Environmental Outreach Coordinator - AmeriCorps Position

Sweet Water is seeking an AmeriCorps Environmental Outreach Coordinator to raise public awareness of stormwater pollution issues in the Greater Milwaukee Area and help improve the environmental health of the region. This position is to be supported by the AmeriCorps Community Corps program, which is administered by Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Placement Description

Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc. (Sweet Water) develops and delivers programs that help limit the amount of stormwater pollution that the Greater Milwaukee area contributes to regional lakes and rivers. The AmeriCorps member would be involved in the planning and implementation of any or all of the four programs, described below.

Respect Our Waters + Adopt Your Drain

The Respect Our Waters and Adopt Your Drain programs educate the public about ways to to prevent stormwater pollution. Our Respect Our Waters multi-media campaign airs public service announcements on TV, social media, and digital platforms to raise awareness about water quality issues that face the region. In the warmer seasons, staff also attend local community events to talk to the public about these issues and potential solutions.

The Adopt Your Drain program is becoming one of the easiest ways for people throughout Southeastern Wisconsin to protect local waterways practically without leaving their front yard. This effort encourages volunteers to prevent flooding and stormwater pollution by clearing storm drains of debris before and after rainfall. Volunteers can register their “adopted” drain online so that it appears on an interactive map.

Small Business Outreach Project

The Small Business Outreach project is an effort to raise awareness of stormwater best management practices that business owners and their employees can follow to reduce the amount of stormwater pollution from their place of work. Sweet Water staff conduct in person business visits via canvassing to assess what is known about stormwater pollution. In 2023-2024, we will also organize and host focus groups and design educational materials geared towards small businesses needs.

Stormwater Inspection Program

The Stormwater Inspection Program helps identify potential stormwater concerns through two types of inspections. 1) Outfall inspections entail locating and then gathering data on outfall condition, evaluating surrounding area, and conducting water quality tests to determine levels of various pollutants. The purpose is to locate potential pollution, or “illicit discharges” that could be flowing into ditches, streams, or rivers. 2) Stormwater BMP inspections include evaluating a variety of installations designed to slow runoff and filter water to reduce stress on our sewer systems and clean stormwater before it reaches our streams, rivers and lakes. The Inspection Coordinator will be trained in data collection methods, how to recognize issues and appropriate protocols for conducting tests.

Position Description

The Americorps member will spend approximately 50% of their time on tasks related to the education programs and approximately 25% of their time on tasks related to the Stormwater Inspection Program and Small Business Project, respectively. Specific tasks may include:

• Developing an understanding of state & federal regulatory requirements surrounding stormwater pollution prevention & ensuring that programs adhere to applicable regulations
• Researching & communicating ways that the public can improve water quality through the development of educational web pages, pamphlets, social media posts, & other resources
• Organizing and attending community events hosted by Sweet Water or other partners
• Recruiting & managing Adopt Your Drain volunteers and Stormwater Inspection Program volunteers and interns
• Using a data collection app or other mechanisms to record data; collecting water samples & conducting tests following a strict protocol; conducting bacteria plating in a lab setting
• Navigating on often uneven terrain using maps to locate points; working outside in various weather conditions
• Canvassing business districts and serving as field lead for a small team
• Developing reports for the aforementioned programs
• Increasing capacity at Sweet Water according to the organization’s needs and the AmeriCorps member’s skills and abilities

Necessary Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Flexibility to work on weekends when needed, primarily May-October
• Ability to engage in fieldwork
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car
• Must be able to attend mandatory AmeriCorps orientation on September 11-15, 2023 and midterm training in Spring 2024 (exact dates TBD)
• Working knowledge of challenges facing regional waterways, or willingness to learn quickly
• Strong attention to detail and work ethic
• Friendly, approachable demeanor and interpersonal and public speaking skills
• Passion for engaging local communities to address environmental issues
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work
• Passion for using creative problem solving skills to address complex issues

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working at community outreach or volunteer events and/or canvassing
• Social media and/or marketing skills
• Graphic design experience or a willingness to learn to use graphic design programs to create educational content
• Some experience with ArcGIS Online or other GIS system, or a willingness to learn
• Some experience with water quality testing, or a willingness to learn
• Some experience with field work, or a willingness to learn

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time AmeriCorps position. Members must commit to a year of service. Members must complete 1700 hours of service, averaging 35-40 hours per week from September 11, 2023 – August 31, 2024.
• AmeriCorps Members receive a monthly living allowance (approx. $826.92 gross pay every two weeks), health insurance, and an educational award ($6,895) after successful completion of a year of service.
• Eligible to receive a basic health, dental and vision insurance plan (premium paid by AmeriCorps program), which covers only the member; it is not available to other family members.
• Childcare assistance (household income must qualify), 80-100% of care costs.
• Forbearance on qualified student loans and interest accrual payments while serving.

Accepting Applications

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until August 8th or until otherwise filled. Please email Elena Seidenglanz-Bowes at projectstaff@swwtwater.org within your application materials (a cover letter and resume). Use the subject line “AmeriCorps Outreach Coordinator 2023 Application [YOUR NAME]”.

Working Conditions

Currently, we are working approximately 75% of the time from our office and 25% of the time remotely. This is subject to change.
When it comes to field work, the intern should expect to traverse some rugged terrain while carrying a field kit in order to access outfalls for inspections. The intern should also have access to a car or other form of transportation in order to travel to, from, and between field inspections and community events.
The AmeriCorps member should also have access to a car or other form of transportation in order to travel to, from, and between community events.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Milwaukee, WI 53204: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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