Position Available

Ocean View Foundation Summer EcoWorker
June 10, 2013 through August/September 2013, Block Island, Rhode Island

Application Deadline

February 15, 2013 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 10-23) are dedicated to orientation and training. 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 $450 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, e-mail or fax. Please follow the applicable instructions below.

The Foundation will require an interview (preferably on site) in the spring 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:

1. Contact Information
   Including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
2. Current Resume
   Including any specialized certificates and/or skills
3. Answers to each of the following questions:
   1. What attracted you to this opportunity and how did you learn of the Summer EcoWorker position?
   2. What previous experiences have you had which would make you ideally suited for this job? If none, what qualities do you possess which qualify you for the work?
   3. How familiar with Block Island are you and how do you see yourself using your other available time on the Island?
   4. Who is your environmental hero, and why?
   5. Describe a 1 – 1.5 hour environmental education program based on what you know about Block Island’s cultural and natural history. This program could be for either children, adults or multigeneration groups. Feel free to think broadly and creatively.
   6. If you have ever disseminated information or documented an experience using a blog, Facebook, or other interactive web venue, please provide a sample section or the address where it can be viewed.
4. 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, via email at info@oceanviewfoundation.orgor via fax to 203-622-8252.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.
5. Submit Application
   • via regular mail to Ocean View Foundation, P.O. Box 291, Block Island, RI 02807.
   • via fax (download, print and complete the application) at 203-622-8252.
   • via e-mail at info@oceanviewfoundation.org and write “2013 Intern” as the e-mail subject. Attachments must be PDF, doc, or txt format.

 

Download 2013 Application