Environmental Education Apprentice Ridgefield
Recruitment began on November 27, 2024 and the job listing expires on December 31, 2024.
(Candidates local to Vancouver/Portland Community)
Position Summary
The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities of 1) Knowing and relating to the community, both around refuge sites and in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area; 2) Connecting people to nature through steppingstones of engagement; 3) Building partnerships; and 4) Being an asset in meeting the needs and desires of the community. The apprentice will assist in the development and implementation of various refuge visitor services programs, which include (but are not limited to): connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop intentional programs and materials, leading students and educators on site, working with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and supporting communication with educators to provide recommendations to Refuge staff for future facility and program improvement. Additionally, the employee will gain valuable biological field experience, such as survey and land management techniques, and plant and animal identification skills. The apprentice will focus their work in underserved communities surrounding both Ridgefield and Steigerwald Lake NWRs, with an emphasis on educational groups and families.
Schedule
January 6, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Lead field trips from local schools and other youth-focused organizations.
* Develop new curriculum where needed and help enhance existing programs.
* Take educational and interpretive programming to community events and organizations focused on families and youth.
* Provide in-classroom programs for 4th grade classes through the Every Kid Outdoors Initiative.
* Support and develop relationships with community organizations serving youth and families.
* Develop and enhance self-guided activities for refuge visitors.
* Support partners and other Service programs in educational and community engagement activities through participation and feedback.
* Help plan and carry out community events.
* Enhance outreach for programming, including developing fliers, updating websites, and directly communicating with community organizations.
Marginal Duties
* Support the Jr Duck Stamp Contest.
* Support guided naturalist walk volunteers and help recruit participants from communities not currently engaging with this program.
* Provide customer service in the office by assisting visitors in person and on the phone.
* Attend staff meetings and required training.
* Assist other staff in projects to gain a better understanding of how Service programs intersect and support each other.
Required Qualifications
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Organizational skills.
* Confidence initiating communication and taking leadership initiative to follow through on assignments.
* Ability to communicate effectively with diverse partners and affinity groups.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* A passion for connecting people with nature.
* Ability to creatively solve problems.
* Experience conducting research projects or a desire to learn.
* Previous community engagement or outreach experience (e.g., volunteering, canvassing, mutual aid, relationship-building, etc.).
* Commitment to keeping communities and partners safe by adhering to regional health and safety laws and best practices.
* Ability to work remotely.
* Personal transportation to and from the work station (no public transportation currently).
* Driver’s license.
* Experience working with youth and families of varied ages, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.
* Comfortable with basic computer programs and email management.
Preferred Qualifications
* Lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized community or personal experience working within these communities.
* Experience leading field trips, developing educational materials, and/or developing relationships with educators.
* Experience in event planning and outreach.
* Proficient in basic computer programs and email management.
Living Accommodations
No living accommodations provided. Candidates must be local to the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area. Independent access to transportation is required for this position. Public transportation fares can be reimbursed for on-duty travel. If transportation access presents a significant barrier, accommodations can be discussed.
Compensation
~$775/week living allowance. ~AmeriCorps Eligible at fulfillment of 1700 hours and an average of 40 hours/week over 47 weeks - value is $7,395. ~Duty Related Travel Reimbursement is $500 (receipts required).
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Additional Benefits
Opportunity to conduct informational interviews with conservation professionals, accessibility in outdoors training, community engagement, hands-on fieldwork experience (e.g., wildlife surveys and salmon spawning), defensive driver training, interpretive skills, professional development through community and partner training, help with job skills, application materials, and understanding job opportunities with the Federal government, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups.
General Physical Requirements
* Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
* Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods.
* Able to independently manage known medical conditions.
* Able to wear all required personal protective equipment.
* Able to refrain from behaviors that disrupt the work and safety of others.
* Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks under potentially difficult conditions.
* Able to self-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable.
* Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure in various weather conditions.
* Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles.
* Able to lift a backpack weighing approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance.
Working Conditions
Work schedules and projects may change on short notice; work settings require positive interaction with people of varying cultures; exposure to natural hazards such as poison ivy, ticks, and wildlife encounters.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
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