Promote floodplain forest habitat enhancement and restoration through the collection and distribution of locally native woody and herbaceous seeds. This position encompasses training, planning, scouting, collecting, processing, storing, and direct seeding for seeds on partnership projects through Vermont.

Position is Full Time (1720 hours).

The Riparian Lands Seed Steward will:

• Learn techniques for seed collection that promote viability and learn to accurately identify native species of plant in the field to ensure collection fidelity
• Assist with planting, organizing, and preparing materials for projects and programs
• Scout for and collect seed
• Track phenology of target species
• Cooperate with local and regional partners to identify and complete priority conservation and community service projects

Position begins January 12 and ends December 10, 2027
Living allowance: $31,000

To Apply: contact Jess Colby, science@northwoodscenter.org, 802-723-6551 x 302. 

Essential Functions

• Learn techniques and procedures for seed collection that help promote seed viability
• Learn to accurately identify native species of plant in the field to ensure species collection fidelity
• Assist with planning, organizing, and preparing materials for projects and programs. Tasks also include cleaning, organizing, and preparing materials for programming.
• Scout for and collect seed
• Keep detailed notes and take accurate data in the field
• Track phenology of target species and provide updates to the rest of the team
• Communicate with partners about the Riparian Lands program and help grow the Riparian Lands Native Seed Network
• Attend trainings and conferences that are directly applicable to the position
• Input data, upload photos, and update maps in a timely manner throughout the term
• Cooperate with local and regional partners to identify and complete priority conservation and community service projects; and increase capacity for education, recreation and service opportunities at NorthWoods
• Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps.
• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Program Initiatives & outreach efforts, and storytelling activities that promote AmeriCorps.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities.
• Submit bi-weekly timesheets.
• Complete all enrollment and exit requirements.

Secondary Functions: 

Participate in disaster response and recovery activities. AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or requested by SerVermont to assist in disaster response and recovery activities. This may involve virtual or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of standard service hours or in place of standard service duties. Disaster response activities must be approved and reported to SerVermont by the program.

This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach of creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land conservation organizations around the state. Serving on the front lines of community-based organizations, VHCB AmeriCorps members energize, engage, and empower residents to address unmet needs at the local level, collectively creating positive change and building a healthy future for Vermont.

Orientation and Training

• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days and Events.
• Attend SerVermont training, conferences, and events.
• Complete Mandated Reporter and On3Learn training required by SerVermont.
• No more than 20% of aggregate hours can be training hours.
• No more than 10% of the originally agreed-upon term of service can be fundraising activities.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Complete a mid-term evaluation.
• Complete an end of term evaluation.
• Complete quarterly progress reports for VHCB AmeriCorps.

Time & Service Requirements

The service schedule is generally 8 hour day between 8:00 am -5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend educational events may be requested due to events/programming. NorthWoods is in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, which is a rural area. We have a great organizational culture that includes monthly meetings, group gatherings, and family-like parties. This region of Vermont has cold winters, beautiful summers, and offers rich, natural beauty. The member will need to drive fleet
vehicles to and from the project sites and will be expected to use sharp and/or heavy tools safely to complete service tasks. Travel to and from service location done in organization vehicles.

Service at NorthWoods is primarily in-person, with some remote service available in accordance with VHCB AmeriCorps’ teleservice policy. NorthWoods has on-site housing that is provided to our AmeriCorps member at a reduced monthly rate.
NorthWoods provides a gear stipend that is pro-rated to the length of the member’s service term.

Benefits

• A living allowance of $31,000 (pre-tax).
• An education award of $7,395 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of term of service
• Healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (must meet qualifications)
• Loan forbearance for federally backed student loans, if qualified

Qualifications

Eligibility. An AmeriCorps participant must—
a.

i. Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or
ii. Be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in § 2522.110(b)(3) or (g);

b.

i. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
ii. Not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; or
iii. Obtain a waiver from AmeriCorps of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an
independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
iv. Be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);

c. Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
d. Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrate maturity, motivation and commitment to the local environment.
• Ability to serve under physically challenging conditions
• Must be able to hike 5 miles with a loaded pack and lift heavy loads.
• Have a positive attitude, high energy, exhibit patience and flexibility;
• Have excellent communication and leadership skills;
• Have a commitment to serving with youth in the outdoors
• Have experience with group management
• Outdoor skills like cross-country skiing, hiking, paddling, and back country travel are preferred
• Possess a strong sense of stewardship of the natural environment
• Must adhere to VHCB and NorthWoods policies and procedures for safety, professionalism and community relations.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Pass Vermont AHS Child Protection and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
• Commitment to the VHCB AmeriCorps program’s ethic of service, participant professional development, and respect for diverse experiences and perspectives.
• Ability and enthusiasm to attend and actively participate in required trainings and events, including driving up to 2 – 3 hours each way.
• Availability to serve 40 hours per week on a regular basis.

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

About NorthWoods

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more about us.