Ability and willingness to do physical labor in an outdoor setting.
• Good writing skills.
• Computer literate.
• Organized and good attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive standard shift.
• Able to use good judgment in making decisions out in the field.
• Familiarity with topographic maps and use of compass and/or GPS technology.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with use of GPS technology.
• Familiarity with ArcMap.
• Experience using survey maps.
• Experience doing trail work, including installation of structures such as plank walkways and signs.
• Familiarity with Vermont flora and fauna, with emphasis on identification of non-native invasive species.
• First aid and CPR certified or willingness to become certified.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
Start and End Dates: Sept. 22, 2009 – Aug. 27, 2010 (end date somewhat flexible).
Hours: Avg. 35.5 hours per week (total of 1700 hours) for 11 months.
BENEFITS
Member will receive a living allowance of $13,702 (pre-tax), and an education award of $4,725 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of service. Other benefits include health insurance, federal school loan forbearance, and various training opportunities. Rent-free farmstead housing on nature preserve available (inquire regarding additional details).
HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete applications due August 10, 2009 (interviews to begin immediately). Complete applications must be submitted on or before this date. Late applications cannot be accepted.
All application documents are required and an application will not be considered unless complete. Applicants must apply through The Nature Conservancy’s on-line career website at: www.nature.org/careers/. Click on How to Apply (new users need to register). Click on View Positions. Enter the Keyword Vermont. Select posted Anytime and click on Search. Click on the link to the job opening of your choice. To apply, click on the Apply Now button.
Complete an application and upload the following documents: cover letter, resume, a completed AmeriCorps application (see below), 2 letters of reference, and contact information for 3 references. If you have any questions, please contact Murray McHugh, Land Steward and Nursery Manager, The Nature Conservancy, mmchugh@tnc.org, or 802-265-8645, ext. 23.
AmeriCorps applications are downloadable from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps webpage at www.vhcb.org/acorps.html. You may also request a hard copy by contacting Francis Sharpstene at (802) 828-3253 or acorps@vhcb.org. Additional information on AmeriCorps is available at www.americorps.org.
EOE STATEMENT
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) is sponsoring this AmeriCorps position through their AmeriCorps Program. VHCB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Positions are open to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran’s status, religion or creed.
The Nature Conservancy and the Vermont Community Stewardship Programs are Equal Opportunity Employers.
