Buckeye Trail Association

Eligibility:

• An AmeriCorps participant must be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Be a citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. (45 CFR 2522.200)
• AmeriCorps members must not be listed on the National Sex Offender Registry or have a conviction of murder on their criminal records. Some host sites may have additional criminal history requirements.
• Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps does not test for substance use as part of the application or enrollment process. However, some host sites may have additional drug testing requirements as part of their onboarding, after a member is selected.
• AmeriCorps Members are NOT employees.

Benefits:

• An annual living allowance of $24,000
• An annual living allowance of $25,200 for Cohort Leader positions
• An education award of $7,395 for a completed term of service to be used to pay student loans or for future education
• Health care coverage for members serving in a full-time capacity
• Child care (if income eligible) serving in a full-time capacity
• Mileage, training, and supplies budget totaling $1,170
• Assistance finding comfortable and affordable housing in your service community
• Professional development and training opportunities including valuable certifications and industry credentials
• Joining a family of AmeriCorps Alums in the region committed to lifelong-service and activism
• Student loan forbearance for eligible Federal student loans
• Countable payments towards the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, if eligible and enrolled in an approved income-driven repayment plan
• Networking with local non-profit and government leaders
• Connection to post-service careers with Employers of National Service and relationships regional employers

Skills & Qualifications: This position requires the ability to serve both independently and in a team setting. Excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to operate under deadline pressure and the ability to handle multiple tasks are vital to success in this position. Knowledge of MS Office software packages and general computer skills are required with experience in database management preferred. The ability to recruit and serve with volunteers is essential. Ability to speak in public settings is preferred. AmeriCorps members must possess the ability to perform outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, insects, etc.), be able to carry 40 pounds and to hike extended distances over rough terrain. Preferred, but not required, to have own transportation and valid driver’s license. Members must be able to get to their various service sites.

Schedule: Usual hours of service will be M-F during regular office hours of 8:00-5:00pm. The ability to serve flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is needed. Hours may fluctuate, increase or decrease, in consideration of seasonal changes such as inclement weather or other extended activities.

Location(s): Buckeye Trail Association. 127 B West Main Street, Shawnee, OH 43782

AORC Address: 9030 Hocking Hills Dr. The Plains, OH 45780

Purpose: AmeriCorps members in this program will be responsible for healthier streams, a more robust circular economy for community resources, a more engaged public acting as conservationists for ecosystems, increased direct service through volunteerism, and progress in their own workforce pathway. Through restoring and conserving the environment, building the next generation of leaders, helping small communities do big things, and building capacity, this member will contribute to a better quality of life for Ohioans.

Essential Functions of this AmeriCorps Position:

• • The position will implement BTA Volunteer programs and make suggestions for improving effectiveness and quality. The Service Member will report volunteer hours to BTA staff, partner organizations, individual volunteers, and BTA volunteer leaders as needed. The names and information for all persons who volunteer will be tracked by the Member.
• Volunteer Recruitment Duties:
  • • In partnership with BTA staff, recruit volunteers for all areas of the BTA or work with Chapters and Section Supervisors to do so
    • Develop draft training programs for volunteers in trail construction, general office support, and others as identified for approval by BTA Volunteer Program Director and direct supervisor
    • Produce written informational/educational material for volunteer outreach
    • Respond to all volunteer inquiries
    • Interview and recommend volunteers for specific duties
    • Prepare Volunteer Position Descriptions
    • Recruit new Volunteer Leaders for the Buckeye Trail Crew, Committees, etc.
    • Represent the BTA in the community through presentations
• Volunteer Coordination Duties:
  • • Greet groups on site/attend Work Parties and take photos.
    • Coordinate corporate sponsor volunteer days in partnership with BTA staff
    • Plan and help to facilitate post volunteer recognition program
    • Schedule volunteers for BTA events (i.e. Buckeye TrailFest, E.G.G.S. Hike, etc.)
    • Help oversee staging and related logistics for events
    • Maintain volunteer database
    • Assist with developing Volunteer Coordination plan for each event
    • Establish skills based volunteer assignments
• Trail Management Coordinator Duties:
  • Support of the Volunteer Program Director in the development of education programming for trail management-related activities
  • Support of the Volunteer Program Director and Trail Management Team Chair in the coordination of Volunteer Workdays on trail
  • Learn about and assist with process for verification of compliance with landowners and regulations for on-trail projects
  • Support of Buckeye Trail “Work Parties” on trail
• Reliably attend in-person service that supports education, conservation and restoration, food and resource access and distribution, heritage and resource-based tourism, and public lands access, in accordance with ADA requirements.
• Support other Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps members and their programs.
• Participate in training and conferences as necessary to increase knowledge and gain career networking opportunities. This position requires a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 20% of service in training hours to be eligible for the Segal Education at the end of successfully-completed terms. All training hours must be logged between the official start and end date. Examples of training members can participate in include: Red Cross CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Project Wet & Wild, LeaderCorps, & Public Speaking.
• Complete monthly activity reports, narrative reports (OnCorps Great Stories), required timesheets and periodic reports through the OnCorps online system and Google Drive.
• Complete Midterm and End of Term Evaluations and paperwork.
• Attend required AORC and Buckeye Trail Association meetings and events.

Other Duties & Responsibilities of AmeriCorps Member:

• Assist with the BTA Volunteer Program Director to track progress, set goals and review duties
• Promote the BTA through education and outreach activities
• Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in related workshops, conferences and training.
• Assist with fundraising designed to raise funds for activities and other program related projects. These efforts will not contribute to general operating costs for the organization.
• Complete in person orientation. Members will learn about AmeriCorps benefits, prohibited & unallowable activities, AORC member expectations, training opportunities, regional history & culture, and various personal & professional development opportunities available to them throughout their term.

Additional Information: Personal transportation is required. The Buckeye Trail Association Office is accessible to members of the community with disabilities.

Rural Action, Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps and Buckeye Trail Association will adhere to all regulations concerning non-discrimination and equal opportunity regulations as outlined in federal and state law. Rural Action, Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps makes this program available to all without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, orientation, disability, or political affiliation.