Marin Conservation Corps

AmeriCorps Member – Marine Specialist (Point Reyes)

Program Description:
The mission of the AmeriCorps Environmental Restoration Program (ER) is to help youth and adults develop an ethic of environmental stewardship and appreciation for Marin's local parks and public lands through environmental education and service-learning projects that monitor species, while providing meaningful training opportunities to AmeriCorps members. In this program, members of the ER Program serve in engaging the volunteers to monitor marine species. One specialist of the Restoration and Ecosystem Management (REM) Crew is partnered with the Inventory and Monitoring program of Point Reyes National Seashore.

The Pinniped Monitoring Program is a National Park Service volunteer program established in 1993. The goal of the program is to engage community members to help monitor, preserve, and protect the pinnipeds of Point Reyes and to preserve the natural diversity and ecology of the Point Reyes National Seashore.

The Pinniped Monitoring Program main focus is to 1) determine the population size, distribution, reproductive success, and population ecology of pinniped populations at Point Reyes; 2) provide an early warning of abnormal conditions and impairment of the marine ecosystem and of pinniped populations; and 3) provide better data to understand the dynamic nature of the marine ecosystem. The work is accomplished through the weekly participation of volunteers throughout the year, and more intensively during the harbor seal and elephant seal breeding seasons.

This AmeriCorps member position involves assisting with a park-wide monitoring program of other species and ecosystems. The member will serve with Point Reyes National Seashore staff five days a week, including Saturday. Position involves occasional Saturday or Sunday volunteer projects.

Marine Specialist Responsibilities

• 40% Field work: Conduct surveys of pinnipeds at multiple sites at Point Reyes National Seashore
• 30% Interact with volunteers, maintain survey schedule, and maintain equipment.
• 30% Maintain records, update database, contribute to annual report.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to the preservation and protection of native ecosystems on public lands
• Education or experience in biological sciences, particularly marine biology and marine mammals
• Experience working with groups and the desire and ability to supervise, train and inspire others
• Desire to conduct physical work outdoors in varying climate
• U.S. Citizen or legal resident status, between the ages of 18 and 30 years

Compensation

• Monthly Stipend of $1200
• Training and mentorship in environmental science, natural resource management, public relations, community leadership, and much more!
• A $2,362.50 AmeriCorps education scholarship after completion of program and 900 hours of service
• Opportunities to attend professional conferences and trainings
• Health Insurance
• Child Care if applicable

Resumes accepted: December 13, 2005 to January 13, 2006, send cover letter/resume to
Position Duration: January 23, 2006 through August 25, 2006
More info: (415) 331-0732 www.nps.gov/goga/vip or (415) 454-4554 www.marincc.org/

Marin Conservation Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer