Summary

The Michiana Area Council of Governments is seeking to fill multiple AmeriCorps member service positions, including one or more members serving with enFocus Inc.

Member Position/Title: AmeriCorps Member - Urban Forestry Nursery Coordination Assistant

Member Immediate Supervisor: Bradley Kauffman

Starting Date: Approximately May to August 2024

Days / Hours of Service: Monday – Friday; some evening & weekend assignments.  

Benefits: As a summer AmeriCorps member serving 300 hours, the position includes a living allowance of up to $4,620, an educational award of up to $1,459.26, and loan deferment and interest forbearance on federally-guaranteed student loans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, professional development opportunities, and exclude retirement contributions.

Organization Mission and/or Goals:   enFocus is a 501(c)(3) community-organization founded in 2012, with a mission of empowering talent to build stronger communities through a Fellowship model that places young professionals on impact projects within the region. Aligned with South Bend’s Carbon Neutral 2050 plan, the City of South Bend and enFocus are working to increase the Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) by establishing 10 new sites within the South Bend Urban Tree Nursery Network.

Essential duties and responsibilities: 

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The Member will:

• Review current nursery inventory and operations processes and assist in development of tools and procedures to manage nursery sites across the South Bend Urban Tree Nursery Network

• Assist in design and development of 10 new urban tree nursery sites including creation of site maps & maintenance plans

• Coordinate and manage assembly of nursery irrigation components according to South Bend Forestry specifications

• Research structure and funding opportunities to drive sustainable urban forestry maintenance and expansion

• Participate in local events hosted by partner organizations: enFocus, City Office of Sustainability, Shirley Heinze Land Trust, etc.

• Engage with organizations driving Urban Tree Canopy management: City Forester (Venues, Parks & Arts Division), City Office of Sustainability, and enFocus, Inc. to solicit feedback from partners and participants to ensure the program is aligned with participant interest, employer needs, and city priorities.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities:

• Ability to commute to the enFocus office and around nurseries in South Bend

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:

• Ability to communicate effectively and possess basic conflict resolution skills and experience or willingness to improve public speaking skills

• Ability to adapt as a part of a team and willingness to grow leadership skills

• Effective verbal, writing, and editing skills

• Strong research skills

• Ability to perform effectively and independently

• Responsible, organized and provides attention to detail

• Knowledge of computer and software programs, i.e. Word, Excel, Google Doc., etc.

• Ability to operate successfully alone and within groups

Environmental Adaptability:

• Ability to serve effectively in an office environment and in diverse natural settings under a range of weather conditions

Service Hours: 

• 9:00am - 5:00pm (occasional evening events)