Stewardship AmeriCorps Member 2024-25

AmeriCorps Position: Stewardship AmeriCorps Member  

The Stewardship AmeriCorps member supports environmental stewardship by organizing volunteer work parties on Trust conservation areas, completing individual stewardship projects and by supporting independent volunteers’ work.  

Skagit Land Trust seeks a Stewardship AmeriCorps Member to increase community stewardship of conservation areas, particularly by and engaging volunteers for work parties, and the recruitment and orientation of volunteers to complete independent projects on Trust conservation areas.  Through educating the community about the importance of conservation and inviting volunteers to steward Trust lands, this position expands Trust capacity to improve the condition of at-risk ecosystems and protect wildlife, agricultural and forest lands, and other critical natural areas in Skagit County. SLT’s Volunteer recruitment and community engagement efforts will focus on the inclusion of the wide range of people who live and work in Skagit County.  

The AmeriCorps Member will assist the Community Engagement Member to increase community awareness of Trust volunteer opportunities. With staff guidance, the Member will coordinate a wide variety of stewardship field work for volunteers and will also assist stewardship projects such as monitoring properties, controlling invasive species and connecting with conservation area visitors. The Member should expect to spend at least 60% of their time serving out in the field. 

Applicants should have a strong interest in environmental studies or science as well as community engagement in the stewardship of Trust lands. They should be organized, ready to lead volunteers with varied backgrounds, comfortable serving outside in the elements, and able to serve independently as well as in a team. This position is contingent on funding.  

Pay: Monthly stipend of $2276.19 through AmeriCorps program. Member Equity Enhancement available to eligible member-applicants. 

Duration: September 1, 2024 – July 15, 2025  

Typical workweek: Monday through Friday, with regular Saturday work when needed. 40 hours. 

Benefits: Health Insurance provided by AmeriCorps program. After completing 1700 hours of service an education award of $6,895 is available from AmeriCorps. Other benefits through AmeriCorps include assistance with childcare costs and student loan forbearance. Washington Service Corps provides support to Members in other ways. See here for more information. 

Requirements:  

• Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment.
• Must reside in Washington State at time of enrollment.
• This position may require a reliable personal vehicle if the applicant is under 25 years of age. Proof of auto insurance needed. Mileage for service travel will be reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage rate. For Members over age 25, a Trust vehicle would be available for duties.
• Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week for the entire duration of the placement.
• At least 60% of this position will take place in the field, primarily on Trust lands.
• This position requires an ability to maintain an awareness of site conditions and anticipate potential risks in the field.
• The Member should be comfortable serving in the field in inclement weather, and on hot, cold and wet days. The Member may regularly need to hike up to 5 miles through brushy and/or steep terrain, with uneven footing, occasionally crossing water, while carrying a pack containing field equipment.
• The Member will regularly utilize hand tools (such as shovels, grub hoes, rakes, loppers, machetes, hammers, and other such similar tools) and may occasionally operate machinery such as weed whackers or augers.
• The Member will also regularly serve in the office and sit at a computer for up to 8 hours a day. They should be comfortable with using computers and utilizing common office software (such as the Office suite).
• The Member will need to maintain accurate records and communicate clearly and professionally with staff, volunteers and members of the general public as needed.
• The Member will need constructive problem-solving skills.
• The Member will need to reliably make it to set locations at scheduled meeting times, with appropriate personal field clothing and gear for site visits.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Engage volunteers for work and land stewardship events from within the Trust’s base.
• Work with Trust staff to identify appropriate and meaningful projects for potential volunteers.
• Organize and coordinate volunteers completing independent stewardship projects in alignment with the Trust’s annual workplan
• Lead volunteer work parties focused on accomplishing stewardship tasks.
• Communicate Trust policies and procedures to stewardship volunteers to ensure they are safely and effectively accomplishing stewardship goals.
• Maintain equipment used by volunteers and staff conducting stewardship.
• Complete assigned core stewardship projects to improve Trust lands.
• Assist staff with stewardship and volunteer recordkeeping and data management.
• Assist with outreach efforts to disseminate information about the Trust, particularly about volunteer opportunities.
• Participate in internal and external committees aligned with position responsibilities.

The Stewardship AmeriCorps Member will support the Stewardship Director and Stewardship Coordinator but will also enhance the activities of the Development and Outreach Department and will often work in tandem with the Community Engagement AmeriCorps. 

This service opportunity will provide an AmeriCorps Member with ample opportunity to develop skills necessary to achieve success in careers involving stewardship and community engagement. Further training and professional development opportunities may be tailored to the interests and abilities of the AmeriCorps Member.