River Restoration Steward – VT River Conservancy/VHCB

Join a vibrant team of staff and volunteers working together to protect special lands along Vermont’s waterways. In this role, you’ll play an integral role in developing strategies to restore ecologically important wetland and riparian habitat, and to mitigate the spread of invasive species.

Gain experience at a land trust, getting to know multiple aspects of our conservation efforts. You will have the chance to learn about the biggest opportunities and threats to native habitat, hone your mapping and analytics skills, and develop on-the-ground strategies that will have far-reaching benefits to our rivers for years to come. We embrace a diversified team and foster an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture.

This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach to creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land and energy conservation organizations around the state.

Position begins March 18th and ends August 30th, 2024.

This position is Half Time: Requires 915 hours for an average of 40 hours per week for 26 weeks. Member will receive a living allowance of $13,765(pre-tax), a monthly housing allowance of $300, for a total compensation of $15,565 (pre-tax) for the 6 month term. Member will receive an education award of $3,447.50 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of service.

Other benefits include health insurance, federal school loan forbearance, and various training and networking opportunities.

Essential Functions:

• Develop the organization’s habitat restoration and invasive species management strategy:
• Explore the importance of riparian habitat restoration within the context of invasive species removal/mitigation through monitoring VRC conserved lands. Spend time in-the-field implementing best practices for riparian habitat management including invasive plant mitigation and native plant restoration.
• Provide guidance to develop an organization-wide approach to invasive plant management and native plant habitat restoration, including maps and other tools to help prioritize, track, and monitor restoration efforts over time.
• Develop site-specific invasive removal and native plant restoration plans.
• Assist VRC Conservation Team in implementing stewardship priorities and site improvements.
• Identify and engage volunteers in restoration efforts.
• Create an invasive plant management and native plant restoration template that can be used by VRC and with landowners to develop clear and achievable site-specific plans.
• Participate in an optional Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps
• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days, Events, and Program Initiatives.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities.

For full position description, and to learn more, visit: https://vhcb.org/our-programs/vhcb-americorps/positions