Rippleffect is a non-profit youth and community development organization, serving over 4,000 youth annually. We own Cow Island, a beautiful 26-acre eco-campus in Casco Bay, Maine, where we run many of our youth and adult programs. Our mission is to promote youth development and leadership through adventure, healthy communities and living sustainably. Check out our website to read more: https://www.rippleffectmaine.org
 

Overview of position: The Sustainability Educator & Steward (SES) is responsible for the management/facilitation of Cow Island compost systems, recycling practices, Cow Island garden and invasive species (bitter sweet) eradication efforts. On a daily basis, the SES will make rounds through the sustainability systems as determined by the Operations Manager. Tasks include turning over compost, cutting back bittersweet to save trails/trees, work with participants during meal times for proper disposal of waste/recycling, and tend to the needs of the garden. In addition to daily stewardship tasks, the SES will serve as a Sustainability specialist on Cow Island and work with groups of participants on specific stewardship projects–both teaching participants about island practices and working with them to complete their island service.

The Sustainability Steward is supervised by the Operations Manager. This position has these primary areas of responsibility.

Stewardship of following systems:

• Manage Cow Island compost systems

• Manage Cow Island recycling & waste systems

• Manage invasive species (bitter sweet) eradication and “save a tree” project

• Care for Cow Island organic garden

Education

• Design teaching curriculum centered on Cow Island sustainable systems

• Work with guides to determine appropriate stewardship projects participants

• Conduct lessons with participants as it relates to Cow Island sustainable systems

Qualifications include experience or high interest in:

• Gardening

• Environmental Sciences

• Ecology

• Sustainable systems

• Island/marine ecology

• Strong work ethic

• Experience working with youth

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills

• Positive attitude

• Experience with landscaping equipment

• Ability to lift 30 lbs safely and regularly

• Ability to multitask

• Strong attention to detail

Organizational Benefits from Rippleffect for this position include (but are not limited to):

• Spending summer days on beautiful Cow Island and Casco Bay!

• Opportunity to learn from well-established environmental practices

• During work time meals

• Immersion in an inclusive, supportive community of over 40 guides, wilderness educators, operations, food service staff

• Personal use (with permission) of Cow Island and sea kayaks

• Opportunities for additional “per diem”/weekend employment

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits and Stipends:

• Receive a biweekly stipend of $587 throughout the 10 week term throughout the 10 week term

• Choice of Education Award of $1300 or an end of summer cash stipend.

  • Education award can be to pay off qualified loans, or for educational expenses at Title IV school

  • Cash stipend of $345

• Forbearance of federally qualified student loans during service term (interest paid by AmeriCorps)

  • Stafford

  • Perkins

  • Some private loans (you must call lender to ask)

• Workers compensation

• Networking/professional development

Duration: This 10-week, full-time position will begin on June 19th

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Casey Ross, [email protected]