Conservation Open Space Area (COSA) Education Coordinator – Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership, Bishop Paiute Tribe

Organizational Background:
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is taking proactive steps to restore wetland habitat within their reservation boundaries and on adjacent federal lands within their aboriginal territory where the Tribe is taking its first steps in co-managing an area of interest that includes the sensitive area known as Fish Slough located within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern located on the Volcanic Tablelands and under management from the Bureau of Land Management. Of interest to the Tribe is several species of native fish and plants. Of special importance is the protection of the declining federally endangered and California fully protected Owens Pupfish. The Tribe has taken steps on creating a native fish refuge within their reservation Conservation Area. A large amount of work and federal dollars has created a water supply, ponds and interpretive walking trails. The Tribe is receiving funding through the USFWS to enhance the habitat of the area to allow the eventual introduction of this fish as well as initiate educational opportunities for elementary school adjacent to the area.

The Programs will include working on wetland habitat restoration in the Reservation COSA as well as on co- management projects on federal lands (BLM-Fish Slough). The program will include developing fun journal based activities for schoolchildren and general public. Supporting projects will include developing a native plant interpretative material for the area, assisting in developing conservation plan, leading environmental educational activities in tribal events (Earth Day, Housing/Energy Fair, etc.)

Number of Member Positions at this Site: 1

Site Supervisor’s Name(s) and Title(s): Thomas Gustie, Environmental Management Office, Natural Resources Specialist

Position Description:
The COSA Educational Coordinator will join the staff of the Bishop Paiute Tribe Environmental Management Office to assist the Natural Resource Program on selected wetland habitat restoration projects; coordination and development of educational activities and to organize and participate in series of selected community environmental outreach events.

Site-Specific Training Provided:
ArcGIS Training, Watershed training, Water Quality Training, Plant Identification , Hand Tool Training, power tools training.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work at a computer station and typing for up to 8 hours a day
• Ability to hike and be on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time to assess sites and monitor volunteers
• Ability to drive for up to 8 hours to access sites and trainings across the Sierra
• Strong computer and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and with others
• Physically able to perform regular wetland management tasks (e.g. bending, lifting up to 40lbs, wading in standing and running water, digging with shovel, cutting with rice knives etc.)
• Must be able to be outdoors for up to 8 hours per day

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience in environmental education, creating museum displays and hands-on activities, website design/management, creating educational volunteer coordination, and event planning and coordination
• A basic understanding of species recovery, restoration concepts
• Familiarity with native fish, plants and bird identification
• Reliable transportation

Additional Benefits:
The member will be a part of a team of environmental professionals working towards common goals of enhancing the environment of the Bishop Paiute Reservation. The member will:

• Live in the beautiful Owens Valley, a mecca for outdoor recreation activities including skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking close to Inyo National Forest, Yosemite National Park and Death Valley National Park.
• Be included in all dept. staff meetings, regular tribal staff trainings and tribal employee events including tribal environmental youth field trips and outreach events.
• Work in a fun, friendly office that is a great place to develop professional skills and learn from others
• Gain valuable experience and networking opportunities by working with the Sierra Nevada Alliance, an organization that is a network of over 100 conservation groups in the Sierra Nevada

 Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years of age and high school graduates or GED recipients (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma or GED); members must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award; meeting full list of member eligibility requirements in 45 CFR §2522.200(a)
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident
• Must participate in a national criminal history background check pursuant to 45 CFR §2540.200-206

Benefits:

• Up to 27,500 living allowance for term of service, $2,500 per month.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of minimum hours for enrolled term of service.
• California For All Education Award in the amount of to supplement the Segal Education Award for a combined total of $10,000. (FT/1700 hr members only)
• Healthcare, Dental, Vision coverage for members (FT/1700 hr members only)
• Childcare assistance if eligible (FT/1700 hr members only)
• Student Loan Deferment & Interest Forbearance if eligible
• A $500 Member Development fund to support training, networking, and professional development opportunities that can be utilized and will be valued by future employers after the service term is completed.