Applications currently being accepted April 1, 2013 to June 7, 2013

About the Program

Building on our 15 year experience with the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps*VISTA, Rural Action launched its inaugural AmeriCorps program focusing on watershed restoration in Appalachia Ohio in 2009. Rural Action watershed groups partnered with three other existing watershed groups to form a regional program designed to increase the impact of watershed restoration efforts in the Appalachian counties of Ohio. Under the administration of ServeOhio, the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism, AmeriCorps members throughout Ohio meet critical needs in six priority areas: Education, Opportunity, Healthy Futures, Veterans, Disaster Services and Environment Stewardship. Through their direct service and the volunteers they mobilize, AmeriCorps members help build the capacity of local communities to help themselves. Communities benefit from having better schools, access to healthy food, a cleaner environment and increased citizen engagement. Along with serving the community, members gain leadership and career skills, earn money for college and learn how to be active citizens.

In 2011-12 the Rural Action Watersheds program underwent an expansion and was renamed the Ohio Stream Restore Corps. Since adding three new sectors of work, Environmental Education, Zero Waste and Trail Maintenance/Access, to the existing watershed work the program has been better able to serve the needs of local communities in our region. Environmental Education activities have brought outdoor learning experiences to over 8,000 youth. Trail Access/Maintenance has created or improved miles of trails and Zero Waste activities have cleaned up over 10 illegal dump sites and educated the public on local recycling options.

In the fall of 2012, Ohio Stream Restore Corps received the ServeOhio Outstanding National and Community Service Program award for Ohio. To continue the commitment to service and building the capacity of citizens and communities in Appalachian Ohio, we are recruiting for new members for the upcoming 2013-2014 program year beginning in April 2013.

The following positions are available:

• Monday Creek Restoration Project- with the office located in the Southern Perry County community of New Straitsville, the watershed covers 116 square miles in Athens, Perry and Hocking Counties. Two member placements.
• Sunday Creek Watershed Group- with the office located in the Athens County community of Trimble, the watershed covers 139 square miles in Athens, Perry and Morgan counties. One member placement.
• Huff Run Watershed Restoration Partnership- with the office located in the community of Mineral City is Tuscarawas County, the watershed covers 14 square miles in Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties. One member placement.
• Civic Tourism- office located in Shawnee in Perry County. Work area covers several surrounding counties. One member placement.
• Raccoon Creek Partnership- with the office located in Athens in Athens County, the watershed covers 684 square miles in Athens, Hocking, Vinton, Meigs and Gallia Counties. Two member placements.
• Mud Run Stream Keepers-shares the Huff Run Watershed Restoration Partnership office located in Mineral City. The watershed covers parts of Tuscarawas County. One member placement.
• Environmental Education- shares an office with Sunday Creek Watershed Group located in Trimble in Athens County. Work area includes several surrounding counties and school districts. Three member placements.
• Zero Waste Initiative- office located in The Plains in Athens County. Work area covers several surrounding counties. Two member placements.
• Buckeye Trails Association- office located in Shawnee in Perry County. Work area covers several surrounding counties. One position member placement.

Commitment & Benefits

Rural Action Watershed AmeriCorps members serve a term of 12 months accumulating a total of 1700 hours of service during that time period. The positions also allow outside employment or attendance at an institution of higher learning while serving. Benefits for the position include:

• An annual $12,100.00 living allowance
• An education award of $5,550 for a completed term of service to be used to pay student loans or for future education.
• Health care coverage for members
• Child care (if income eligible)
• Mileage reimbursement for service related travel.

Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• General computer skills including MS Office package and data base management
• Experience recruiting and working with volunteers including youth is essential
• Understanding of watershed and environmental issues and a concern for improving the environment is necessary
• Knowledge of local environmental issues is preferred.
• Degree or working toward a degree in watershed restoration, environmental education; or equivalent experience in equivalent field of study
• Public speaking and the ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Ability to serve flexible hours including evenings and weekends if needed
• Tasks may require the ability to hike extended distances over rough terrain and the ability to carry up to 40 lb. of equipment
• Own transportation and a valid driver’s license needed

To Apply

Recruitment for the program is currently open through June 7, 2013. Contact Candi Withem for more information by emailing cswithem@yahoo.com or call 740-767-4938.

To submit an application go to www.americorps.gov and click on Join AmeriCorps, then follow the onscreen directions.