We are now accepting applications for two AmeriCorps Project Conserve (ACPC) positions with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative: a Stewardship and Conservation Education Associate and a Stewardship and Volunteer Engagement Associate.
AmeriCorps service with HRI provides a great opportunity to interact with the local environmental conservation and natural resource community, engage in impactful work with a great team of professionals and members of the public, and be out in the woods in special places in the Southern Appalachian mountain region of Western North Carolina.
ACPC members serve an 11-month term from September 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 with a total service commitment of 1,700 hours. Both positions are based out of HRI’s office in Asheville, NC.
The purpose of these positions is to ensure ongoing protection of eastern and Carolina hemlock trees from hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) by increasing the capacity of HRI partner agencies to treat trees using chemical and biological control methods; to educate, engage, and empower more community members and groups to understand why hemlocks are an imperiled and important natural resource in our region’s communities and forestlands; and to actively participate in hemlock conservation.
Both positions will be focused on working with partners (state agencies, USFS, conservation non-profits, and volunteers) to protect more hemlock trees from the impacts of the hemlock woolly adelgid, primarily using chemical and biological control methods, but occasionally assisting with other hemlock restoration strategies as well. Additionally, the ACPC members will educate, engage, and empower more community members and groups to participate in hemlock conservation. The Stewardship and Conservation Education Associate focuses on HRI’s outreach and education activities while the Stewardship and Volunteer Engagement Associate is responsible for coordinating HRI’s volunteer programs. The two members collaborate on educational and volunteer events and work side-by-side with HRI leadership staff and forest technicians in the field and office.
Primary duties may include:
- Stand assessments and HWA-control treatments on federal and state public lands and private conserved lands, coordinating efforts with other crew members and volunteers
- Writing and updating treatment plans
- Biocontrol surveys and data collection
- Maintenance of equipment and data
- Conducting educational programs about hemlock conservation, including presentations, hikes, trainings, and outreach at public tabling events
- Creation of volunteer workday opportunities, including recruitment, coordination, training, and appreciation of volunteers and collaboration with program partners
- Email, phone, and in-person communication with other staff, partners, and members of the public
- Sharing HRI and partner activities and accomplishments and other HRI-related stories on Instagram and Facebook
Stewardship and Conservation Education Associate full description
Stewardship and Volunteer Engagement Associate full description
Apply and learn more about eligibility requirements and compensation on the AmeriCorps Project Conserve website. Applications are due by May 9, 2022. All questions can be directed to HRI outreach manager Thom Green at info@savehemlocksnc.org
“My term serving with HRI as an AmeriCorps member has been simultaneously inspirational and foundational. In my role as the Stewardship and Conservation Education Associate, I’ve been able to work many days in the field actively saving hemlocks, interact with hundreds of volunteers, educate a diverse array of audiences about hemlocks and their conservation, and participate in a variety of conservation related experiences offered through the Project Conserve Program. This position has constantly drawn me into new areas of intrigue and granted me the skills and experience needed to expand my horizons in work, life, and play. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend 11 months!”
Aaron Whittemore, ACPC HRI Stewardship and Conservation Education Associate 2021-22
The mission of AmeriCorps Project Conserve is to serve Western North Carolina by building stronger, more educated, and more informed communities. Project Conserve is administered by Conserving Carolina and funded by an AmeriCorps grant from the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service in the office of Governor Roy Cooper, and the critical support of our host sites and community partners.
The Hemlock Restoration Initiative’s mission is to work with a variety of partners and existing programs to restore hemlocks to long-term health throughout North Carolina and ensure that eastern and Carolina hemlocks can resist hemlock woolly adelgid and survive to maturity on North Carolina’s public and private lands. HRI is a grant-funded program managed by WNC Communities.
WNC Communities is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or familial status. People with diverse skills and experience are encouraged to apply.