Americorps Site Steward

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Moab, Utah. For over 38 years we have been rooted in our mission to provide quality outdoor education on the Colorado Plateau to inspire care of wild places and renew the human spirit. We believe in nurturing students of all ages and backgrounds, connection to self, community, and natural spaces. Through meaningful outdoor educational programming, CFI seeks to build immersive learning experiences by combining place-based science, an unplugged from technology environment, play, exploration, artistic expression, and Social Emotional Learning curriculum. By joining our educational community, you can help us grow the next generation of caring leaders and environmental stewards, who can affect positive change in our world.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Site Steward is an Individual Placement AmeriCorps position under the auspices of Utah Conservation Corps. This position is based at Professor Valley Field Camp, a rustic facility on private land located 20 miles from Moab, UT. The camp is surrounded by open space, world class views and spectacular night skies. The Site Steward lives at the Field Camp in either a yurt or small RV unit. There is electricity, water, and cell service available on site. During programs, meals are provided. The Steward must have their own reliable vehicle to commute to and from town; official work-related mileage will be reimbursed. The Steward’s duties will include a mixture of program support activities as well as tending to the landscape through activities such as invasive species removal and promoting the growth of native species on site.    The AmeriCorps site steward will serve approximately 45 hours per week and will be supervised by the Operations and Facilities Director. There are two 450-hour AmeriCorps positions available:

• Spring: March 25, 2024-June 28, 2024.
• Fall: August 19, 2024-November 8, 2024

PRIMARY DUTIES (DIRECT SERVICES)

• Develop a data tracking plan and collect and report AmeriCorps impact data timely and accurately.
• Approximately 50% of the duties will be related to improvements and grounds work. The remaining 50% will be duties in support of Environmental Education programs at the camp and at the CFI headquarters in Moab.
• Perform removal of invasive plants and utilize in permaculture berms, do new plantings, monitor and manage irrigation drip system.
• Camp facility upkeep such as seasonal tipi set up and take down, culinary water testing, routine cleaning, organizing supplies.
• Assists with camping equipment and vehicle checks at the CFI headquarters.
• Plan and lead short service-learning activities with school groups.
• Assist camp cook during programs.
• Drive crew shuttle for educational river trips.
• Assist with one or two adult/public outreach events and service projects.
• Assist with data, photography and interviews for grant reporting and media coverage.
• Conduct Adopt a Site monitoring for archaeological site in Professor Valley.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES (20% maximum time served can be member development and training)

• Data collection, validation, and report training.
• Organization mission, values, vision, long range plans.
• Field Camp orientation.
• River operation basics (such as hazard identification, defensive swimmer, basic self-rescue, PFD fitting, etc).
• Driver training (must be 21 years minimum for insurance.)
• Permaculture orientation, local flora, invasive weed identification and treatment.
• Chemical application training and licensure possible.
• Hand tools including power tools: drill/driver and weed trimmers.
• Outfitter style camp cooking.
• Volunteer management.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

AmeriCorps Requirements (all below required):

• Be a United States citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Eligible to serve in an AmeriCorps State/National term. Please note that AmeriCorps rules limit members to a maximum of four AmeriCorps terms in a program such as UCC. AmeriCorps also limits the number of education awards an individual may earn. This rule states that “although an individual can serve more than two terms, a person cannot earn more than the aggregate value of two, full-time education awards.”
• It is a requirement to obtain a high school diploma or GED before one is eligible to use the Education Award.
• Must submit to and pass a background check. Must be clear of any record on the National Sex Offender Public Registry. Must have a criminal record clear of any conviction(s) for murder.
• Schedules that include a 30-minute lunch break does NOT count toward term of service hours.

Position Specific Requirements:

• A positive and professional manner with diverse populations.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs.
• A valid driver’s license, 21 and older to meet insurance requirements, provide Motor Vehicle Report, clean driving record for 3 years, and have own reliable vehicle suitable.
• Minimum of Basic First Aid & CPR or better.
• Be comfortable living in a remote location, at times entirely alone and at others with large groups up to 60 in number.
• Enjoy working with youth aged 12-18.
• Physically able to work outdoors 8-10 hours a day in a range of weather conditions.
• Live on site at Professor Valley Field Camp; no pets, no tobacco use.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

These are 450 hr. AmeriCorps positions that come with the following benefits:

• $7,280.00 total living allowance (taxable; divided up and paid in even bimonthly (TWICE per month) disbursements throughout the term of service).
• $1,824.07 education award (available to members upon successful completion of service term hours AND dates).
• Federal, student loan forbearance and, workers compensation for all members. More information can be found here.
• Housing at Field Camp (Yurt or RV) valued at $400 month. Meals provided during CFI programs.
• Milage re-imbursement for work related travel to and from camp.

NOTE: No laundry provided. No pets. No tobacco use on camp property. Guest policy in effect.

HOW TO APPLY

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented populations often don’t apply for positions if they don’t meet all the position qualifications and skillsets. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested!

Email the following to [email protected]with “Site Steward” in the subject line.

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references (phone and email)

About the Utah Conservation Corps

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We’re a non-residential AmeriCorps program composed of AmeriCorps members, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community, the environment, and regions requiring disaster response efforts.

Additionally, as an organization, we seek to provide a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to ensure a healthy, vibrant, innovative, and sustainable corps. The UCC is committed to an inclusive culture of community and service and to recognizing and addressing our shortcomings. Our goal is to help our members become the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

UCC’s Zero Tolerance Policies

The following behaviors will result in immediate termination. At no time may the UCC AmeriCorps member:

• Engage in activities that pose a significant safety risk to others or physically or emotionally damage members of the program or community, such as harassment, hostile work environment, or bullying;
• Possess, consume, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol during the performance of service activities or while living and working at the UCC project site, campsite, or in UCC vehicles (which includes showing up to work hungover); and
• Fail to notify the UCC of a criminal arrest or conviction during their term of service.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

As part of Utah State University, a land grant institution, UCC acknowledges Utah State University campuses and centers reside and operate on the territories of the eight tribes of Utah, who have been living, working, and residing on this land from time immemorial. These tribes are the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Indians, Navajo Nation, Ute Indian Tribe, Northwestern Band of Shoshone, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, and White Mesa Band of the Ute Mountain Ute. Along with USU, we acknowledge these lands carry the stories of these Nations and their struggles for survival and identity. We recognize Elders past and present as people who have cared for, and continue to care for, the land. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous self-governance history, experiences, and resiliency of the Native people who are still here today.