Project Sponsor: City of Gresham -- Natural Resources Program, http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/des/stormwater/.

Project Location: 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030

Position Summary: The Community Habitat Steward (CHS) will spend 50% of their time enlisting private streamside landowners (typically single family residences) in stream restoration projects to improve stream, bank, and riparian conditions along streams typically 25 feet wide or smaller. This work will also entail, where possible, implementation of rain gardens and similar low impact development strategies to lessen direct drainage to stream banks. About 20% of the CHS's time will be devoted to working with private landowners and agencies to implement backyard/corporate park/school ground wildlife habitat certification programs, and in related efforts directing volunteers and property owners in installing habitat features on private properties. 20% of the time will be spent developing a community-wide tree planting campaigns to increase Gresham's urban tree canopy. The remaining 10% will be dedicated to working with GPS data and GIS software to update an interactive mapping program we use to inform our citizens and city staff about natural resources issues.

General Responsibilities:

• The CHS will work on a variety of initiatives related to the implementation of riparian restoration and habitat improvements for birds, amphibians, salmonids, and small mammals within a highly urbanized environment.
• Use knowledge of Pacific Northwest native plant communities and/or stream morphology to assess riparian vegetation conditions and streambank integrity, as well as habitat conditions and opportunities on various riparian, wetland, and upland portions of private streamside properties.
• Use organizational skills and eye for detail to develop community tree planting campaign, habitat certification outreach efforts, and implementation of volunteer-based restoration and habitat improvement projects.
• Engage community members in education, restoration, or surveying activities that increase community awareness of and appreciation for Gresham's natural resources.
• Educate volunteers and residents on: tree planting techniques, tree selection to fit specific situations, and overall benefits of trees in the urban environments
• Respond to community requests for implementing neighborhood habitat improvements.
• Conduct and incorporate into city restoration efforts new research in the area of planting techniques and chemical-free (where possible) invasive weed control methods.
• Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
• Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:

• Ability to drive a large vehicle such as a 15 passenger van and/or four-wheel drive vehicles with trailers (training provided).
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
• Ability to successfully pass a drug test (random or otherwise) conducted by project sponsor.
• The ability to work proactively, somewhat independently, and in an organized manner.
• Ability to communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partner (s), colleagues, community volunteers, students, and the general public.
• A minimum of basic Pacific Northwest native plant ID skills necessary, though training is available to further refine plant ID skills
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecosystems and species typically found in Pacific Northwest urban environments.
• Careful attention to detail is necessary for collecting accurate and useful field data.
• The CHS will be conducting a significant amount of restoration and habitat analysis/improvement on private properties. Tolerance for extended field work on uneven terrain and in inclement weather conditions. (The CHS will be accompanied in the field by a partner volunteer.)
• 18 yrs of age or older at the beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that term.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in natural resources, biology, or related area.
• Education or experience in riparian restoration issues, particularly skills in identifying Pacific NW native plants and wildlife.
• The person in this position should have an aptitude for, or strong interest in developing GPS and/or GIS mapping skills.

Member Benefits Include:

• A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1036).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities

Transportation information:

• Organizational vehicle is available for service activities.
• Project site is accessible by public transportation.
• Monthly/annual transit passes are available for service activities and will be provided by the project sponsor.

Application Deadline: On-going until filled.
NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled.
Type of Position: Individual Placement
Service Dates: September 15, 2008 - August 18, 2009
Length of Term: 1700 hours (11-months)

How to apply:
Step 1 - Email your resume and cover letter to the Project Sponsor for this position - Laura Guderyahn at laura.guderyahn@ci.gresham.or.us. Please include the names & contact information for three references. The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. All recommended candidates will also interview with Northwest Service Academy.
Step 2 - Complete your application online at the AmeriCorps website. AmeriCorps Application
-If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile.
-Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking "Applications"� under the "My AmeriCorps"� menu.
-To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings"� under the "My AmeriCorps"� menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy.
-Select the position listing and click "Apply Now"� at the bottom of the page.

Questions about the position? Contact: Laura Guderyahn at laura.guderyahn@ci.gresham.or.us or 503-618-2246

General questions about AmeriCorps, NWSA or our recruitment process? Contact:
Sherrie Jackson
Recruitment Coordinator
NWSA Lower Columbia Center
55 SE Main Street Portland OR 97214
503-234-2383 ext 108
fax 503-232-0166
email: sherrie.jackson@esd112.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

This Job Announcement was posted on the Estuarine Research Federation Web Site on 5/15/2008
The full URL is http://erf.org/jobs/2008_5_13_12496.html