Restoration Steward

National Park Service – Channel Islands National Park

Length: Term of positions is 24 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

Location: Ventura, CA

Living Allowance: $700.00 Weekly ($550.00 Living Stipend; $150.00 Housing Allowance)

AmeriCorps Award: Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,447.50(pre-tax).

Desired Start Date: 7/8/2024

Application Due Date: Preference given to applicants that submit application by 5/31/2024

Title of Position Restoration Steward

Position Details

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the National Park Service are seeking an intern who will co-lead restoration ecology projects with park staff and partner organizations and serve as a mentor for participating students from local high schools and colleges. Each year, approximately 400 local students visit the park to explore ways to get involved in restoration ecology. They engage in a combination of classroom visits, volunteer restoration projects, and guided walks that connect their coursework to real-world efforts to repair ecosystems and make them more resilient to climate change. These students meet fellow volunteers, interns, and professionals and consider how they might apply their unique perspectives to improve the health of their communities.

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Conducting outreach to local teachers and professors to raise interest in participating in restoration ecology projects;
• Working jointly with educators to ensure each group’s experience meets their specific needs;
• Delivering a pre-visit program to prepare students who will participate in restoration projects;
• Leading groups of students in restoration work when they visit the park;
• Developing and delivering a post-visit program designed to help students explore ways to stay engaged in restoration work; and
• Providing logistical support for educators, such as helping them to schedule classroom- and park visits, arrange transportation, and complete volunteer agreements.

Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in education, communication, or a natural science.
• Experience in public speaking or leading activities for secondary school students.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing.
• Experience managing tasks that are part of a defined project workflow.
• Applicants must pass criminal background checks for DOI and AmeriCorps eligibility
• Valid US Drivers License with an insurable driving record of at least 3 years
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a US Citizen or Legal US Resident

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to speak Spanish
• Experience conducting outdoor horticulture

Benefits:

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,447.50 (pre-tax).
• Living Allowance: $700.00 week (pre-tax, includes both $550.00 Living Stipend and $150.00 Housing Allowance)
• Training in theory and techniques for developing and presenting education/interpretive programs.
• Training in techniques for effective group management.
• Training in best practices for restoration ecology projects and tasks.
• Regular trips to park islands, including opportunities to explore hard-to-visit locations.