Program Dates: 4/22/2024 - 10/18/2024 

About us:  

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. 

SCA’s National Direct AmeriCorps program advances urban climate resilience by protecting, restoring and enhancing public lands and waters as well as natural, cultural, and historical resources across the United States. Service activities focus on projects identified as critical stewardship projects that improve and protect at-risk ecosystems and resources, especially in underserved urban communities. 

Position Description: 

Project Location: Triangle, VA  

This is a field based natural resources management position. You will identify and inventory non-native and native plant species, eradicate the invasive species through mechanical and chemical treatment, survey invasive plant sites with a GPS unit

You will collect and monitor water quality parameters using Izaac Walton League "Save our Streams" protocol and identifying macroinvertebrates, as well as test our lakes and streams for E.coli. Using GIS and database software, you will develop maps, educational products, and planning documents; all for use by park managers and the public. In addition, you will work with researchers on other conservation projects, including forest restoration/reclamation projects, water-quality, stream assessments, vegetation inventories, bird surveys, bat surveys and interpretive programs. This position requires significant time spent working in outdoor elements. 

Member Benefits:

• Living allowance: $675/week living allowance (pre-tax)* 
• Housing provided on-site 
• Up to $1,100 reimbursable travel allowance (to/from site) (personal vehicle is required) 
• Eligibility for 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50 upon successful completion of service.* 
• AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program  
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps 
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans 
• Eligible to apply hours toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority 
• Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group 

*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements: 

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; 
• Being at least 18 years or older; 
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete; 
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.  

Additional Member Qualifications and Essential Functions :

• Career interest in environmental field 
• Some coursework or experience in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Biology, Botany, Forestry, Resource Management 
• Ability to perform environmental fieldwork in outdoor various conditions 

Responsibilities:

• Identify and inventory non-native and native plant species,  
• Eradicate invasive species through mechanical and chemical treatment 
• Survey invasive plant sites with a GPS unit.  
• Collect and monitor water quality parameters using Izaac Walton League "Save our Streams" protocol and  
• Identify macroinvertebrates, as well as test our lakes and streams for E.coli.   
• Using GIS and database software, develop maps, educational products, and planning documents for use by park managers and the public.  
• Work with researchers on other conservation projects, including forest restoration/reclamation projects, water-quality, stream assessments, vegetation inventories, bird surveys, bat surveys and interpretive programs.  

Schedule:
*Please note – this is a tentative schedule.  Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same. 

• M-F, 7:30a-4:00p totaling 40 hours. Schedule can be adjusted throughout the position. 
• Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 26 weeks. Weekend work may be required for volunteer events. 

Training and Leadership development:

• AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy 
• AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination 
• Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc. 
• SCA Urban Green Cohort Professional Development 
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion 
• Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace 
• Risk Management 101  

Housing :

Housing provided as part of this position. 
 
Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.