Skills and Qualifications: Understanding of ecological issues and a concern for improving the environment is necessary; some knowledge of plant identification or restoration ecology techniques preferred. This position requires the ability to work both independently and in a team setting. Excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to work under deadline pressure and the ability to handle multiple tasks are paramount to succeeding in this position. Knowledge of MS Office software packages and general computer skills are required with experience in GIS preferred. Must have high school diploma or GED, B.S. in ecology or related field preferred. AmeriCorps member must possess the ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, insects, etc.), be able to carry 40 pounds and to walk extended distances over rough terrain. Ability to speak in public setting is required. Must have own transportation and valid drivers license. Usual hours of service will be M-F during regular office hours of 8:00-5:00pm. 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.
Location: The Wilds, Cumberland, OH. The Wilds is North America’s largest conservation center and consists almost entirely of reclaimed mining land. It is managed jointly as a zoological park for the maintenance and captive breeding of globally imperiled species and as a conservation site for native plants and wildlife. Therefore, one of our major objectives is restoration of native ecosystems on site. Our restoration work focuses on establishing native prairies and planting forests, maintaining and improving existing ecosystems through invasive species removal, prescribed burns, and planting native species. Furthermore, we monitor ecosystem responses to restoration, which include survey and monitoring for a wide variety of species including plants, butterflies, grassland birds, amphibians, mesocarnivores, and in ecosystems such as wetlands, streams, forests, and grasslands. Duties and responsibilities of the AmeriCorps Member: 1. Implement habitat improvements through activities such as invasive plant management, native plantings, and prescribed burns. 2. Monitor ecosystem recovery through vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, photo point collection. 3. Track riparian restoration through macroinvertebrate and fish surveys, identification, and calculation of IBI scores. 4. Organize, research, and process survey data, write reports summarizing findings. 5. Participate in project planning and implementation through meetings and field studies. 6. Use GPS & GIS to make maps and assist with monitoring efforts. 7. Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in workshops, conferences and training 8. Complete 2 activity reports monthly, required timesheets and monthly reports in The OnCorps system online system 9. All other duties as assigned within the limitations of this member description. Additional Information: No public transportation is available. Position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks, including outdoor work throughout the seasons. This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions. Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear. For more information, visit: http://ruralaction.org/get- involved/americorps/ How to Apply to OSRC 1. Go to my.americorps.gov; Click “Apply to Serve” (bottom of screen) 2. Build an application; you will need two references. Allow time for their response before submitting. 3. Search Listings for Rural Action or Ohio Stream Restore Corps 4. Click the OSRC name and Apply! 5. You will get a confirmation email with further instructions.
