Community Volunteer Ambassador - Cabrillo National Monument

Company: Conservation Legacy
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Job Description:

Length:
Term of positions is 50 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk
Location:
San Diego, CA
Compensation:
$565/week living allowance
Start Date:
September 11, 2023
Application Review:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with first review beginning on June 5th. Application deadline is Friday, July 21 st .
Position Title:
Community Volunteer Ambassador
Position Details:
Stewards Individual Placements provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train a diverse group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities.
As a member of the Division on Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers, the CVA will be working alongside the park's volunteer coordinator to assist with Cabrillo National Monument's Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program. The volunteer coordinator will provide mentorship across all activities. The selectee will be properly coached in volunteer program operations and work alongside skilled volunteer supervisors across all park divisions to help manage different volunteer workgroups. The CVA will continue to work closely with each volunteer supervisor and the park volunteer coordinator to ensure congruity, efficiency, and consistency in volunteer management.
This CVA position will also help with re-envisioning and expanding our volunteer group operations at Cabrillo National Monument. Volunteer group programs are a great way to engage historically underrepresented groups to our national park units. It allows them the opportunity to not only come into the park to work with park rangers and staffing, but also helps them gain a sense of ownership of these places. We hope through these programs that people's needs and safety are prioritized, their identity and boundaries are respected, and we provide them the space to be part of a community. Folks that take part in our volunteer groups program will be able to take their experience back home and share what they learned with friends and family.
Site Description:
Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, Cabrillo National Monument is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. It offers tremendous views of San Diego region and excellent opportunity to explore this natural and cultural history in the area- the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Whale Overlook, beautiful coastal area, intertidal zone, birding, wildflowers, and more!
Our volunteers are a diverse coalition of all origins who serve this park with their skills, dedication, and passion. In 2022, they donated more than 12,500 hours of service to the park. That's equivalent to the work of at least six full-time employees! From swearing in Junior Rangers at the Visitor Center, monitoring native species of reptiles and amphibians, to removing invasive plant species at the park, these volunteers all play a vital role in "preserving unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." As a volunteer program, we strive to be welcoming and open to all; we are a place where you can belong and become.
Position Responsibilities:

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  Support volunteer program operations by recruiting, onboarding, and ensuring training for new volunteers to make sure they all feel welcome to Cabrillo National Monument's operations.
  
  
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  Support with Cabrillo National Monument's annual volunteer recognition event. This includes review of volunteer service hours, help curate recognition items, and assist in the planning of the event.
  
  
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  Provide administration and coordination support to volunteer program . This includes assisting with tracking and filing of volunteer paperwork, monthly volunteer newsletter, volunteer program inbox, and suggesting improvements to existing roles.
  
  
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  Help implement a Volunteer Group Project Request Form and Volunteer Group Project Catalog, which will help establish a quick response time and matching process for volunteer groups.
  
  
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  Develop engaging programming for our volunteer groups operations that include educational components, dialogue, and stewardship projects to create a sense of ownership for participants. Examples include an introduction to our national parks, hiking 101, inclusion in the outdoors, dialogues about identity, new selection of volunteer project types, etc.
  
  
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  Through community outreach and engagement, build sustainable partnerships with new audiences by inviting them to take part in our individual and group programs. This includes updating outreach materials, coordinating participating volunteers, and planning outreach methods.
  
  
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  Maintain a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all volunteers, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.
  
  
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  Plan and implement programs to support outreach during special events , including, but not limited to: Latino Advocacy Week, National Volunteer Week Black Birders Week, National Trails Day, Latino Conservation Week, Black in National Parks Week, National Public Lands Day. Work alongside supervisor to assure programs are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate , grounded in equity and empathy, and consistent with National Park Service values.
  
  
  CVA Minimum Requirements :
  
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    Highly motivated and enthusiastic individual.
    
    
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    Experience coordinating projects with strong attention to detail.
    
    
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    Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.
    
    
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    Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in early November 2023
    
    
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    Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
    
    
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    Be 18-30 years old at time of service (veterans up to 35 years old)
    
    
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    High School Diploma/GED
    
    
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    Pass fingerprint-based FBI, state criminal, and a national sex offender checks.
    
    
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    Be able to provide proof of a driver's license and complete a MVR check
    
    
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    Must be over 21 years old or have had license for at least 3 years to be insured in this position.
    
    
    Preferred Qualifications:
    
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      Connection to nature.
      
      
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      Effective communication skills.
      
      
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      Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds .
      
      
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      Background and/or interest in environmental/outdoor education, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.
      
      
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      Prior experience working with diverse populations.
      
      
      Additional Information:
      
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        There is no park housing available. If a CVA will be relocating from outside the San Diego area, the most affordable housing would be for them to find a room rental, which park staff can assist with in providing more information about the area.
        
        
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        Schedule will include weekends to work alongside site supervisor.
        
        
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        The work environment is welcoming and has an open office setting. The CVA will have their own desk (with a view of San Diego Bay) located in the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers (IEV) office next to the Volunteer Coordinator/site supervisor's desk. The CVA will be issued their own NPS laptop for flexibility to work on-site and off-site for outreach presentations.
        
        
        Benefits:
        
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          CVA will receive a weekly stipend of $565
          
          
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          Housing Provided
          
          
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          Limited health care/childcare benefits
          
          
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          The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,495.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program
          
          
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          Professional development funds
          
          
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          Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations
          
          
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          Public Land Corps Hiring Authority
          
          
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          Week-long in-person training at NPS site with travel/meal expenses covered.
          
          
          How to Apply
          Please visit Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org) to review "Member Positions" by region and find instructions on how to apply.
          The CVA position will start on Monday, September 11 th, 2023, and run for 50 weeks until Friday, August 23 rd , 2024. Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/sept-23-cva-application . Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.
          Please ensure your cover letter addresses how your experience aligns with the CVA program, your experience working with diverse populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in.
          Applications Deadline
          Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First review will occur in early June. Final deadline is Friday, July 21 st , 2023 .
          For Application Questions:
          Please contact Geoff Elliot, Program Director at gelliot@conservationlegacy.org
          Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
          Required SkillsRequired Experience

Keywords: Conservation Legacy, San Diego , Community Volunteer Ambassador - Cabrillo National Monument, Other , San Diego, California