Environment 900 Hour Environmental Steward – City of Portland, ME
Job Description
Term: June 5, 2023-November 17, 2023
ONE ADDITIONAL POSITION IS AVAILABLE STARTING ASAP
Location: Portland, ME
Housing: Not provided
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Additional Training Provided: Chainsaw Safety Training
Host Site and Position Overview:
Portland Parks, Recreation & Facilities’ mission is to enhance the quality of life through people, parks and programming while creating lasting memories for the citizens of Portland and its visitors.
This AmeriCorps Environmental Steward position will be trail focused and will focus on taking a full inventory of all signage within City of Portland park spaces to better inform visitors. This is a full scale sign inventory plan for a large city with 67 parks and over 50 miles of trails. There are a number of directional, parking, rule, access, and welcome signs that all need to be reviewed for recommended changes or potential additions depending on accessibility and safety needs. Additional and related service includes creating a GIS map at the end of the term with multiple layers for better access and analysis, performing basic trail improvement projects where applicable, and engaging volunteers where possible.
General Timeline:
June 30: Provide a preliminary evaluation report of our spaces and how best to improve the signage throughout. This could include updated signs, posts, locations, etc.
November 11: We would expect the member to provide a full map by the conclusion of their service time that shows all parks spaces and what signage improvements are needed at each. This would include full recommendations, priority lists, potential costs, sign designs/wording, etc.
Description of Duties:
• Evaluate and inventory signage throughout City of Portland parks
• Communicate, build relationships, and learn from the Traffic Division, Parking Division, and Community Partners such as Portland Trails to review needs
• Review plans with Parks Staff to discuss placement and needs
• Review and develop best tracking practices with internal GIS technicians in Parks and Public Works
• Research proper signage and best practices across the country for park signage
• Develop a plan for necessary improvements
• Become familiar with the City of Portland’s long term Maintenance Plan for each trail i.e. seasonal timelines for tasks, erosion concern areas, surfacing materials, stabilization recommendations, invasive species management, Habitat restoration, fence installation and repair etc.
• May also participate in various tasks such as flower/tree planting, playground maintenance, and any other special project that requires their skill set.
• Will engage in volunteer management activities such as recruitment and leading events
Essential Functions:
• Ability to collaborate with partner non-profits such as Portland Trails, the Parks Conservancy Volunteer Coordinator, the Maine Audubon and the Portland Youth Corps
• Ability to collaborate with our GIS Technicians on mapping signage, and noting areas of concern, invasive zones, hazardous conditions to keep an eye on, etc.
• Good Communication
• Proficient computer skills
• Can easily accomplish tasks with others
• Possesses the ability to manage volunteers
• Knows proper trail construction and sign installation techniques
• Understands materials used for proper trail maintenance and repair
• Comfortable with a variety of tools and equipment related to trail building, repair and sign installation
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be in good standing for at least 5 years
• Ability to ride a bike
Marginal Functions:
• Ability to provide written reports, maps and diagrams for planning purposes
Service Conditions:
Service will be completed outdoors in all conditions, with a mix of field and office tasks. During the summer months the temperatures can vary from cool in the morning to hot in the afternoons, increased humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Proper layering, and rain gear, is recommended in the summer.
• Service is performed primarily outdoors
• Service involves some physical labor
• Service involves travel to nearby locations
• Service is performed independently and as part of a team
• Service involves frequent communication to multiple parties
• Service involves managing time effectively and completing tasks with attention to detail
• Service will require the ability to self-motivate, serve independently and collaboratively
Qualifications:
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must agree to a criminal history check
• All positions at State sites require a valid driver’s license with a good 5-year driving record
• Passion for community service and the environment
• Commitment to complete the full term of service
• Skills, experience, and education requirements vary by site
Site Specific Qualifications:
• GIS mapping experience or related experience
• Experience with traffic control signs and markers and Department of Agriculture Park Signage best practices
• Trail maintenance, building and repair experience preferred
• Ability to lead volunteers and interact on a regular basis with community members, partner non-profits and school aged groups preferred
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass City of Portland background check
• Conflict resolution and positive mentoring skills are desired.
• Self-starter with effective communication skills and excellent organization skills.
• Leadership experience and an ability to serve as a positive role model to a wide array of young people.
• Experience with outdoor labor including trail maintenance, tree planting and gardening.
• A second language would be desirable, but not required: French, Spanish, or Arabic.
Benefits:
• Weekly living allowance of $400 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,247.50
• Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
• Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference
• Networking opportunities
• Maine State Park Pass
• Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
• A small number of Host Sites also offer housing as part of their position
Website: http://www.portlandmaine.gov/182/Parks-Recreation-Facilities
How to Apply
To Apply: Go to our website to complete an online application, and email a copy of your resume and a cover letter to corps.conservation@maine.gov. You will then be contacted with further instructions. If you have any questions, please direct those to the email above as well.97 total views, 1 today