This position is with the North Carolina Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation.

The Foundation’s mission is to promote, protect and improve North Carolina soil and water resources for the enhancement of economic growth and stewardship of the natural environment. The Foundation focuses on three key priorities of Improving the Environment, Educating the Citizens, and Building Conservation Capacity.

**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

The purpose of the Agriculture Resilience Program Assistant position is to assess agricultural activities and support conservation efforts in the High Rock Lake watershed of North Carolina in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and the Department of Environmental Quality.   The assessment will help to inform nutrient management strategies for the High Rock Lake watershed, provide data to support strategic planning for the Conservation Districts, and create opportunities for public engagement regarding soil health, conservation and water quality.

Position Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct an accurate assessment of agriculture within the High Rock Lake watershed.
• Document existing conservation activities on working lands.
• Use available resources for assessments, including file review, interviews, aerial photography, and ground truthing.
• Synthesize data with support from project partners.
• Conduct a minimum of seven county agriculture baseline assessments within the first six months.
• Utilize baseline assessments for strategic planning for seven Conservation Districts.
• Support the development of up to five Conservation District field days for public education.
• Attend weekly staff meetings, project site visits, and other required travel.
• Support creation of educational materials on conservation topics.
• Participate in the development of seven informational handouts for public distribution.

Expected distribution of work:

• 50% research.
• 25% outreach and education support for Conservation Districts.
• 25% outreach and education support for the NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation.

Learning objectives for the AmeriCorps member:

• Gain knowledge about natural resource conservation.
• Explore potential job opportunities within conservation and natural resource management.

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 

• Strong interest in conservation and agriculture.
• No specific college degree required; conservation-related career paths are encouraged.
• Knowledge of agricultural diversity and conservation concepts, including best management practices, is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Skills in infographic design and software like Canva are preferred.
• Comfortable handling large amounts of data; strong organizational skills required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivation and a strong work ethic are essential.
• 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

• Applicant must be comfortable with being outside and on uneven terrain, sometimes in less than ideal weather conditions.  
• Applicant must have their own vehicle or access to a vehicle.  
• Daily activities may include lengthy periods of computer use, reviewing paper documents, and site visits.  
• Time spent in a vehicle could require sitting for up to two hours at a time.  Applicant must be able to lift five-ten pounds.

Preferred Schedule

 The Program Assistant is expected to work weekdays.  The daily schedule will be determined by the Program Assistant and project partners to best suit everyone, ideally 9-4, however, this is negotiable.   No weekend work is required.

JOB CODE: NCFSWC