WCC AmeriCorps field crew members will conserve and enhance the natural resources of the State of Washington through a variety of hands-on restoration and trail projects. Members will gain environmental field skills and experience, as well as formal and informal training. Through this environmental service across Washington, members will promote community service and environmental awareness.
Service Activities
WCC AmeriCorps field crew members will construct or maintaining trails and other recreational sites/areas, remove invasive plants from wetlands and planting/maintaining native plants, construct in-stream structures and channels or removing barriers, and improve riparian and forest habitat and vegetation. As needed, they will respond to local or national disasters (floods, fires, spills, search and rescue, earthquakes). Members will also attend formal training classes on a variety of environmental topics.
Community Need Addressed
Our WCC AmeriCorps members will address habitat loss throughout at-risk ecosystems in Washington by removing invasive species and establishing native trees and shrubs. Invasive species have detrimental effects on our ecosystems in Washington by spreading quickly and taking over land. These invasive species dominate entire areas, creating monoculture, which leads to higher rates of erosion and floods, the natural hazard of most concern in Washington, one of the most flood-prone states in the country (USGS WA Water Science Center 2018).
Position Outcomes
Our AmeriCorps members activities will improve biodiversity and create habitat through native plant installation. Native plants are uniquely suited for local environments, which means they grow rapidly, reducing flood risks and eventually providing shade that cools water temperatures (critical to salmonid survival). Healthy streambanks, with a high density of native plants, stabilize soils and maintain the water channel to support habitat for fish and wildlife (Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 2017).
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
In addition to the benefits listed above, WCC AmeriCorps members have opportunities throughout the service year to network with environmental professionals from non-profit and governmental agencies. They also participate in career-enhancement activities like résumé workshops, goal setting, and formal feedback sessions throughout the year.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
CPR, First Aid, Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention
Skills you will gain
Trail construction and improvement techniques, invasive species removal techniques (includes manual and chemical approaches), planting techniques for native plants, teamwork, collaboration, communicating with the public.
3. Constructing in-stream structures and channels or removing barriers.
4. Improving riparian and forest habitat and vegetation.
5. Preventing soil erosion through the use of bio-engineering techniques, disaster response activities
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment