Climate Conversations AmeriCorps Member

Warrenton, NC

This position is with the Working Landscapes based in Warrenton, NC. 

Working Landscapes is a rural community development organization whose mission is to build more healthy and sustainable lives and livelihoods in the Warren County, NC region through stewardship of our natural and cultural assets. 

**NOTICE** This position is subject to continued federal and state funding, as AmeriCorps is under a 30% reduction in member slots for the 2024-2025 service year. We anticipate that by mid-May 2024 we will know which positions (if not all) will be available to start on our normal service year timeline. All applicants will be notified if this position is not funded.**NOTICE**

This 2024-2025 AmeriCorps position will have a start date of September 4th 2024 and an end date of July 31st 2025. Deadline to apply is June 14th 2024, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Don't delay in applying!

**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents -  Resume, Cover Letter, State or Federal ID, and Birth Certificate or US Passport/US Permanent Resident Card.** If required documents are not uploaded at time of application, any offer for employment may be withheld until they are provided. 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 2024-2025 service year, Resilience Corps NC operates a 11 month 1700-hour service position that offers a living stipend of $31,000, health insurance reimbursement for premiums purchased on the ACA Healthcare Exchange, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (individual 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 $7,395 from the National Service Trust.

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

CTNC 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

This position will engage individuals, community-based organizations, small businesses, and faith groups in dialogues on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies through a variety of mediums. 

Position Responsibilities and Duties

Over the course of the 11-month appointment, the ideal candidate will be expected to accomplish three phases of work: 

1. Research best practices and strategies for climate dialogues in rural communities, to be compiled into a short report and presentation, during which the duties will include: 

Independently conducting research through literature reviews, informal interviews, and other methods (as identified by the candidate) on topics such as: rural community engagement best practices, climate resilience case studies, pathways towards reduced energy uses, curriculum offerings of similar organizations, and eastern North Carolina-specific climate risks

2. Using the research compiled, draft written engagement materials, including class curriculum, workshop agendas, and reading materials targeted at individuals, small groups and communities, during which the duties will include: 

Developing activities, discussions guides, and agendas

Collecting and editing (as needed) relevant reading materials

Identifying tools and resources to incorporate into classes and workshops, including Working Landscapes’ Climate Change in Eastern North Carolina short documentary film

3. Host up to 12 classes and workshops with new and existing engagement and curriculum materials on at least 4 topics/themes, both in Working Landscapes’ Hive space in Warrenton and across eastern North Carolina, during which the phase the duties will include: 

Coordinating the logistics of classes and workshops, including scheduling venues and promoting the events through local media channels

Leading classes and workshops for up to 30 people at a time, on occasion with a co-lead

Evaluating the success of classes and workshops to shift course as needed

In addition to the three phases, the candidate may be expected to: 

Assist in advancing climate-focused programming and partnerships, including youth education programs (in partnership with the Museum of Life and Science) and workforce development program development 

Attend climate program strategy and brainstorming sessions with climate team as needed 

Participate in all-staff and climate-team meetings on a biweekly to monthly basis


Communication:

  • Practice inclusive and thoughtful behavior in building rapport with program participants, site stakeholders and program staff.
  • Communicate regularly and effectively with program staff, and site personnel.
  • Report data in online systems in a timely and accurate manner.

Program Requirements:

  • Demonstrate regular, timely attendance and adherence to hours as scheduled.
  • Commit to service for the service term of 11 months, serving the minimum number of 1700 hours.
  • Participate in all required AmeriCorps sponsored training sessions, meetings, and travel as necessary. Community Stewardship Coordinators will receive training on best practices for community engagement, group facilitation, and communicating about climate change with a focus on pursuing climate justice.
  • Actively participate in service projects and commemorating days such as 9/11 Day of Service (as applicable). These may include evening and/or weekend hours.

Qualifications 

  • Must be 18 years of age or older prior to your start date.
  • Must have at least a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent by your start date.
  • Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
  • Must pass mandatory National Service Criminal History Checks.
  • Speak, read, and write English fluently.
  • Experience with professional computer skills and confidence using computers. Comfort and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), completing internet searches, and navigating resources online, completing data entry, using e-mail regularly including sending attachments, using databases and software, using videoconferencing software, and attending training online.
  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a driving record check. Access to a personal vehicle for transportation.
  • Excellent communication & customer service skills


Essential Functions / Physical Demands

  • Some working hours are primarily based in an office setting and require sitting, standing, and operating a computer and telephone. Some working hours outside, potentially in various weather conditions.
  • Some working hours may require light to moderate lifting, bending, stooping, pulling, kneeling, carrying, and use of hand tools up to 30 lbs.

Preferred Schedule

The typical work week will range from 36-40 hours spanning certain designated business hours. The schedule is flexible with supervisor approval. Some remote work will be possible while in person work will also be required. Generally, the service member will serve Monday-Friday between 8:00AM and 5:00PM. The member will have flexibility to adjust workday length based on programs facilitated and time served throughout the week, as long as required hours to complete service term are met. 

JOB CODE: WLNC