We're Hiring! Seeking an AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator for the Adopt Your Drain Program.

Sweet Water is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for its Adopt Your Drain program. This position is to be supported by MCHS AmeriCorps Volunteer Wisconsin program, which is administered by Marshfield Clinic Health System and was developed on behalf of Volunteer Wisconsin, a coalition of local, regional and state organizations committed to serving as the state umbrella organization dedicated to volunteerism. 

Placement Description:

Respect Our Waters is an education and outreach campaign designed by Sweet Water to educate residents of Southeastern Wisconsin about the steps that they can take to protect Lake Michigan and local rivers and streams. The topics that we focus on include:

  • general education about watersheds and stormwater pollution,

  • information about pollutants such as lawn chemicals, pet waste, and excess nutrients that should be kept out of our water, and

  • methods for reducing stormwater runoff such as through the use of rain gardens, rain barrels, etc.

This education is achieved through tabling at community events, the distribution of educational materials, and multi-media campaigns on TV and digital platforms that feature “Sparkles the Water Spaniel”, who educates the public about stormwater pollution. 

The Adopt Your Drain program is an outgrowth of this education, and it 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 at a residential level by clearing storm drains of debris before and after rainfall. Volunteers can then register their “adopted” drain online so that it appears on an interactive map. Volunteers for this project are recruited through our “Stormwater Block Parties”, which are neighborhood gatherings that feature normal block party celebrations combined with storm drain stenciling activities and storm drain and stormwater pollution prevention education. We are also expanding our TV and digital outreach to better recruit volunteers.

Position Description:

The Americorps member will be primarily engaged in volunteer recruitment and management for the Adopt Your Drain campaign. The Americorps member will help to recruit these volunteers by:

  • Communicating with storm drain “adopters” on a quarterly basis about updates to the program and opportunities to increase involvement with the program

  • Partnering with local neighborhood groups to organize Stormwater Block Parties and facilitating storm drain stenciling and educational activities at these events

  • Attending community events with Respect Our Waters tabling materials to encourage event attendees to adopt a storm drain

  • Coordinating efforts with local volunteer network Code for Milwaukee on improving storm drain adoption map

  • Creating a strategic outreach plan for recruiting adopters through the use of social media, television and digital public service announcements, targeted email campaigns, and other outreach mechanisms

  • Working with various partner organizations (Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, etc.) to link Adopt Your Drain with other relevant projects to help increase awareness and capacity of the program

  • Managing interns who also attend outreach events and develop materials for Respect Our Waters and Adopt Your Drain

  • Increasing capacity at Sweet Water according to organization’s needs and the AmeriCorps member’s skills and abilities

Necessary Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

  • Strong attention to detail and work ethic

  • Friendly, approachable demeanor and interpersonal skills

  • Working knowledge of challenges facing regional waterways, or willingness to learn quickly

  • Passion for engaging local communities to address environmental issues

  • Flexibility to work on weekends when needed, primarily May-October

  • Ability to work independently and prioritize work

  • Passion for using creative problem solving skills to address complex issues

  • Valid driver’s license and access to a car

  • Must be able to attend mandatory Americorps orientation on September 14-18, 2020 and midterm training in January 2021 (exact dates TBD) in the Wisconsin Dells

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience tabling at outreach events

  • Experience working with volunteers

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 14, 2020 – August 31, 2021.

  • AmeriCorps Member receives a monthly living allowance (approx. $549 gross pay every two weeks), health insurance, and an educational award ($6,195) 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.

Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume to Kristin Schoenecker, Watershed Coordination Manager, at kristin@swwtwater.org. We will be accepting applications until August 8, 2020 at 11:55 pm, or until the position is filled. We will update this post if and when we have selected our candidate.

Jake FincherComment