Americorps NOWCorps Restoration Crew Member
Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) watershed organization officially established in 2006. Our mission is to protect and restore water quality and habitats of the Tinker’s Creek watershed through community partnerships. The Tinker’s Creek watershed drains 96.4 square miles and is the largest tributary to the Cuyahoga River. The watershed area spans 24 communities in Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage and Geauga counties.
Together with our partners, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recognizes the importance of maintaining water quality throughout Northern Ohio. We also believe in educating the public and regional leaders to support behavioral changes that positively affect our water resources. The Northern Ohio Watershed Corps (NOWCorps) works with watershed groups, soil and water conservation districts, city and county government offices, and other conservation nonprofits to facilitate outreach, education, capacity building, environmental stewardship, and stormwater management.
The Nature Conservancy has long been a leader in advancing restoration and stewardship on natural areas in Northeastern Ohio (NEOH). Through the NEOH Restoration Team we will be providing restoration and stewardship services for TNC preserves, and to other landowners, organizations and partners in the region. Team members will have opportunities to work with multiple partners on a variety of natural areas throughout NEOH.
- Promote the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps through education and outreach activities. Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in related workshops, conferences, and training.
- Assist with fundraising designed to raise funds for activities such as member retreats and other program related projects. These efforts will not contribute to general operating costs for the organization or Host Sites.
- Attend all NOWCorps required meetings and trainings.
- Complete activity reports monthly, required timesheets weekly, and any other reporting in a timely manner in the OnCorps online system.
Additional activities that fall within the scope of this member position description may be assigned with approval of the member, site supervisor, and NOWCorps staff.
The NEOH Restoration Team Member is primarily a field position working under the direction of the NEOH Restoration Team Leader:
- performing ecological restoration activities in NEOH, with a focus on survey and control of invasive species through chemical and mechanical applications.
- safe operation of vehicles, equipment and machinery including ATV’s chainsaws, brush cutters, back pack sprayer, and hand tools.
- responsible for equipment preparation, use, and maintenance
- use of GPS unit and related devices
- assisting with accurate record keeping and reporting
- communicating to staff, volunteers and the public about their work.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Must have a valid driver's license, be insured, and have own transportation; mileage will be reimbursed for service-related travel.
- Must have or be pursuing a college degree or equivalent education in education, tourism, economic development, biology, natural resources, planning, marketing, or similar.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and in a team.
- Experience working with volunteers preferred.
- Must possess good organizational and communication skills and be capable of working with little supervision.
- Usual hours of service will be M-F 8:00am-5:00pm.
- The ability to serve flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is needed.
- Hours may fluctuate, increase or decrease, in consideration of seasonal changes such as inclement weather or other extended activities.
- Some working knowledge or experience performing land management tasks, identifying native and invasive plants, and using GPS and ArcGIS is preferred.
The NOWCorps member will receive programmatic training in addition to site specific training. Programmatic training includes first aid, CPR, volunteer engagement, native species planting techniques, stormwater permit requirements, minimum control measures including public involvement, public education, and Good Housekeeping, on a monthly basis.
The Nature Conservancy’s office is accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Nature Conservancy, Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners, and the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps will adhere to all regulations concerning nondiscrimination and equal opportunity regulations as outlined in federal and state law. This program will be made available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and religion.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the following:
- Working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
- Considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
- Lift and carry 40lb back pack sprayers.
- Working with pesticides and other hazardous chemicals
- Manual dexterity to operate ATV’s, chainsaws, brush cutters, back pack sprayers, and other tools and equipment.
- Ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Members will be provided training in the safe use of tools, equipment and materials and will be given Personal Protective Equipment to minimize risks to extremes in health, safety hazards, and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with Host Site staff/board, volunteers, other members, and the public, participate in conferences and outdoor activities such as but not limited to site visits, volunteer activities, and project meetings.
Member position begins October 2019 and ends September 2020. The member will be provided with an orientation and relevant training monthly. This position is a full-time member position and requires a minimum of 1,700 hours of service over the service period. The member will receive a stipend of no more than $13,992, and the stipend will be paid biweekly. The member is also eligible for health insurance through this position and may qualify for child care assistance.
Housing is available on site at The Nature Conservancy office at 3973 Callender Road, Rock Creek, Ohio 44084.
To apply for the AmeriCorps NOWCorps Northeast Ohio Restoration Crew Member position, please contact Kate Chapel, Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners Senior Project Manager at kchapel@tinkerscreekwatershed.org or 330-963-6243. Please apply by October 16, 2019.
For more information on this position and the Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners NOWCorps program: https://tinkerscreek.org/nowcorps-program/