Position Summary

Be a conservation leader for your community! Be part of an intentional effort to support your neighbors in connecting with local nature while also meeting other community needs. Help Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge become a trusted community asset, reflective of the entire community, that is equitable and collaborative in pursuit of our conservation mission. To lay the foundation for our efforts, you will:

• Build authentic, collaborative, and inclusive relationships with leaders and organizations in the Latinx community, as well as with conservation and other community organizations.
• Identify where community and refuge needs intersect. Then co-design and co-implement programs that address community needs and connect residents with nature and wildlife conservation in their own neighborhoods and at the refuge.
• Identify barriers that limit access to neighborhood nature and to refuge programs and work with traditional and non-traditional partners to identify ways of dismantling those institutional barriers.

You will work with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov), one of the world’s premiere conservation organizations with a mission to protect wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of current and future generations. Part of the United States federal government, USFWS employees are dedicated public servants who are unapologetic super-fans of plants, animals, and people who receive nature’s many benefits and contribute to its sustainability. National Wildlife Refuges (www.fws.gov/refuges) are a unique type of public land, managed by the USFWS, that focus on ensuring both people and wildlife thrive in nature. Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is considered an “urban” National Wildlife Refuge because it represents an awesome opportunity for nearby nature exploration for a large, diverse, and vibrant population.

Full Time position for 11 months between approximately September 2021 and August 2022.

This position is contingent on funding, which should be confirmed in late July.

Ideal Experience and Skills

• Culturally identify as Latinx/Hispanic/Latino/Latina
• Bilingual Spanish-English.
• Passion for nature and for connecting middle-to-low-income families with outdoor recreation opportunities and resources.
• Desire to be a leader.
• Experience developing collaborative programs with community partners.
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Community engagement experience.
• Experience working with adults and children in outdoor settings.
• Able to work remotely.
• Commitment to keeping our communities and partners safe by adhering to COVID-19 mandates.
• Social media and website content creation and management

Member Activities/Duties:

• Research the local community, including local demographics; community organizations; and attitudes, behaviors, and barriers related to spending time in nature.
• Engage with a diverse array of community members and partners.
• Coordinate communication and logistics between refuge staff and community partners.
• With refuge staff, volunteers, and partners, co-design and co-implement environmental education, recreation, and/or stewardship programs that address community needs and inspire participants to gain the mental and physical benefits of spending more time outdoors.
• Coordinate with refuge volunteers to support programs.
• Conduct community outreach about programs.
• Create reports, presentations, and educational or interpretive materials to support programs.
• Provide support for event planning at the refuge and in the community.
• Help build an inclusive, easily-navigated refuge web site.

Requirements

• Able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Work in an office setting and outside.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.  Drive government vehicle as required for position.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Must possess high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Must be able to commit to the full term of service for which you are applying.
• Must successfully pass fingerprint criminal history background checks through PCEI and refuge.
• Must complete and submit all necessary PCEI AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Must commit to, and attend and complete, all PCEI AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
• Must wear PCEI uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Must have a cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• AmeriCorps members can enroll in multiple terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards. You can also serve additional terms but will not receive an additional education award.