The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) Environmental Careers and Opportunities (ECO) AmeriCorps program is seeking members and program partners to build on the success of its inaugural year. Applications are currently being accepted for both roles. The deadline for service sites to apply is March 7. Member applications are accepted through April 18. Applications are available at: http://ecoamericorps.vermont.gov.
ECO AmeriCorps serve with municipalities and state, national and nonprofit organizations throughout the state where they help protect, enhance, maintain and restore Vermont’s water quality. All ECO AmeriCorps members have some college experience, but preference is given to members with at least a 4-year degree with a science background. Inaugural year members have served in positions as Conservation Assistants, Volunteer Coordinators and Communications Specialists. Current projects include creating homeowner workshops and maps to minimize impervious surfaces, providing instructions for residential rain gardens and restoring riparian buffers.
“The Eco Americorps members have made important strides towards achieving our water quality goals,” said DEC Commissioner Alyssa Schuren. “I thank them for their hard work, and look forward to recruiting a new class to build upon their accomplishments.”
VT DEC provides administrative support for the program including providing living stipends, health insurance, and regular trainings for members. Service sites are responsible for providing meaningful projects, supervision and support, a work space, equipment, and supplies. Members are required to serve 1,700 hours during their 11 months of service from August 2016 to September 2017. Service sites provide a cash match of $6,500 for each AmeriCorps member they supervise.
ECO AmeriCorps members earn a modest living allowance of $16,320 paid bi-weekly for the duration of their 11-months of service. Members are also eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,775 at the completion of the program to further their educations or pay off existing student loans.
ECO AmeriCorps is funded in part through an AmeriCorps state grant provided by SerVermont from the Corporation for National and Community Service. More information is available on the ECO AmeriCorps website at http://ecoamericorps.vermont.gov.