CAREER TITLE: Conservation Field Coordinator

LOCATION: AYW Operating Site, Houston, TX

DIVISION: Conservation Corps

DEPARTMENT: Field Operations and Training

POSITION REPORTS TO: Houston and Baton Rouge Site Director

POSITION SUPERVISES: AmeriCorps Crew Leaders and Crew Members

CLASSIFICATION: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Conservation Field Coordinator supervises AmeriCorps crewmembers and leaders, and provides oversight of field operations for conservation and disaster response services, focusing on safety risk management and the successful completion of project goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and basic tasks. Under the direct supervision of the Houston and Baton Rouge Site Director, the Conservation Field Coordinator will perform the following functions:

• Train and supervise AmeriCorps members;
  • Assist in the implementation of Crew Leader and Crew Member orientations;
  • Conduct ongoing training for AmeriCorps members throughout their term, both on project sites and at the program’s office location.
  • Train and lead AmeriCorps members in conservation, disaster response activities, and risk management and safety standards on site;
  • Cultivate a positive member experience through team-building and leadership development;
  • Support positive mental and emotional health of members;
  • Handle conflict management and enforce disciplinary measures as necessary with Crew Leaders and Crew Members in accordance with program policies and procedures; 
  • Assist in required performance evaluations of AmeriCorps members;
  • Transport members to enrollment and service activities as required by program guidelines;
  • Promote a culture of inclusion, equity, and diversity throughout the recruitment and member management practices.
• Manage projects according to partner expectations and AYW standards;
  • Coordinate project logistics;
  • Communicate in a timely and professional manner with project partners to maintain project quality, timelines, and goals;
  • Conduct frequent site visits to ensure successful project outcomes;
  • Purchase supplies needed for project work and coordinate with AYW’s accounting team to properly document expenses according to required timelines;
• Complete and maintain timely and accurate project documentation;
  • Store project-related documents in shared electronic files, including project logs, billing notes, purchase receipts, personnel forms, incident reporting, and member performance documents;
  • Manage field metrics and expense data for grant reporting;
• Maintain up-to-date trail, chainsaw, and disaster deployment expertise; seek out relevant continuing education opportunities;
• Maintain facility, chainsaw shop, tools, gear, and program vehicles to support overall programmatic goals and project needs;
  • Set up and manage vendor accounts;
  • Establish maintenance protocols with members and leaders;
• Participate in Interviewing/selecting potential AmeriCorps members in collaboration with the Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator and Houston site staff;
• Assist and support disaster deployments on the ground and as needed in coordination with the Disaster Program Manager and Field Coordinator;
• Leading activities and ensuring safety on volunteer projects in coordination with public and private entities;
• Attend weekly staff meetings and other team meetings as required;
• Other duties as assigned.

ANTIRACIST ORGANIZATION TRANSFORMATION

Promote continued organizational support of Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives. Seek to remove systemic barriers for underrepresented populations within the agency and our partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Required

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION: Bachelor’s degree in a related field;

EXPERIENCE: Three years of previous related experience in conservation and restoration programs; prior experience leading and teaching a team or supervising. Familiarity with AmeriCorps or public service, reporting measurements, working with contracts, audit requests, compliance, and member coordination. Experience working with young adults and academically and socially at-risk opportunity youth, ages 18-26, with a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, cultural and spiritual practices;

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED and completion of a 2-year vocational program related to the specified field of study and 2 years of the specified work experience; OR 30 hours towards a bachelor’s degree with at least 6 hours (equals 1 year) in the specified or related field of study and 3 years of the specified work experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE: Microsoft Office applications, i.e., Word; Excel; Access; Google docs and Sheets; Trail building and habitat restoration experience; Mechanical and basic tool knowledge, including use of a chainsaw; CPR/Wilderness First Aid; Herbicide use; Team-based coordination and logistics;                 

SKILLS: Lead teams and develop leaders; good problem-solving and logistical skills; conflict resolution skills; basic computer skills; operate passenger van, truck with trailer and other heavy equipment; chainsaw operation; GPS/GIS; carpentry; small engine maintenance; project management; project partner relations. Operate in diverse community settings; able to provide mentorship under stressful conditions; conservation and trail building; building and maintenance of park infrastructure; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; wildfire mitigation; disaster response; safe tool use;

ABILITIES: Attention to detail and accuracy; well-organized; cooperative, patient, and willing to assist others; open and honest personality; flexible under pressure; good decision maker; able to build consensus; flexible problem-solving in the field; presents a positive role model for Corps members that supports respect for the learner, for diversity, and for the mission of AYW.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

HEARING: Hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information;

TALKING: Speaking clearly so others can understand you and the information you are communicating; will be required to convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately; talking in front of groups and, or providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and external partners via telephone, writing form, e-mail or in person provide guidance and direction to others, and set and monitor performance standards;   

VISION: The ability to see details at a distance and, or at close range, within a few feet of the observer; will be required to read papers, and books and to operate audio-visual, office equipment and tools;

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects such as hammers, picks, and chainsaws;

EXTENT FLEXIBILITY: Bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs;

REPETITIVE MOTIONS: Walking; talking; frequent and regular movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers;

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, carry objects, or restrain individuals;

DYNAMIC/STATIC/TRUNK STRENGTH: The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue. Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects; use of abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing; may also restrain potentially violent individuals;

VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT INTERACTION: Navigating and, or driving a personal vehicle or 15-passenger company van; using computer and computer applications to enter data or process information; Photocopiers and scanners.

WORKING MODEL AND CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT: In-person, on-site

INDOORS: Environmentally controlled conditions, working in an office or shared office setting, working with others in a group or team; contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise), No hazardous conditions. May be required to work in hot, wet, cold, or other significantly unpleasant conditions;

OUTDOORS: Independent, isolated settings may be required to work in hot, wet, cold, or other significantly unpleasant conditions, including disaster areas;

ATTENDANCE: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break; and off-site Disaster and Conservation Hitches. Occasionally some weekends to meet deadlines/special projects;

TRAVEL: Travel for partner cultivation and project planning purposes; Occasionally travel to AmeriCorps service sites and transport corps members as needed; also for professional conferences, workshops, training, and, or annual staff retreat.

BENEFITS

American YouthWorks offers competitive benefits and leave packages including, on an annual basis:

• 11 personal days;
• 8 sick days;
• 19 break days, taken throughout the spring, summer, and winter;
• 17 holidays,
• Employer contributions toward medical and dental plan;
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability;
• Pre-tax programs for child and health care;
• Supplemental income and additional voluntary life options
• 403(b) retirement with employer contribution;
• Employment service awards every 5-years;

EOE

AYW is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and fostering an environment of respect and inclusiveness amongst all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alums are encouraged to apply.