Puget Soundkeeper Alliance - AmeriCorps Volunteer - Pollution Prevention Project Assistant (stipend - paid)
6/26/2012 to 7/31/2012
Job Description
Position Available: AmeriCorps Volunteer - Pollution Prevention Project Assistant (stipend - paid)
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (Soundkeeper) is a non-profit organization based in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Soundkeeper's mission is to protect and preserve Puget Sound by monitoring, cleaning up and preventing pollutants from entering its waters. Soundkeeper conducts an ongoing pollution prevention program, building on increasingly-successful programs begun in 1995. This multi-faceted program is aimed at meaningfully decreasing the amount of pollutants in Puget Sound habitats. Activities include volunteer patrols of Puget Sound to document & report pollution, educating the public about the global marine debris problem, and engaging and empowering the community in 20+ waterway cleanups each year. The protection of Puget Sound depends on its residents making the connection between their individual actions and the health of our waterways. Soundkeeper’s program establishes that connection while removing harmful pollutants from sensitive urban habitats utilized by endangered salmon, rock fish and orcas as well as forage fish, harbor seals and marine birds.
The AmeriCorps member will help organize and execute 15 or more waterway cleanup and education/outreach events during their service year (ten months). Soundkeeper hosts events ranging in size from 20 to over 200 volunteers.
Position Description
This AmeriCorps project is for the position of Pollution Prevention Project Assistant and involves a combination of physical work, administrative tasks, technology and social skills such as volunteer recruitment, management, and community outreach. The AmeriCorps member will serve in the Soundkeeper office, at cleanup sites, and on the patrol boat. The proposed AmeriCorps member will serve on a day-to-day basis with and report to the Pollution Prevention Program Manager.
A successful AmeriCorps participant will assist the Pollution Prevention Project in the following responsibilities/tasks:
- Conduct outreach to develop neighborhood interest and involvement in events; recruitment of volunteers and volunteer groups via tabling and advertisements
- Transportation, tracking, and maintenance of cleanup equipment
- Leadership of volunteer crews at cleanup events
- Sign-in of volunteers at cleanup events
- Tracking of cleanup accomplishments including processing sign-in sheets and any required work logs after cleanup events
- Attend planning meetings with partner organizations for larger events to facilitate communications/collaborations with event partners
- Answer e-mail and phone responses to volunteer solicitation efforts
- Deliver education to event participants including school groups, the general public and other volunteer groups, regarding marine debris, water quality issues in Puget Sound and the mission and accomplishments of Soundkeeper; use and demonstration of Soundkeeper GIS mapping tool for water quality education
- Develop, implement and track pre and post assessments to measure level of increased knowledge among event participants
- Attend volunteer management and Puget Sound education/outreach workshops and WA Service Corps training
- Assist with the planning and implementation of an annual volunteer recognition event
- Write volunteer opportunity descriptions
- Refine and improve the process of reporting on Pollution Prevention Project tracking and capturing of volunteer information such as baby boomer and vet status, contact information, unduplicated/new volunteer and hours served using existing database in Donor Perfect and other means (possibly Excel spreadsheets)
- Develop new education/curriculum pieces for K-12 audiences if time and interest allows
This AmeriCorps project aims to meet the needs of Soundkeeper while also providing adequate training and experience to the AmeriCorps participant such that they will finish the project being a competitive candidate for positions with any organization doing similar volunteer-based work. In effect, the proposed AmeriCorps project is essentially a Volunteer Coordinator training program.
Required Qualifications
- Educational background in biological sciences, environmental studies or similar fields.
- Knowledge of local marine habitat issues.
- High School Diploma
- Ability to serve and collaborate with a wide range of volunteer groups, partners, staff and board members
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Must be comfortable speaking to groups.
- Basic computer literacy including ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. Experience using GIS and/or Google maps desirable.
- Ability to lift 25-50 lbs. (tools, debris, etc.)
- Reliable transportation.
- Must enjoy being outdoors and on the water!
Alternative Schedule
The AmeriCorps member will have some flexibility in their schedule, but they will be required to serve an average of 40 hours per week with occasional evening events for volunteer recruitment and community engagement and weekend service (mid-day) for events during spring, summer and fall. Alternative days off will be provided when weekend and/or evening service is required.
Application Period, guidelines
Please send résumé, cover letter, and three references to Puget Soundkeeper Alliance by July 31, 2012. Application materials may be sent by email to barbara@pugetsoundkeeper.org.
Start date:
September 1, 2012. Program year ends August 31, 2013.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements
Selected member(s) should demonstrate the skills and commitment required to successfully serve in the position, serve 40 hours a week and meet the 1700 minimum hour requirement for a full-time term of service. At a minimum, the following criteria required by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) must be met:
- Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident (must submit proof as defined by CNCS regulation)
- Be 18-25 years of age at the start date of their service
- Members in tutoring positions must have a high school diploma or GED at time of enrollment
- Pass required criminal background checks
- Not be listed on the National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR)
Documentation for the above must be obtained and verified before a candidate is offered an AmeriCorps position. For more information refer to the enrollment instructions on the Washington Service Corps website.
What do Washington Service Corps members receive for their service?
- Living stipend of $1,125 per month provided by Washington Service Corps (before taxes)
- Training and experience
- Subsidized childcare provided by GAP Solutions Inc. (if qualified)
- Health Insurance (member only)
- Student loan forbearance (on qualifying loans)
- $5,550 Education Award provided by National Service Trust (upon successful completion of service term)
Please direct all questions and/or inquiries to:
Barbara Owens
Pollution Prevention Program Manager
5305 Shilshole Ave NW – Suite 150
Seattle, WA 98107
206-297-7002
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