Ocean View Foundation Summer EcoWorker June 6 - 13, 2016 through Sept. 5 (ideally) 2016, Block Island, Rhode Island

Application Deadline

March 20, 2016 or until filled

General Description

This position is available for an environmentally-oriented enthusiast who would:

• Perform maintenance and stewardship work at the Ocean View Pavilion and its grounds.
• Assist with all aspects of presenting a weekly schedule of open-air natural history and environmental education programs for participants of all ages.
• Participate in promoting the work of the Ocean View Foundation.

This individual would be under the supervision of the Director of the Ocean View Foundation on Block Island, RI. The job will require an average of 25 hours per week. The first two+ weeks of the position (June 6ish -20) are dedicated to orientation, training, and pre-season projects. The Ocean View Pavilion is in a park-like setting in the commercial center of the Island. It is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and requires daily attention during the summer season.

Primary Responsibilities

• Cleaning the Pavilion and site daily, which will include litter and graffiti removal, weekly swabbing of Pavilion surfaces, and occasionally waking overnight sleepers. Litter can range from a few cigarette butts, to spilled picnic food, to the debris field of a covert late night party.
• Assisting with all aspects of public program presentations. This will include set-up, acquiring materials, participating in program presentation, breakdown and clean up. At least one of the weekly programs will be the sole responsibility of the summer EcoWorker.
• Minor maintenance and repairs at the Pavilion and site, which may include painting, updating the information kiosk, trail mowing and trimming, gardening, and landscape work.
• Distributing posters, brochures and other program information throughout the island.
• Supervising/scheduling volunteers and students participating in community service programs.
• Documentation of daily activities and observations.
• Other cool stuff.

Specific Qualifications

• An ease and relish for working with people, and a robust zest for the miracles of nature.
• Some working knowledge of natural history, ecology or environmental education.
• Effective communication skills – the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers and visitors/program participants.
• Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults and peers.
• Team Player; ability to relate to peers, accept supervision and guidance, and to anticipate needs and take initiative.
• Quick study.
• Experience with the use of hand tools and a push lawn mower.
• Physical strength sufficient to safely lift/unload/move up to 50 pounds, operate a lawnmower and participate in occasional 3-5 mile walks.

Related Skills

Experience/skills in any of the following areas may be advantageous: Art, journalism/nature writing, word processing, page lay-out/graphic design, audio-visual technology, environmental films, blogging and familiarity with social networking, First Aid certificates, specialized interest and/or knowledge of gardening, birds, botany, green building, alternative energy, and marine life.

Compensation

• Housing plus a stipend of $960 per month.
• Transportation is recommended, but not necessary.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the Summer EcoWorker position at the Ocean View Foundation, the application may be submitted via U.S. mail or e-mail. Please follow the applicable instructions below.

The Foundation will require an interview (preferably on site, but likely by phone) in March for those applicants who seem most suited for this position. Interviews will be scheduled after receiving all application materials.

Applications for the Ocean View Summer EcoWorker position must include the following, in addition to completing the form below:

1. Current Resume Including any specialized certificates and/or skills.

Submit Resume

• via regular mail to Ocean View Foundation, P.O. Box 291, Block Island, RI 02807.
• via e-mail at info@oceanviewfoundation.org and write "2016 Intern" as the e-mail subject. Attachments must be PDF, doc, or txt format.

2. Two letters of reference One from a faculty member and the other from an employer, volunteer coordinator, or other non- family member. It is your responsibility to arrange to have these references sent directly to the Ocean View Foundation at P.O. Box 291, Block Island, RI 02807, or via email at info@oceanviewfoundation.org . Note: your application will not be considered complete until these letters of reference are received. Be sure those sending references on your behalf clearly identify for whom the reference is intended.