The Anne Arundel County forestry Board is seeking an AmeriCorp Member to supervise their Weed Warrior Program.  The Anne Arundel County Forestry Board supports the implementation of  the reforestation and afforestation requirements of the Forest Conservation Act and Critical Area Program.  Parcels of forest land throughout the County are being negatively affected by invasive plant species that are degrading habitat and destroying the advanced regeneration necessary for the forests to thrive and be sustainable.  There is also a negative effect on the county waterways.   The Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Member will recruit 100 volunteers who will participate in clearing invasive vegetation from forests and natural areas throughout Anne Arundel County.  Volunteers will also be involved with planting trees and shrubs to enhance the forest ecosystem.   In addition, the AmeriCorps Member will supervise volunteers on work days and lead volunteer events with a staff member. The AmeriCorps Member will also work with staff to create a volunteer tracking system, volunteer application, position descriptions, and recruitment and screening materials.   The AmeriCorps Member will develop a volunteer orientation, agenda and training materials and work with staff on evolution and recognition plans and materials.

 

This is an 11 month, full-time (40 hours/week) position as a member of the Volunteer Maryland (VM) AmeriCorps program serving at the Anne Arundel County Forestry Board.  AmeriCorps Members are responsible for developing and implementing a volunteer program as agreed to in the VM site partnership negotiations that occurred in spring, 2017.  The AmeriCorps Member service year will begin on September 6, 2017 and conclude on July 31, 2018; Volunteer Maryland Coordinators are expected to complete 1,700 hours of service during the term.

 

BENEFITS:

Full-time AmeriCorps Members receive a living stipend of $13,250 (pending funding), an education award of $5,775, and health insurance if they are not already covered.  They may also qualify for a child care allowance.  Other benefits include mileage reimbursement for site-related travel, student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and making a real difference in a local community.

 

DUTIES: 

  • Develop a written work plan and timeline for implementation (VM required reporting).
  • Develop program materials such as a volunteer position descriptions, promotional fliers or brochures, and screening, training, and evaluation tools.
  • Recruit volunteers. Outreach methods may include:  presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events; and utilizing the media as permitted by site.
  • Screen volunteers as necessary; procedures might include interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks.
  • Develop and facilitate orientation and training for volunteers.
  • Supervise volunteers; develop and implement recognition activities for volunteers such as special events, awards, gifts, etc.
  • Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation.
  • Evaluate progress made in achieving the program’s goals; report on progress in statistical and narrative (VM required reporting, monthly and quarterly).
  • Maintain and develop new community partnerships to support the volunteer program.
  • Serve as public ambassador for the Service Site, Volunteer Maryland, and AmeriCorps.
  • Participate in VM and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities.
  • AmeriCorps Members may be assigned other volunteer program duties during the service year by the Service Site Supervisor.
  • Note: the AmeriCorps member will not be allowed to perform duties that violate the AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities or fall outside of the program goals

 

SELECTION PROCESS: 

To participate in Volunteer Maryland, applicants must submit an online or written application.  Volunteer Maryland Staff will review the application, with special emphasis placed on the writing sample, invite the applicant to interview if appropriate, conduct two reference checks, and complete a criminal background investigation.  After an applicant has been tentatively matched, the three-part criminal history check will be initiated and appropriate paperwork will be sent. Individuals will not be allowed to start training until all paperwork is received by the program, the NSOPR check is received, and fingerprints are submitted to the Maryland CJIS Central Repository and the designated agencies of any other states where the individual resided. No individual will be enrolled as an AmeriCorps member until satisfactory completion of training.

 

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

To serve as a Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Member, an individual must:

  • be at least 17 years of age
  • have a high school diploma or GED
  • be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
  • pass a national service criminal history check of the national sex-offender registry

state repository check (Maryland and state of residence

Questionscall Bud at 443.336.0161 or via email: ipreav00@aacounty.org