Environmental Programs AmeriCorps Member

This position is based at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) in Kernersville, NC. PTRC is a voluntary association of local governments - urban and rural - authorized by state law to:

• Make and implement joint regional decisions;
• Provide management, planning and technical services to local governments;
• Identify and solve short and long-term problems best addressed at the regional level;
• Bring together local elected officials on a regular basis, giving them an opportunity to form working relationships;
• Promote regional issues and cooperation among members.

The PTRC is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina. We are designated by the State of NC to serve as the lead regional organization for the Piedmont Triad region. We serve 74 member governments in a 12 county area. The PTRC is strongly service oriented; its programs are driven by membership needs. PTRC has an ongoing environmental program addressing water resource issues. As such the PTRC is fully invested in the long-term maintenance and protection of all efforts to improve, restore and maintain the natural environment. Stormwater SMART, a regional program designed to help PTRC Phase II communities meet and exceed National Pollution Discharge Elimination Program (NPDES) requirements, was formed in 2004 through NC DWQ 205(j) funding.

The 2021-2022 positions will have a start date (for new full-time 11 month members) of September 1st 2021 and an end date of July 31st 2022.

**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents - Resume, Cover Letter, State or Federal ID, College Transcripts, Birth Certificate (if US Passport not uploaded).** If required documents are not uploaded at time of application, any offer for employment will be withheld until they are provided. All AmeriCorps Members must submit to having a National Sex Offender, State of Residence (if state is different than NC), State of NC, and Federal FBI Background check conducted. Any applicant denying to submit to these checks will be automatically disqualified as per federal regulations.

For the 2021-2022 service year, Resilience Corps NC offers a living stipend of $17,000 for 11 months, health insurance reimbursement for premiums, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (individual trainings, enrollment in NC Environmental Education Certificate Program, and conferences in conjunction with the NC Commission on Volunteerism). Participants who complete the program will receive a Segal Education Award of $6,345 from the National Service Trust.

CTNC is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status.

CTNC seeks to engage applicants from underrepresented communities, particularly of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Multi-Racial, and Native American background, in conservation careers. Connecting more diverse applicants to an employment pathway has led to greater equity, diversity and inclusion of all people in conservation.

Purpose of the position

The AmeriCorps member will increase participation in outdoor environmental education events through outreach and networking opportunities. Special efforts will be made to involve veterans, military families, Title 1 schools, and other under-represented groups. The member will increase Stormwater SMART's capacity by creating and maintaining a sustainable conservation volunteer based program in one or more counties. The volunteer will learn about water quality and North Carolina regulations regarding water quality through training, research and supervision by Stormwater SMART Staff. The volunteer will be able to translate this information into materials and programs suitable for children and adults of various age levels and socioeconomic status. The AmeriCorps member will assist in implementing environmental science programs at Title 1 schools and cover the following topics: soil and water conservation, rules and regulations pertaining to water, freshwater ecosystems, water quantity and quality, the water cycle and others. The AmeriCorps member will gain valuable interactive, educational, and interpretive skills through the implementation of school programs, training and recruiting volunteers, and assisting in promoting and providing outdoor events.

Position responsibilities

1. Environmental Education- the AmeriCorps member will create outreach materials including blogs, newsletter articles, flyers, brochures, social media campaigns, and outreach programs to expand participation in environmental education events around the Piedmont Triad region. The member will also provide outreach and education at fairs and festivals, schools and other venues through fun, hands-on environmental education activities.

2. Conservation Volunteer program development - The member will assist in recruiting, training and leading the volunteers during conservation activities including water quality monitoring, storm drain marking, rain garden design and construction, litter removal and other activities designed to improve water quality.

Qualifications

Effective oral and written communication is required. Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina is also required. Bachelor of Sciences or Bachelor of Education, environmental education experience or degree in environmental science, biology, or social studies is preferred. Spanish language would be a valuable skill but is not required.

Essential Functions/physical demands

The physical demands of this position are moderate. Participants should be walk and hike in a variety of terrains, and be able and willing to lift 25 lbs and actively participate in outdoor environmental education events in any weather.

Preferred schedule

Most of the AmeriCorps member's time will be spent during normal business hours, however school programs may start at 7:45am throughout the region. Environmental education to older adults involves occasional night meetings and outdoor environmental education events and related outreach often requires weekend work. They will be requested to attend tabling events at a variety or fairs, festivals, and farmers markets on Saturdays. Even with the variability of the schedule, the work week will be 40 hours a week.