Benton Conservation District AmeriCorps Announcement
Position Title: Salmon in the Classroom Program Assistant
Project Sponsor: Benton Conservation District www.bentoncd.org
Project Location: 10121 W. Clearwater Avenue, Suite 101, Kennewick, WA
99336
Position Summary: Bring salmon into classrooms throughout the Columbia
River Basin of the Pacific Northwest. Help educate the next generation of
scientists and citizens about the complexities of the mighty Columbia, the
fourth largest river in the U.S. Salmon inspire students to combine
science and math, social studies and history, geography and language,
culture and debate to explore their local environment. The AmeriCorps
member will train and support teachers and volunteers in raising salmon
and trouble-shooting equipment. The member will conduct classroom salmon
anatomy lessons through dissection demonstrations. The member will help
plan, organize and implement student salmon release events, including
volunteer recruitment, training and recognition. The member will gain
extensive experience networking with other agencies and community groups.
The member will help plan, organize and implement a volunteer salmon
spawning habitat recovery project.
Responsibilities include:
Maintain salmon tanks (30%)
Present classroom salmon dissections (30%)
Recruit, train, assist and recognize community volunteers (30%)
Assist in BCD’s Salmon Habitat Restoration Programs (10%)
Essential Functions:
• Develop a system for recruitment, training, coordination and
tracking of volunteers
• Expand the number and type of volunteer opportunities
available at the organization
• Collaborate with regional teachers to develop service learning
program through local high schools
Position Requirements:
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with
various populations including project partners, landowners, community
volunteers, students and the general public
• Serve occasional evenings and weekends
• Strong organizational skills and good work ethic
• Must be able to safely work in/around water, especially with
hands in cold water
• Must have background in Fisheries, Natural Resources or
Science or Education
Preferred Qualifications:
• Degree in Fisheries, Education, Wildlife Biology, or Natural Resources
• Ability to speak Spanish a plus
• Desire and ability to recruit and manage volunteers
• Experience developing and delivering Environmental Education activities
MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• A taxable, monthly living allowance ($900).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members
receive an education award of $5,350.
• Loan forbearance
• Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents;
vision and dental not included).
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.
Transportation Information:
• Conservation District vehicle is available for service
activities
TO APPLY, SUBMIT RESUME, COVER LETTER AND 2 WRITTEN REFERENCES TO:
Rachel Little at [email protected] or (509) 736-6000
