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7 Nov 2022

Full-Time Experiential Learning Facilitator

Confluence Environmental Center – Posted by Confluence Portland, Oregon, United States

Confluence Environmental Center logo

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION
CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM
The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life changing service opportunities that engage Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities, alongside a Member cohort (20%).  www.confluencecenter.org

EQUITY & INCLUSION
Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply. Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.

DATES OF SERVICE
December 6, 2022 – July 28, 2023 (11 months – 1200 hours)

POSITION TITLE
Experiential Learning Facilitator

PROJECT PARTNER
Wind & Oar Boat School
https://windandoar.org/

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is in partnership between the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, and Wind & Oar Boat School. Wind & Oar Boat School is a unique educational organization that uses boat building as a platform for engaging and inspiring youth in grades 5-12 to “own” their education. The project-based learning approach asks them to reflect, reason, and collaborate in an environment where failures are as important as successes. Our hands-on, minds-on programs offer an integrated curriculum linking math, science, and art and design, with a focus on the Willamette River watershed and ecology, encouraging students to connect with the out of doors. This AmeriCorps Member will serve as an assistant program instructor and curriculum builder, while developing their own woodworking skills and guiding students through related side projects (80%).

The Member will participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Training Series, completing a Change Agent Project (CAP), team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):
• Strengthen environmental education curriculum by planning and leading activities for all age levels to enhance the hands-on, project-based, boat-building lessons and integrating topics related to watersheds/water, wood/forestry, math, physics, engineering, geography, and navigation.
• Learn the various processes Wind & Oar uses to build a wooden boat while under classroom, personnel, and time constraints.
• Demonstrate creativity and support in an environment where everyone is excited to learn while adapting to the needs of the students as they gain problem solving skills.
• Participate in professional development such as Trauma Informed Care, EDI and more, to understand and demonstrate Wind & Oar teaching practices , philosophy, and values.
• Cultivate relationships with Wind & Oar employees, students and partners.
• Develop community partnerships that serve youth who may benefit from our program by participating in partner meetings, coalition meetings, and professional development opportunities (NE STEAM coalition, the Portland Metro STEM Partnership, and activities presented by NAO and Institute for Youth success).
• Source volunteers through local and online outreach with new and existing partnerships.
• Listen to the communities with which Wind & Oar works to understand their concerns, assuming nothing.
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; attend and complete all training and service requirements; wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Abide by program and AmeriCorps policies. Under no circumstances will Members be asked to perform prohibited activities outlined in the approved grant.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• Open-minded sensitivity to students with diverse backgrounds, who may not interface with the dominant culture.
• Ability to meet students where they’re coming from and continuously ask for their input and ideas.
• Practice self-reflection and self-awareness.
• Serve as an ambassador for Wind & Oar and represent W&O as a caring and responsive institution.
• Respect materials and tools required for craftsman level workshop.
• Contribute to staff discussions about formative assessments of student performance.
• Communicate and interact in a positive manner with various populations, such as project partner(s), staff, stakeholders, volunteers, youth and the general public.
• Coordinate and support the work of volunteers and staff.
• Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues.
• Ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older at beginning of service term; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving education award; able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (but not required):
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience teaching in educational settings both indoors and outside, and with youth ages 9-20.
• Some woodworking skills, preferably boat building.
• Comfortable working individually and as a team member.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE
• $12,000 living allowance paid over the 8-month term of service (approx. $1,500 monthly, before taxes).
• $4,826 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
• Loan Forbearance
• Health Care Insurance
• Child Care Reimbursement
• $100 Training Fund
• Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking opportunities.
• May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Opportunity to turn into a full-time staff role once term of service is complete.

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
• Office and shop are located at 2303 N. Randolph Ave., Portland, OR 97227
• Close to Max and bus routes:
o Bus #35 – 7 min. walk from Interstate and Tillamook
o Bus #85 – 8 min. walk from Interstate and Albina
o Max Yellow line – 8 min. walk from Mississippi and Albina transit Station

How to Apply

Apply to Project Supervisor: (Conducts first round interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence). Email the following items to Peter Crim by November 18th at [email protected] or call (503)-709-4337:
  • Résumé
  • Cover letter (1 page)
  • Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)
QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS? Ashlie Tainer | Operations Coordinator | 503-719-6779 | [email protected]

Job Categories: Water. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: boats, build, environmental education, teaching, and woodworking.

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