Now Hiring: summer field maintenance crew

Summer Field Maintenance Specialist (3 positions)

This part-time, temporary position is a LINKS Americorps opportunity at Friends of Trees.

Position Summary: Spend a fun, sweat-filled summer helping to save thousands of recently planted trees! Friends of Trees plants tens of thousands of trees each winter all across the Portland metro area, but the most critical time of tree survival happens during the summer. We need three dedicated individuals who can help perform physical removal of weeds from newly restored areas and help water new plants. The Summer Field Maintenance Specialist (SFMS) will be trained on the use of a variety of tools used in natural area maintenance, and will learn native plants used in restoration as well as local invasive weed species. The SFMS will work with a team of Friends of Trees staff and volunteers throughout the summer as an integral part of our summer objectives.

Service Dates: May 18 through September 24, 2010. May be flexible.

Interviews: Applicants are interviewed & placed on an on-going basis until positions are filled. Interviews are underway.

Length of Term: Approx. 30 hours a week for four months. 450 hours total.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Perform physical weed removal from recently restored natural areas.
2. Assist with watering and monitoring of newly installed plants.
3. Provide support to FOT staff of other summer maintenance activities.
4. Update access database with information from field maintenance activities.
5. Complete and submit all necessary LINKS AmeriCorps Program paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
6. Attend and complete LINKS AmeriCorps Program orientation and enrollment session.
7. Wear an appropriate LINKS identifier and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Requirements:

1. A Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
2. Ability to work multiple hours while completing physically strenuous activities in various field locations.
3. Ability to lift 40 lbs.
4. A good sense of humor.
5. Ability to learn plant identification.
6. 18 years of age or older.
7. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
8. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
9. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
10. Submit to a criminal history background check and National Sex Offender Registry search.
11. Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Past work experience in natural area maintenance.
2. Pacific Northwest Plant Identification skills (we are willing to teach an interested candidate)

Member Benefits Include:
• A taxable monthly living allowance of $300.
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $1,250. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or for trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay a portion of the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

How to apply:
Step 1 – Email your résumé to [email protected] and to [email protected].
Step 2 – Complete your application online at the AmeriCorps website. AmeriCorps Application
1. If you do not already have a username and password, you must create a profile. Create A Profile
2. Once you have created a profile, log in and complete an application by clicking “Applications” under the “My
AmeriCorps” menu.
3. To apply to this specific position, click “Search Listings” under the “My AmeriCorps” menu and search for
program name LINKS.
4. Select the position listing and click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the page.

Questions about the project? Contact: Logan Lauvray, Green Spaces Initiative Manager, 503-282-8846 ext. 15, [email protected]. Questions about AmeriCorps, LINKS or our recruitment process? Contact: Erika Johnson, (360) 750-7500 ext. 114, [email protected]