Program Dates: 5/6/2024 - 11/2/2024

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

SCA's National Direct AmeriCorps program advances urban climate resilience by protecting, restoring and enhancing public lands and waters as well as natural, cultural, and historical resources across the United States. Service activities focus on projects identified as critical stewardship projects that improve and protect at-risk ecosystems and resources, especially in underserved urban communities.

Position Description:

Project Location:3720 W. 58th Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with the Delta Institute will work to increase tree canopy coverage in Lake County, IN. Restoration of the urban canopy is a top priority in Northwest Indiana. In central Lake County, this project's primary area of focus, rapid suburban development has resulted in a decline in urban canopy cover over the past decade. Central Lake County is also an area of chronic flooding and water quality issues, given the area's vast network of riparian bodies, its flat topography, low infiltration rate, and large number of impervious surfaces. The SCA crew will be focused on planting approximately 440 full trees, 1,100 seedlings, and carrying out necessary post-planting maintenance work, through engagement of community volunteers and youth training.

The team will consist of 3 members and 1 leader.

Member Benefits

• $600 weekly living allowance (subject to local, state and federal tax), paid bi-weekly

• Upon successful completion of service, a $3,447.50 AmeriCorps Education Award (900 Minimum Service Hours)*

• AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program

• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

• Members will be engaged in a national network of professional resources and a peer group.

• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

• Being at least 18 years or older;

• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;

• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Additional Member Qualifications and Essential Functions

• Passion for the great outdoors

• Physical effort is heavy to moderate for this position and requires occasional lifting or handling of objects or materials up to 50 lbs., unassisted, following proper lifting procedures to avoid injury. Frequently required to stand while working, climb ladders or scaffolding, and bend, stoop, climb, and work in awkward positions.

Responsibilities

• The SCA crew will be focused on planting approximately 440 full trees, 1,100 seedlings, and carrying out necessary post-planting maintenance work through engagement of community volunteers and youth training.

• M-F, 7:30a - 3p totaling 37 hours. Schedule can be adjusted throughout the position.

• Members serve approximately 37 hours a week for a period of 26 weeks. Federal Holidays Off.

• 05/06/2024 – 05/10/2024: National Direct Program (Virtual) Orientation & On-Site Training

• 5/13/2024 – 10/25/2024: Field Season & Continuing Training

• 10/28/29/2024 – 11/2/2024: Last week of service & Final wrap up

Training and Leadership development

• Leadership Development & Training

• Urban Forestry Training

• Professional Development

• Paid SCA Training

• AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy

• AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug-Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination

• Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion

• Sexual Harassment & Maintaining a Positive Workplace

• Risk Management 101

• Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.

• Other training opportunities when available

Housing

Housing not provided as part of this position.
It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants on the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.