Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation 
AmeriCorps Member Positions

Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation (LMPR) is seeking AmeriCorps members to engage in service opportunities that will protect and enhance our environmental resources.

LMPR Mission:

LMPR’s mission, as a Nationally Accredited Parks and Recreation agency, is to connect people to places and opportunities that support and grow a sustainable community. The mission is accomplished by taking care of all parks properties and creating new ones, by providing safe and diverse recreational programs, and by protecting our public lands and resources for future generations.

About AmeriCorps:

AmeriCorps is a National Service Program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).  CNCS AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. AmeriCorps members serve not as employees or volunteers for their service site, but as members of this national service network.  There are unique benefits that are provided to those serving in FT service placements with AmeriCorps including a living allowance that helps to cover basic living expenses and an educational award that is earned through the completion of an established number of service hours based on the AmeriCorps position selected.

Postions Available:

The LMPR AmeriCorps Program will place fourteen AmeriCorps members in various divisions within LMPR. Applicants will be asked to apply for one of the following four positions:

• Land Management Technician will engage in invasive plant species removal, woodland restoration, and trail restoration and/or creation.
• Education Program Assistant will provide nature-based, outdoor education and recreation experiences to a diverse audience.
• Tree Health Technician will engage in invasive insect infestation abatement, removal and planting of trees, and pruning, mulching and other general tree health maintenance activities.
• Volunteer Program Assistant will assist in the recruitment and coordination of volunteers including identifying opportunities, recruitment, screening, orientation/training, placement, reporting, retention, and recognition

How to Apply:

To apply for AmeriCorps, send cover letter (state specific position of interest from those listed above as well as explanation about motivation for becoming an AmeriCorps Member) and resume to laura.ryan@louisvilleky.gov.  If you are not familiar with the AmeriCorps program we encourage you to visit http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps and http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/join-americorps/americorps-faqs to learn more.

Position Location(s):

All AmeriCorps members will be serving at sites within Jefferson County, Kentucky.  LMPR divisions include Urban Forestry and Landscaping, Natural Areas, Jefferson Memorial Forest, and the Volunteer Program.
 

AmeriCorps members will be expected to:

• Commit to successfully completing a 12 month term of service
• Complete 40 hours weekly for their designated service assignment outlined above
• Build local volunteer capacity to support the four areas of service identified above
• Contribute to Kentucky’s commonwealth-wide volunteer engagement plan
• Participate in Days of National Service
• Participate in LMPR orientation and training specific to AmeriCorps program
• Submit weekly timesheets
• Attend mandatory trainings and meetings
• Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with site supervisors
• Comply with all LMPR regulations, policies and procedures

The member can expect to:

• Receive the training required to be successful in their position
• Be alerted to professional development opportunities and provided time to participate in those opportunities as deemed appropriate by site supervisor or Program Director
• Have an on-site supervisor available for member support
• Be treated as part of the staff
• Receive two formal evaluations (mid-year and end-year)
• Make an impact on the community in which they serve
• Hold a position that does not displace or supplant staff or volunteers

Requirements:

• AmeriCorps members are full-time and expected to serve a minimum of 1,700 hours during their 12-month term of service. Members must be available during normal business hours, Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of this program, there will be times when members are required to serve after normal hours including nights and weekends, sometimes on short notice
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program
• A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• High School diploma or its equivalent required. College degree highly preferred
• Current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Previous successful experience working in the field of choice (Land Management, Tree Health, Volunteer Coordination, and Public/Environmental Education)
• Excellent organizational skills, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated professionalism, flexibility, initiative, and team-oriented
• Certifications/training specific to area of service preferred
• Physical ability to carry out the tasks assigned which may include but are not limited to standing for long periods of time, lifting equipment/tools that may weigh as much as 50 lbs., and climbing/working at heights to exceed 10 feet 

Program Benefits:

• $12,530  taxable living stipend distributed bi-weekly/bi-monthly over 12 months of service
• Student loan deferment or forbearance for qualified loans
• Upon successful completion of term of service (1700 hours), eligible for a taxable education award in the amount of $ 5,775 which can be used to pay educational costs at eligible post-secondary educational institutions (including many technical schools and GI-Bill approved educational programs), as well as to repay qualified student loans
• Health insurance offered
• Childcare available if eligible.