AmeriCorps Position: Community Engagement Member 

The Community Engagement AmeriCorps Member supports community environmental stewardship particularly through the development of volunteer and community activities on Trust conservation areas. 

Skagit Land Trust seeks an AmeriCorps Member to assist with our Outreach and Volunteer Stewardship programs. By recruiting volunteers to steward Skagit Land Trust properties and educating the community on the importance of conservation, the AmeriCorps Member expands the Trust’s capacity to improve the condition of at-risk ecosystems and protect wildlife, agricultural and forest lands, and other critical natural areas. The project goal is to share knowledge and skills to help build a conservation-minded public in Skagit County. We engage community members of all ages and backgrounds in hands-on activities and learning opportunities at important natural areas and throughout the county. 

Applicants should have an academic background or strong interest in communications, environmental science or education, ecology, biology, or a related field.  They should have strong communication skills, be organized and self-motivated. They should be comfortable working with the general public and youth, comfortable working outside in the elements, and able to work independently as well as in a team. This position is contingent on funding. 

Pay: Monthly stipend of $2276.19 through AmeriCorps program 

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 $6895.00 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. 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  
• Interest and/or education related to ecology or environmental studies and/or non-profit communication. 
• Interest and/or experience coordinating outdoor volunteer activities or training volunteers  
• Skills with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

• Experience with or strong interest in graphics programs such as Adobe Suite and Canva 
• Experience taking and editing photos and short video in the field 
• Experience with email programs such as MailChimp and social media sites   
• Excellent organizational skills and communication skills (both written and verbal)  
• Must be comfortable serving in the outdoors in inclement weather 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Assist in planning and volunteer coordination of community and volunteer stewardship work parties, community science projects, nature walks and other community events 
• Assist with recruitment and coordination of volunteers for Skagit Land Trust events and work parties and maintain database of volunteer hours  
• Attend work parties and assist in stewardship activities 
• Document work parties and other events through video and photographs 
• Update and maintain the Trust's photo library 
• Assist with promotion and execution of events through the use of print materials, social media, enews, and the Trust website  
• Write social media and website content emphasizing volunteer and educational opportunities 
• Assist with development and design of the Trust's newsletter 
• Assist Education and Volunteer Program Coordinator with development and implementation of Conservation Classroom activities for K-12 students, as well as coordinate youth field trips and service projects  
• Assist in developing educational events for diverse audiences to increase community awareness of Trust properties open to the public 
• Other tasks as directed by supervisor 

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