Native Plant Salvage Program Assistant

We are seeking an energetic and responsible individual to assist Washington State University Thurston County Extension’s Native Plant Salvage Project with a variety of program needs. Duties will include conducting environmental education activities involving teachers and students in elementary schools with water-wise learning landscapes; assisting with numerous field projects, such as salvaging, replanting native plants, and installing and maintaining water-wise gardens and rain gardens; and maintaining a web site and volunteer data base.



This person will serve as a member of AmeriCorps, administered by the Washington State Department of Employment Security, and must meet the following requirements:

· Must be between the ages of 18 to 25 prior to starting work.

· Must be willing to serve a 40-hour week (flexible hours) from October 1, 2007 to August 15, 2008.

· Must be willing to work some nights and weekends, especially during winter months.

· Must be willing to participate in a Community Action Project of your choice (to be determined).

· Must be a U.S. Citizen or National, or Permanent Resident Alien of the U.S.

· Must not have previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps State or National Program.

· Must have a valid Driver’s License and be comfortable driving a truck with a standard transmission.



Preferred Background/Interests:

· Interest in environmental education, botany, natural landscaping, water resources

· Experience working with students and/or conducting teacher trainings

· Excellent computer and organizational skills

· Experience with database creation and management

· Experience as a community volunteer or working with volunteers

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Ability to work independently

· Some college-level work or B.A./B.S. preferred

· Able to do physically demanding work (lifting, using tools, hauling potted plants) in all types of weather



Benefits:

· Living stipend of $925/month

· Food-stamp eligible

· Health insurance

· Education Award of $4,725 for prior student loans or future education

· Covered by Labor & Industries insurance

· Childcare costs covered

· Members with student loans can postpone repayment during service period

· Training in four-season native plant identification, habitat requirements of numerous plant species, and strategies for protecting water resources, among other topics

· Additional leadership and skill-building trainings provided by Department of Employment Security



To apply, email a letter outlining your interest in this position, including how your background has prepared you for this position and how you hope this experience will enhance your future work or educational plans. Attach a current resume and any other materials (writing samples, narrative evaluations, letters of support, etc.) that might support your application. Email your letter to: Erica Guttman, program coordinator, Native Plant Salvage Project, at ericag@wsu.edu or ericaguttman@gmail.com.



Feel free to contact Erica with questions prior to your application. In addition to email, you can call 360-754-3588 ext.110. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate based on sex, race, sexual orientation or physical ability.



This position will be open until filled. We anticipate holding interviews during the first and second weeks of September 2007.