The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) is a voluntary association of local governments - urban and rural - authorized by state law to:

• Make and implement joint regional decisions;
• Provide management, planning and technical services to local governments;
• Identify and solve short and long-term problems best addressed at the regional level;
• Bring together local elected officials on a regular basis, giving them an opportunity to form working relationships:
• Promote regional issues and cooperation among members.

The PTRC is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina. We are designated by the State of NC to serve as the lead regional organization for the Piedmont Triad region. We serve 74 member governments in a 12 county area. The PTRC is strongly service oriented; its programs are driven by membership needs. PTRC has an ongoing environmental program addressing water resource issues. As such the PTRC is fully invested in the long-term maintenance and protection of all efforts to improve, restore and maintain the natural environment.

Stormwater SMART, a regional program designed to help PTRC Phase II communities meet and exceed National Pollution Discharge Elimination Program (NPDES) requirements, was formed in 2004 through NC DWQ 205(j) funding. The program is currently a fee based program serving 19 communities around the Triad with environmental education services. 

This 2023-2024 AmeriCorps position will have a start date (for new full-time 11 month members) of September 5th, 2023 (or soon thereafter), and an end date of July 31st 2024 (or 11 months after start date). 

**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents - Resume & Cover Letter. All AmeriCorps members must submit to having a National Sex Offender, State of Residence (if state is different than NC), State of NC, and Federal FBI Background check conducted. Any applicant denying to submit to these checks will be automatically disqualified as per federal regulations.

For the 2023-2024 service year, Resilience Corps NC offers a living stipend that will range from $25,500 to $30,000 for 11 months (this is taxable and the final amount is dependent on federal funding granted by AmeriCorps in July, and candidates/applicants will be notified of that amount), health insurance reimbursement for premiums, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (some examples are three AmeriCorps cohort trainings that cover project management to strengths assessments, individual self-directed trainings, enrollment in NC Environmental Education Certificate Program, and conferences in conjunction with VolunteerNC). Members are also eligible to sign up for SNAP benefits. Participants who complete the program will receive a Segal Education Award of $6,895 (taxable in the year used, not the year awarded) from the National Service Trust. 

CTNC, the fiscal sponsor of Resilience Corps NC, is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status.

Resilience Corps NC seeks to engage applicants from underrepresented communities, particularly of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Multi-Racial, and Native American background, in conservation careers. Connecting more diverse applicants to an employment pathway has led to greater equity, diversity and inclusion of all people in conservation.

Purpose of the position

The AmeriCorps member will increase participation in outdoor environmental education events through outreach and networking opportunities. Special efforts will be made to involve students in Title 1 schools, veterans and families of veterans, and other under-represented groups. The member will increase Stormwater SMART’s capacity by creating and maintaining a sustainable conservation volunteer-based program in one or more counties. The volunteer will learn about water quality and North Carolina regulations regarding water quality through training, research and supervision by Stormwater SMART Staff. The volunteer will be able to translate this information into materials and programs suitable for children and adults of various age levels and socioeconomic statuses. The AmeriCorps member will assist in implementing environmental science programs at Title 1 schools and cover the following topics: soil and water conservation, rules and regulations pertaining to water, freshwater ecosystems, water quantity and quality, the water cycle and others. The AmeriCorps member will gain valuable interactive, educational, and interpretive skills through the implementation of school programs, training and recruiting volunteers, and assisting in promoting and providing outdoor events. 

Position Responsibilities

• Environmental Community Education- the AmeriCorps member will provide classroom and outdoor instruction for youth and families, and create outreach materials such as blogs, newsletter articles, flyers, brochures, social media campaigns, and outreach programs to expand participation in environmental education events around the Piedmont Triad region. The member will also provide outreach and education at fairs and festivals, schools and other venues through fun, hands-on environmental education activities.
• Volunteer Stewardship - The member will assist in recruiting, training and leading the volunteers during conservation activities including water quality monitoring, storm drain marking, rain garden design and construction, litter removal and other activities designed to improve water quality. 

Qualifications

• Effective oral and written communication is required. 
• Valid driver’s license in the State of North Carolina is also required. 
• Bachelor of Sciences or Bachelor of Education, environmental education experience or degree in environmental science, biology, or social studies is preferred. 
• Spanish language would be a valuable skill but is not required. 

Essential Functions/physical demands

The physical demands of this position are moderate. Participants should be walk and hike in a variety of terrains, and be able and willing to lift 25 lbs and actively participate in outdoor environmental education events in any weather. 

Preferred schedule

Most of the AmeriCorps member’s time will be spent during normal business hours, however, school programs may start at 7:45 am throughout the region. Environmental education to older adults involves occasional night meetings and outdoor environmental education events and related outreach often requires weekend work. They will be requested to attend tabling events at a variety of fairs, festivals, and farmers' markets on Saturdays. Even with the variability of the schedule, the work week will be 40 hours a week. 

JOB CODE: PTRC