Applications are now being accepted for the AmeriCorps Project Conserve HRI Stewardship and Volunteer Engagement Associate with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative of WNC Communities.
This is 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 volunteers, and be out in the woods in special places in the S. Appalachian mountain region of Western North Carolina.
The position, based in Asheville, NC, starts ASAP and an end date of July 31 with a required commitment of 675 service hours. Compensation includes a $6,500 living stipend and a $2,360 education award upon completion of the service term. The position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
This position will be focused on working with partners (state agencies, 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. Additionally, the AmeriCorps Project Conserve (ACPC) member will educate, engage and empower more community members and groups to participate in hemlock conservation.
The ACPC member will create volunteer opportunities and recruit and organize volunteers to support the above objectives. The ACPC member will assist the HRI in outreach and education efforts to spread accurate, useful, up-to-date information about hemlocks, their importance to our ecosystems and economy, and what can be done to save them. There will be significant face-to-face interaction through outreach activities, which will include educational presentations, trainings, demonstrations, hikes, tabling events, and more.
Primary Duties:
- Create volunteer workday opportunities; recruit and train volunteers to participate in HWA chemical and biological control programs on public and conserved lands, coordinating efforts with the appropriate land managers
- Schedule and facilitate volunteer workdays to support the work of HRI partners
- Perform stand assessments and HWA-control treatments on federal and state public lands and conserved lands, coordinating efforts with other crew members and volunteers
- Assist with public presentations, hikes, trainings, and other educational/outreach events
- Social Media — Share HRI and partner activities & accomplishments and HRI-related stories & research
Learn more and apply on the AmeriCorps Project Conserve website: https://conservingcarolina.org/americorps/applynow/
All questions can be directed to HRI outreach manager Thom Green at info@savehemlocksnc.org
The mission of AmeriCorps Project Conserve is to serve Western North Carolina by building stronger, more educated, and more informed communities.
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, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status. People with diverse skills and experience are encouraged to apply.
