Employment

The Lands Council is seeking a full-time Beaver Solution Outreach & Education Assistant (AmeriCorps) that will help develop and implement a comprehensive public outreach, education, and awareness campaign on The Beaver Solution.  S/he will take part in various field work assignments to learn riparian ecology and botany related to The Beaver Solution and use this knowledge to interpret the concepts and conduct outreach to diverse stakeholders, develop and coordinate a Beaver Solution media plan, and recruit/train volunteers for summer outreach events.  In addition to duties related to the Beaver Solution, the Outreach & Education Assistant will assist in the planning and implementation of The Lands Council's urban forest restoration and after-school environmental education programs.

·         Our Beaver Solution project re-introduces beaver to build dams that will increase water storage and restore late-summer flows, reduce pollution and sedimentation, construct wetlands, create fish and wildlife habitat, and help enhance channel meander and floodplain connectivity. 

·         Through our urban forest restoration program, we are helping to reverse ecological degradation and improve overall watershed health by planting native species. 

·         By facilitating an after-school environmental education program in underprivileged schools throughout Spokane, we foster more meaningful connections between students and our natural environment and help promote a heightened sense of environmental stewardship among youth in our community.

·         Develop and implement comprehensive public outreach, education, and awareness campaign on The Beaver Solution.

·         Assist in field work related to The Beaver Solution.

·         Using and expanding on current Beaver Solution educational materials, conduct outreach to landowners, homeowner associations, government agencies (federal, state, county, and municipal), watershed planning groups, elected officials, farmers, ranchers, non-profit organizations, and students to build a wide base of support for The Beaver Solution project.

·         Develop and coordinate Beaver Solution media campaign, including creation of press releases, public service announcements, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, advertisements, etc.

·         Recruit and train volunteers to staff educational tables and booths at community events and festivals during the summer.

·         Assist in planning and implementation of urban forest restoration program.

·         Assist in planning and facilitating after-school environmental education program in local elementary, middle, and high schools.

·         Assist in outreach activities as necessary.

·         Assist with general office duties related to position.

·         Complete and submit all necessary WSC/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

·         Attend and complete all WSC/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings, and national service days.

Qualifications:

·         Experience in community organizing and public outreach.

·         Desire and ability to learn and participate in the environmental science behind beaver restoration

·         Must be diplomatic and comfortable dealing with situations involving individuals not necessarily supportive of or receptive to our project.

·         Desire to serve with people to promote education, environmental stewardship, and an ethic of service.

·         Strong public speaking, telephone, writing, and computer skills.

·         Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.

·         An independent, self-motivated, creative, and resourceful individual who enjoys working as part of a team with diverse people of all age groups.

·         Desire and ability to help plan and facilitate environmental education activities for youth.

·         Ability to communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as project partners, colleagues, community volunteers, students, and the general public.

·         Willingness to travel regionally, work a flexible schedule, and serve occasional evenings and weekends.

·         18-25 years of age at the start date of service; U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident; and possession of high school diploma or equivalent, or commitment to earning one prior to receiving education award.

·         Must successfully pass a criminal history background check performed by WA State Patrol.

·         Ability to commit to full term of service for which candidate is applying.

·         Regular and reliable attendance.

·         Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps State or National program.

This position is an AmeriCorps service position through Washington Service Corps.

Service term: September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2012

Monthly stipend: $1125

Education award: $5,500 (to be received upon successful completion of service term)

Health benefits are available for member.  Childcare benefits are based on eligibility.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to:

The Lands Council

Attn: Amanda Parrish

25 W Main Ave., Ste 222

Spokane, WA 99201

Fax: (509) 838-5155

Main: (509) 838-4912

Email: aparrish@landscouncil.org

The Lands Council is an environmental non-profit in Spokane, Washington that preserves and revitalizes the forests, water, and wildlife of the Inland Northwest.