Natural Resources Technician

Northern Ohio Watershed Corps (NOWCorps) is a State and National AmeriCorps program, funded by AmeriCorps and ServeOhio, Ohio’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. This is a paid service year position. The NOWCorps program is sponsored by Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) watershed organization, whose mission is to protect and restore water quality and habitats of the Tinker’s Creek watershed through community partnerships. NOWCorps partners with watershed groups, soil and water conservation districts, city and county government offices, and other conservation nonprofits who serve as host sites for our members. Through the host site, members facilitate outreach, education, capacity building, environmental stewardship, and stormwater management. NOWCorps position descriptions vary depending on the host site and service year focus and prospective members may apply to multiple NOWCorps positions at the same time.

Together with our partners, Cleveland Metroparks, recognizes the importance of maintaining water quality throughout Northern Ohio. We also believe in educating the public and regional leaders to support behavioral changes that positively affect our water resources.

Housing may be available for potential applicants greater than 50 miles from reporting location. If available, housing will be at the cost of $75 a month, require proof of renter’s insurance, and be within a house owned by Cleveland Metroparks.

Basic Position Information: TWO Positions Available
Location 1: Cleveland Metroparks; West Creek Management Center; 1969 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH 44134
Reports to: Natural Resources Area Manager – Central, Valerie Carter-Stone
Location 2: Cleveland Metroparks; North Chagrin Reservation Management Center; 3037 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
Reports to: Natural Resources Area Manager – East; Joshua Philipps

Member position begins October 8, 2024 and ends September 30, 2025. Mandatory orientation is scheduled October 8-11, 18, 2024, which will occur in person in Twinsburg, Ohio.

This position is a Full-time member position and requires a minimum of 1700 hours of service over the service period. The member will receive a stipend of no more than $22,000, and the stipend will be paid bimonthly. Usual hours of service will be Monday-Friday during the hours of 7am-5pm. The ability to serve flexible hours, including weekend days and some evenings, is needed. Scheduled hours may fluctuate, increase, or decrease in consideration of seasonal changes such as inclement weather or other extended activities.

Benefits:

• Paid Orientation and training included
• Programmatic and site-specific training. Content may include but is not limited to: First Aid, CPR, native species identification, hand and power tool training, volunteer
  engagement, and more Federal Loan Deferment
• Full-time members eligible for health insurance
• Full-time members may qualify for childcare assistance
• May be eligible for education award of $7,395.00
• Additional training reimbursement stipend of $125/quarter ($500 total)
• Eligible mileage reimbursement
• Ample opportunity for professional development and networking
• Free attendance to the Ohio Stormwater Conference

The member will not be an employee of Cleveland Metroparks and is not entitled to any of the benefits or compensation Cleveland Metroparks provides to its employees.

AmeriCorps Requirements:

• Must have a GED or high school diploma
• Must be 18 or older by October 8, 2024
• Must successfully pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC)
• Must be a US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess a valid driver’s license, be insured, and have own transportation
• Have an interest or plan to pursue a career in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation, or something similar
• Be self-motivated and able to work independently and on a team
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate maturity and cultural competency
• Desire to serve the local community

Duties and Responsibilities of the AmeriCorps member:

General Member Responsibilities

• Promote the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps through education and outreach activities
• Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in related workshops, conferences, and training
• Plan, facilitate, and participate in group service projects for National Days of Service Attend all NOWCorps required meetings and trainings
• Complete activity & data reports monthly, required timesheets weekly, and any other reporting in a timely manner.
• All other duties as assigned within the limitations of this member description

Host Site Responsibilities

• Implement and assist with a variety of natural resource enhancement projects, including but not limited to: native plant installation, tree maintenance and protection, green infrastructure maintenance, deer fence maintenance, nuisance animal control, deer management, biological inventories, tree health surveys, and prescribed fire.
• Implement mechanical and selective chemical control of invasive plant species.
• Guide volunteer activities, including the coordination of volunteer group events.
• Drive to service sites in a Cleveland Metroparks vehicle, navigate on and off trail on foot up to 5 miles/day. Regularly and repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain supplies and equipment.
• Complete assigned office tasks such as GIS mapping, data entry, report drafting, etc.
• Additional activities that fall within the goals of the program may be assigned with approval of the member, site supervisor, and NOWCorps staff.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the following:

• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate telephones, computers, and other office equipment
• Capacity to position self to bend, kneel, and lightly lift
• Fluency in communicating in the English language, can convey information and listen
• Capacity to utilize close vision, depth perception, and adjust focus

Additional information: Cleveland Metroparks is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Cleveland Metroparks, Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners, and the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps will adhere to all regulations concerning nondiscrimination and equal opportunity regulations as outlined in federal and state law. This program will be made available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital or parental status, genetic information, military service, and religion.