To open/download a .pdf copy of this job description, click here.

Americorps Position Description

Position Title: Conservation Research Specialist

Project Sponsor: Institute for Applied Ecology

NWSA Mission: This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA's mission is: To preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. www.nwserviceacademy.org

Project Location: 563 SW Jefferson, Corvallis, Oregon

Position Summary: The Conservation Research Specialist will create a conservation and restoration database that enables long-term archiving and searching functions for scientists and land managers (60%).  In addition, s/he will work with program staff to conduct field research and monitoring throughout Oregon and will train season seasonal interns on appropriate use of the database (30%).  Finally, the Conservation Research Specialist will work with the Conservation Research Program Director to develop and initiate a research project exploring the effects of climate change on restoration success.

Essential Functions (to include, but not limited to):

• Create a conservation and restoration database.
• Summarize data for communication with land managers and partner scientists.
• Conduct research on the effects of climate change on restoration success utilizing existing data and developing a research protocol.
• Initiate research on climate change and restoration.
• Work with Conservation Research Program staff to conduct research and monitoring activities through-out Oregon.
• Train seasonal interns on use and management of conservation and restoration database.
• 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, training's, 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:

• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle several different tasks at once.
• Ability to work independently as well as leading groups.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong interest in botany and ecology.
• Ability to work long hours in hot, dry and cold, wet conditions with exposure to poison oak.
• Ability to hike up to 3 miles carrying a 30 pound pack and work in a bent-over/kneeling/sitting position for long periods of time.
• 18 years of age or older, at 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:

• Work experience in botany, ecology, or restoration.
• Familiarity with scientific and ecological study design.
• Experience propagating plants or working in a greenhouse setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access.
• An enthusiastic willingness to learn.

Member Benefits Include:

• A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,072).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $5,350. 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. Member is covered by organization's vehicle insurance policy.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2010
NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews: July 2 - 9, or as necessary
Type of Position: Individual Placement
Service Dates: September 20, 2010 - August 12, 2011
Length of Term: 1700 hours (11 months)

How to apply:

Step 1 - Email the following items to the Project Sponsor for this position - Andrea Thorpe at andrea[at]appliedeco.org:

•     Cover Letter
•     Résumé
•     Transcripts (unofficial copies will be accepted)
•     Contact Information for Three References

The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. Recommended candidates will also interview with Northwest Service Academy.

Step 2 - Complete your application online at the AmeriCorps website AmeriCorps Application. This is our preferred method.
a. If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile. Create A Profile
b. Once you have created a profile, log in and complete an application by clicking "Applications" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu.
c. To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy-LCC.
d. Select the position listing and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

Unable to Apply On-line? You can download application materials from the NWSA website "How to Apply" page and send to Susan Navrotsky via email, mail or fax.

A complete AmeriCorps Member application includes the following:

• AmeriCorps Application
• Two Written References - These are included in the AmeriCorps online application
• Certification Form - This document must include applicant's original signature. Download as part of the online application process or from the NWSA website. Mail signed form to the NWSA office

Questions about the position? Contact:
Andrea Thorpe
Conservation Research Program Director
Institute for Applied Ecology
andrea[at]appliedeco.org
541-753-3099 ext 401

Questions about AmeriCorps, NWSA or our recruitment process? Contact:
Susan Navrotsky
Statewide IP Coordinator
NWSA Lower Columbia Center
55 SE Main Street
Portland, OR  97214
Susan,Navrotsky[at]esd112.org
503-234-2383 ext 106
503-232-0166 (fax)


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER