Sierra Nevada Outreach Assistant

Each year, the Sierra Nevada Alliance places 25 AmeriCorps members with partner conservation organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. During their terms of service, members restore and monitor impaired Sierra watersheds, educate local residents and visitors on environmental issues, and recruit and manage volunteers for various programs. SNAP members gain skills and technical training, are mentored by outstanding environmental leaders, and provide a meaningful contribution to the communities of the Sierra Nevada.

Organizational Background: Trout Unlimited (TU) is North America’s leading Coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TU’s vision is that, by the next generation, trout and salmon will be restored throughout their native range. To accomplish this vision, TU works to protect, reconnect, and restore fish habitat and then sustain this work by building a diverse movement of businesses, people, and communities to support saving trout, salmon, and steelhead. The organization has more than 170,000 members in 400 chapters across America, including more than 14,000 members in California. 

Position Description: Trout Unlimited is hiring a self-motivated and highly capable person to plan, implement, and report on project-connected outreach and engagement activities throughout the operating area. These activities will include, but not be limited to: tabling events, volunteer projects, social media management, site tours, speaking engagements, youth fishing camps, as well as community-focused outreach initiatives such as letter writing, comment letters, and information circulation. At times, this position may be called upon to assist our Inland Trout Director, California Inland Trout Program Restoration Scientist, Americorp program interns, and other field staff on a wide variety of headwater stream, meadow and associated habitat restoration project.

Duties Include:

• Assist the CA/NV Public Lands Coordinator with the planning, implementation, and reporting of project-related outreach and engagement activities across the region.
• Help TU staff manage and coordinate a volunteer labor force to complete small scale restoration.
• Help manage and integrate 2-3 social media platforms in our organizing, media and communications.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of youth fishing camps across the Sierra Nevada.
• Create and foster existing relationships with agencies, communities, Trout Unlimited Chapters, and other NGO’s involved in conservation and restoration.
• Coordinate with program staff to create and implement new engagement opportunities.
• Create audio-visual collateral including blog posts, videos, and news articles about Trout Unlimited’s projects.
• Assist with the ground restoration projects, as needed.
• This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Site Specific Training Provided: TU will train the SNAP member in field work protocol, event planning, volunteer project facilitation, and social media management. Additional training will be provided that fits with the SNAP member’s career and professional goals. 

Qualifications: 

• Must be 18+ years of age and high school graduates or GED recipients (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma or GED); members must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award; meeting full list of member eligibility requirements in 45 CFR §2522.200(a).
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.
• Must participate in a national criminal history background check pursuant to 45 CFR §2540.200-206.
• Organized, responsible, motivated, professional.
• Demonstrates initiative, follow-through, and reliability.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
• Interest or education in marketing or communications a plus.

Benefits: 

• Monthly stipend of $2,500 per month.
• Standard health insurance.
• Up to 170 hours of technical, ecological, and skills-development training.
• Professional experience and networking- $250 Individual Training Budget.
• AmeriCorps members that successfully complete a 900-hour service term will earn a $3,447.50 Segal Educational Award for use on existing qualied student loans or future higher education expenses.
• Student loan forbearance during service term if Member qualifies.

Things to Note and Desired Qualifications:

• Written communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of social media and other basic marketing platforms.
• Experience with photography/ videography for creating visual content a plus.
• Detail-orientated with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
• Understanding of California and Nevada wild and native trout, watershed science and restoration, and Sierra Nevada ecology.
• Preferred knowledge of recreational angling.
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle required.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitude.