NOWCorps Conservation Specialist

NOWCorps Conservation Specialist   
Contact for interested Members: Claire Ilersich, NOWCorps Member Coordinator at 
claire@tinkerscreek.org  or 330-963-6863 x5104. Applications preferred by August 1, 2024, but position is open until filled.  

About Us:  
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 nonprofit, 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, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes 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. The Northern Ohio Watershed Corps (NOWCorps) works with watershed groups, soil and water conservation districts, city and county government offices, and other conservation nonprofits to facilitate outreach, education, capacity building, environmental stewardship, and stormwater management.    

HOST SITE    
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes’ mission is to conserve a natural area, connect people with nature and inspire environmental stewardship. Our vision is to be a model urban environmental resource that welcomes all and enriches people’s lives through education, innovative programs, and community involvement. Located on the eastern edge of Cleveland, the Nature Center manages a public visitor center and an outdoor classroom that includes 20 acres of native habitat, two miles of trails, and other outdoor facilities that are free and open to the public and host over 140,000 visitors each year. Noting the accessibility of our diverse natural habitats, the National Park Service designated the Nature Center a National Environmental Education Landmark and a National Environmental Study Area in 1971. For 56 years, the Nature Center has provided natural science education programs for local school districts, hosting field experiences for approximately 13,000 students in a typical year.  

Basic Position Information:  
Location: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106   
Reports to: Natural Resources Manager, Nick Mikash   

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 Fulltime 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 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 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 the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and is not entitled to any of the benefits or compensation the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes 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 comprehensive 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 natural sciences, environmental studies, or related field.
• Have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and able to work independently and in a team.
• Possess good organizational and communication skills (written and oral).
• Able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Demonstrate maturity and cultural competency, and garner respect of all populations with experience communicating with diverse audiences preferred.
• Some working knowledge or experience performing land management tasks, identifying native and invasive plants, and using GPS and ArcGIS preferred.
• Proficient wayfinding abilities and the ability to follow multistep instructions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• 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:   

A. Natural Resources Management:    
The Conservation Specialist will work closely with the Natural Resources staff and the Director of Facilities Operations managing the Nature Center’s twenty acres of natural habitats. The habitats, include riparian flood plain, marsh, upland forest and demonstration prairie, and are managed under the guidelines of the Nature Center’s Natural Resources Management Plan; the Conservation Specialist will assist in the implementation of this plan. Tasks will include invasive plant control using herbicide and manual techniques, reintroduction of native species, and stewardship of natural areas including maintaining trails, boardwalks, deer exclosures, signage, and demonstration features such as butterfly, rain, and native plant gardens. The successful candidate will work primarily in the outdoors, sometimes under physically strenuous conditions.   

B. Volunteer Leadership:   
The Conservation Specialist will work closely with and supervise volunteers. Under the direction of the Natural Resources Manager, the Conservation Specialist will lead groups or individual volunteers on work projects. The Conservation Specialist will be a resource for plant identification and proper field techniques. In addition, the Conservation Specialist is responsible for managing the Nature Center’s Stewardship Center building and the maintenance of tools and equipment.   

C. Events and Public Programs:    
The Conservation Specialist will assist in conceptualizing, creating content, and delivering educational programming for families and adults. Examples of potential topics may include stewardship, rain barrels, composting, native landscaping and gardening, and guided hikes. They will also assist with community engagement events, including large annual public events and sales, such as the Annual Native Plant Sale, Hike & Run event, Luminary Walk, Birdseed Sale, and Milkweed Sale.   

Additional activities that fall within the goals of the program may be assigned with approval of the member, site supervisor, and NOWCorps staff.   

Additional information: the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is accessible to individuals with disabilities.  The Nature Center, 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.   

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:    

• Working outdoors in various weather conditions. This includes heat, cold, snow, ice, sleet & rain.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate telephones, computers, and other office equipment.
• Physical ability to kneel and bend.
• Ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lifting up to 30lbs., strenuous physical activity, digging, cutting and hand and power tool use.

Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards, and/or hazardous materials. Though work is often performed in an office setting and outdoors, this person must have the ability to travel as required to work with Host Site staff/board, volunteers, partners, other members, and the public, participate in conferences and outdoor activities such as but not limited to site visits, volunteer or program activities, training events, and meetings.  

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.   

Additional information: The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 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.