Big Sky Watershed Corps – Americorps Member

GAIN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND HELP PROTECT AND PRESERVE MONTANA'S WATERSHEDS!

Job Overview

Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals. BSWC members develop and implement climate resiliency initiatives through stream and riparian restoration projects, re-vegetation projects, low-tech process-based restoration, drought planning,
water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, terrestrial/aquatic invasive species removal, abandoned mine reclamation, beaver mimicry, irrigation infrastructure improvements, watershed inventories and so much more! BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education by engaging local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, trainings, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, BSWC members confront climate change with innovative solutions developed in direct partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders.

Responsibilities:
• Work with Host Site staff/mentors to develop and implement watershed-related field projects.
• Assist Host Site staff/mentors in the completion of watershed-related plans.
• Recruit and manage volunteers on field and service projects; ensure participant safety on all projects.
• Develop materials (brochures, posters, etc.) to use in community presentations.
• Conduct community outreach to educate community stakeholders about watershed issues.
• Work with schools and/or youth groups to develop field projects or educational presentations.
• Maintain accurate personnel, safety and project records.
• Complete and submit required program reports in a timely manner.
• Help complete and submit relevant grants.
• Help develop and write watershed-related plans, proposals and reports.

The Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program created through collaboration between the Montana Conservation Corps, the Montana Watershed Coordination Council and the Montana Association of Conservation Districts. The BSWC utilizes community-based initiatives to protect, preserve and restore local watersheds throughout Montana. MCC seeks to provide access and opportunity to a diverse group of staff and participants, while continuing to identify and reduce barriers to being involved in our organization and programs. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.

Special Benefits

Term of Service: 1/9/23-11/17/23

Living Stipend: $800 biweekly;

Health Insurance: Provided at no cost;

Education Award: $6,945 upon successful completion of the program;

Professional Training/Certification: ArcGIS-Certificate from U.C. Davis; Accredited Experiential Education-Instructor Certification; Principles of Fundraising, Philanthropy & Grant Writing; Communication, Marketing & Outreach Best Practices; Federal, State, and Private Fundraising Strategies & Good Grant Management Workshop; Standard Operating Procedures in Water Quality & Quantity Collection; The Science & People behind Agriculture & Irrigation; Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring and Education Certification

Member Assistance Program: Free access to confidential mental health counseling, medical advocacy, financial assistance, legal assistance, life coaching and more!

Minimum Requirements

Required Qualifications:
• College degree (B.A./B.S.), preferably in watershed, agriculture, environment, or education related field.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, ability to pass a motor vehicle records check, US Citizenship or ability to work in the US.
• Strong service ethic and desire to serve the community and the environment.
• Ability to provide personal transportation to worksites, housing, and trainings.

Additional Desired Experience:
• Previous watershed-related experience, fieldwork, data collection & analysis or plan
development.
• Previous teaching or volunteer management experience.
• Ability to work with and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Open and adaptable to new environments, different perspectives and rural communities.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with local stakeholder, watershed or natural resource groups.