Vancouver Urban Forestry/Friends of Trees Americorps position

By Katie Neis

Tired of looking for an environmental job in the supersaturated Portland market? Ever thought about working with a fun team coordinating tree-planting efforts with AmeriCorps? A Vancouver Urban Forestry and Friends of Trees AmeriCorps position has opened up!

I know, I know. The pay won’t place you in the upper income bracket, and you have to make it over the I-5 bridge—reverse traffic, I should point out—but the rewards to your professional and personal life far outweigh any worries you might have. And the position comes with health benefits, too.

As the AmeriCorps member for Friends of Trees in Vancouver last year, I can truly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. Every week I was learning something different, meeting new people, strengthening my resume, and building lasting relationships in the environmental advocacy community.

The skill set I developed during my term was immense. I learned basic GIS mapping, event coordination, volunteer recruitment, tree biology, pruning, public speaking, and all about happy hours and building relationships. The network of contacts I was able to establish led me to a staff position at Friends of Trees, and I know that I have the skill set and personal relationships to handle any of life’s challenges.

Furthermore, the team of urban foresters I worked with in Vancouver was amazing. They taught me so much more about trees, and trees in the city, than I could have hoped to gain anywhere else. And I was continually working with the Friends of Trees staff who were very helpful every step of the way.

If you are passionate about the environment and community building, then check out this wonderful AmeriCorps position!

–Neis is Neighborhood Trees Assistant for Friends of Trees.