Positions available in Manteo Office and Wrightsville Beach Office (one position at each site)
The Conservation Trust for North Carolina is the host organization for AmeriCorps Project GEOS, a ten-month national service program in environmental education and outreach. Project GEOS stands for Growing Environmental Opportunities through Service.
Project GEOS has four goals:
1. Make environmental education more accessible to diverse audiences
2. Provide tools for people from diverse backgrounds to become future leaders in conservation
3. Build bridges between conservation groups and communities
4. Connect more North Carolinians to the outdoors
The program seeks to reconnect people with the outdoors and to develop future leaders in conservation. AmeriCorps members in Project GEOS will develop service projects that help remove barriers to environmental education throughout North Carolina, as well as help expand the diversity of backgrounds among conservation leaders in the state.
The program term offers a living stipend, health insurance, child care assistance, and professional development opportunities. Participants who complete the program will receive an education award of $5,730.
Applicants should be able to commit to the entire 10-month program year, which runs from Feb. 1 through Nov. 30, 2016.
Applications are being accepted from now until Dec. 18, 2015. Interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis.
Full description and application for the Manteo position are available here.
Full description and application for the Wrightsville Beach position are available here.
To view other openings across the state of NC click here.
Visit the AmeriCorps Application Portal to learn more about the documents and process BEFORE you apply.
Questions can be directed at americorps@ctnc.org, but no applications will be accepted via email.
AmeriCorps Coastal Community Engagement Specialist – Manteo and Wrightsville Beach
Purpose of the position
The AmeriCorps member will work as part of each regional office team to implement coastal education and community engagement activities to support habitat restoration and water quality initiatives. The member will assist in the design and implementation of classroom and field activities for the education programs that are geared to engage students, teachers and community members in the federation’s projects, with priority given to underserved audiences.
The member will work with the regional Coastal Education Coordinators to establish and strengthen existing and new partnerships with organizations working with underserved communities. These include River City Community Development Corporation’s YouthBuild program; Mano al Hermano; DREAMS of Wilmington; Communities in Schools; and local Boys and Girls Clubs. The member will assist in the federation’s effort to design and carry-out proactive programs that facilitate community service education for students and their families from these audiences; including mentoring students.
The member will also work to implement regional strategies to engage community members in the federation’s watershed and habitat restoration initiatives. This will include reaching targeted audiences in a highly professional and effective manner through public events. The member will also work with regional staff to engage the public in visiting and help maintain the federation’s preserves and projects at partners’ sites (Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Carolina Beach State Parks).
The member will assist with volunteer management and recruitment in each region. This will include corresponding with existing and prospective volunteers; organizing and participating in volunteer and outreach events; promoting the importance of coastal habitats and water quality; and sharing general knowledge of the federation’s projects with the public to increase awareness and visitation at federation project sites.
Position responsibilities
- Work with schools, educators and students from the region in the federation’s educational and habitat stewardship programs
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and expand on established programs; create new lesson plans, approaches and methods for classroom lessons, field activities, and education programs for teachers, students, and the general public
- Develop and implement education activities and materials for underserved audiences focused on coastal habitat restoration for use by teachers and federation educators in the classroom and in the field
- Identify, contact and recruit new volunteers and volunteer groups (service groups, corporations, local businesses) to assist with habitat restoration and water quality protection projects
- Help coordinate volunteer involvement in projects: provide volunteers with event information; coordinate event materials and volunteer supplies; and attend events and engage volunteers
- Develop and implement a regional strategy to engage the community, with a focus on underserved communities, in habitat restoration and water quality protection projects
- Organize and participate in effective public events and workshops focused on habitat restoration and water quality protection projects
- Utilize community outreach and engagement; social media tools; community calendars; Web postings and community partnerships (i.e., Communities in Schools; Mano al Hermano; Boys and Girls Clubs; Military Installations) to encourage participation from a diversity of communities in habitat restoration and water quality protection projects
- Participate in restoration work days, and assist with project planning, implementation, and monitoring
- Assist staff with recording participation in programs, evaluating programs, and reporting data and outcomes from programs
- Identify and assist with the procurement and maintenance of needed supplies and equipment, assisting with office operations
Qualifications
- Currently or previously enrolled in an accredited college/university; with or working toward a degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Parks and Recreation, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Education, or Communication Studies; or equivalent experience.
- Highly motivated with good oral and written communication skills and the ability to multitask and work independently
- Excellent teaching and group learning skills
- Ability to communicate well with a diverse audience
- Ability to research new developments in education and incorporate them into the education program
- Understanding and/or willingness to learn about issues affecting coastal North Carolina and incorporates these into outreach and education programs
- Ability to use social media tools and outlets to professionally and effectively communicate the Federation’s work and events to diverse communities
- Experience and/or willingness to learn how to operate and maintain education and field equipment, including aquarium setup and maintenance
- Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office, online research, website management
- Ability to swim is preferred, though not required
Essential Functions/physical demands
- Ability to lift 40 pounds; work in adverse weather conditions; undertake physically demanding tasks
- Comfortable working in various aquatic environments
- Strong personal environmental ethic
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive is required; license must meet NC DMV standards
Preferred schedule
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; with occasional evening programs and weekend volunteer events.