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AmeriCorps Naturalist and Stewardship Associate

Employer
Hemlock Restoration Initiative
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

he Naturalist and Stewardship (N&S) Associate will increase collective awareness and appreciation of hemlock trees’ pivotal role as foundation species by gaining an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the relationships between hemlocks, the environments in which they exist, and the other organisms they support, and then interpreting and documenting the details and nuances of those relationships using a variety of methods (short and long-form journalism, photography, video, illustration, etc.). These will be shared via digital and non-digital platforms, such as on our website, social media, newsletters, and as visual aids for in-person educational events. The HRI N&S Associate will reach out to, and connect with, other relevant conservation organizations that have specialized expertise about some of the associated organisms that co-exist with hemlocks in order to develop new ideas of how to convey the importance of hemlock restoration to the public in novel and engaging ways.

Additionally, the ACPC member will work with the HRI forestry crew to protect more hemlock trees from the impacts of the hemlock woolly adelgid. This will primarily be accomplished using chemical and biological control methods, but occasionally will involve assisting with other hemlock restoration strategies as well. The member will work closely with HRI staff and forestry technicians in the field and office.

Primary duties may include:

  • Recording and documenting the biodiversity of species in our Hemlock Conservation Areas (HCAs), and creating tools, such as interpretive training guides with talking points, that will inform and aid other HRI staff in their hemlock management and outreach activities.
  • Increasing awareness of the value of hemlocks in natural and human communities through multimedia descriptions of the diverse benefits of hemlocks’ ecosystem services, including their role in mitigating climate change.
  • Increasing awareness of the threats to hemlocks and related forest health, including pests, pathogens, and climatic factors.
  • Assisting HRI forestry crew and agency partners to perform stand assessments and insecticide treatments to control HWA on federal and state public lands and conserved lands
  • Maintaining equipment and data

We are seeking someone with:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with people of all abilities and backgrounds
  • Enthusiasm for biodiversity, species identification, and the variety of our natural world
  • Interest in photography and journalism
  • Exemplary writing, speaking, and presentation skills for a variety of different audiences
  • Confidence, leadership, and tact in direct and indirect communications
  • Comfort and proficiency in social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
  • Energy, creativity, initiative, and good humor
  • Ability to collect, evaluate, and summarize information from a variety of resources
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Experience with and/or ability to learn Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications
  • Ability to identify and learn new tools/programs to create and share content, track data, etc.
  • Ability and willingness to work long hours outside in a variety of environmental conditions, off-trail on steep and/or rugged terrain, carrying up to 25 pounds of equipment.
  • A demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborate with others, and receive and offer feedback.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Job Field:
Forestry
Other
Job Type:
Seasonal, Temporary, Internship
Location Detail:
Asheville, North Carolina
Salary:
$31,500 spread evenly throughout the 11 month term
Job Benefits:
  • $7,395 educational award
  • Health insurance reimbursement if eligible
  • Childcare assistance if eligible
  • Mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities
Application Deadline:

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