Applications are now being accepted for an AmeriCorps Stewardship and Volunteer Engagement Associate with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative of WNC Communities. This position is being offered through Resilience Corps NC, which is managed by the Conservation Trust for North Carolina.
The 9-month term will run from September 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022 and will be based out of Asheville, NC. (September 1 is the preferred start date, but an alternative start date may be possible if necessary.)
The position is open until filled; therefore, we encourage anyone interested to submit an application as soon as possible.
For the 2021-2022 service year, Resilience Corps NC offers a living stipend of $12,000 for 9 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 $4,441.50 from the National Service Trust.
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, and occasionally other restoration activities; to educate, engage and empower more community members and groups to understand why hemlocks are an imperiled, yet important natural resource in our region’s communities and forestlands; and to actively participate in hemlock conservation.
In addition to direct management activities in the field, the member will create volunteer opportunities and recruit and organize volunteers to support above objectives. In addition to volunteer workdays, there will be significant face-to-face interaction through outreach activities, which will include educational presentations, trainings, demonstrations, hikes, tabling events, etc.
Primary Duties:
Environmental Stewardship:
- Assist HRI Forestry Technicians and others to perform stand assessments and HWA-control treatments on public lands, coordinating efforts with other crew members and volunteers.
- Write and update Hemlock Treatment Plans for new and existing sites, as needed.
- Maintain and keep track of all equipment and data used/generated during treatment workdays.
- Support additional crew members or volunteers to perform treatments effectively and safely.
- Provide HWA and predator beetle monitoring support.
Volunteer Engagement and Management:
- Create, schedule and facilitate volunteer workday opportunities; recruit and train volunteers to participate in hemlock restoration activities, coordinating efforts with the appropriate land managers and program partners.
- Recruit volunteers to help with educational events.
- Educate volunteers on importance of hemlocks and associated ecosystems and options for control and restoration.
- Develop and/or improve job descriptions, training materials, and recognition protocols for volunteers (capacity building).
- Track volunteer activity, time and skills.
- Track volunteer inquiries and match volunteers to appropriate activities.
- Acknowledge volunteers for their time, effort and dedication through follow-up communication, recognition, and celebratory events.
Environmental Education:
- Assist to organize and/or lead public presentations, hikes, and outreach events that connect participants to the natural world and introduce community members to HRI and the importance of hemlocks and associated ecosystems, the impact of HWA, and options for control and restoration.
- Contribute to newsletters and blog posts about HRI activities.
- Answer questions from public and partners as needed. Work with HRI Director and Outreach Manager to develop appropriate answers.
- Help plan and lead workshops and trainings on hemlock conservation and best management practices.
- Assist with landowner site-visits and follow-up reports, as needed.
- Develop and improve outreach materials that are useful and specific to the audiences being served especially underserved communities (capacity building).
Here is the link (same as the one embedded above) to the full position description and application:
Please direct all questions and inquiries to: Thom Green at info@savehemlocksnc.org, 828-252-4783.
WNC Communities and the Conservation Trust for NC (the nonprofit administering Resilience Corps NC) are both equal opportunity employers and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status. WNC Communities and the Conservation Trust for NC seek 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.
