SNAP (SAMPLE) Position Description
Position Description
Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership
Position descriptions are used by the SNAP Program to recruit members. Please complete the
following form and submit it with your Host Site Application or Reapplication. If you are applying
to host more than one member you will need to submit a separate position description for each
position you are applying for unless the positions are exactly the same and will have the same
service plan. Please keep this document to two pages or less
Position Title: Sustainable Sierra Communities Program Assistant
Host Site: Sierra Nevada Alliance
Site Supervisor: Dan Keenan, Sustainable Sierra Communities Program Manager
Contact: 530-542-4546 Ext. 315 dan@sierranevadaalliance.org
Position Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Organization Description: Since 1993, the Sierra Nevada Alliance, a non-profit organization, has been
protecting and restoring Sierra lands, water, wildlife and communities. The organization is an Alliance of
conservation groups that are based or work in the Sierra Nevada region. There are over eighty-five Member
Groups that span the entire 400 mile mountain range. The Sierra Nevada Alliance unites individuals and groups
behind a common vision. The Alliance envisions a Sierra where natural and human communities coexist in
harmony. A Sierra where residents and visitors alike understand and value the unique qualities of the range and
protect the places they love.
Program Description: The Sierra Nevada is known for its rich rural character, but now more than ever, we
face challenges that threaten our natural landscapes, resources and way of life. To meet current challenges, the
Alliance is forging new ground in the Sierra by encouraging Sustainable Communities. The goal of the
Sustainable Sierra Communities program is to foster and support local actions and planning that establish
building blocks for more resilient, thriving Sierra communities. Through on-the-ground projects, model programs,
publications, workshops and events, we empower people and organizations for a sustainable future.
Position Description: The program assistant will join the staff of the Sustainable Sierra Communities
Program in 2012 to work on watershed restoration projects, outreach campaigns and community events to help
Sierra residents live more sustainably. Service will focus on sustainable homes & gardens, river health, water
quality, water conservation and green house gas emissions reduction. In addition, members will engage in
ongoing efforts by communities working on sustainability visioning, planning and action through on-the-ground
projects, outreach events, workshops and publications.
Major Roles and Responsibilities: The main project is assisting with the Truckee River-Friendly Landscaping
Program. Members will conduct home consultations and develop site plans to help homeowners maintain a
sustainable yard & garden that helps keep the Truckee River clean and healthy. This project also conducts
outreach and community events to encourage Sierra-friendly gardening and residential erosion control
measures. For other projects in the Sustainable Sierra Communities Program, members will: coordinate
volunteer watershed restoration projects; coordinate “The Biggest Carbon Loser,” a community-wide event to
reduce green house gas emissions; work with the City of South Lake Tahoe Sustainability Commission; write
newsletter articles; publish the Annual Case Studies in Sustainability; assist with the Sierra Nevada Alliance’s
SNAP (SAMPLE) Position Description
19th Annual Conference; and assist with other events, workshops, outreach and on-the-ground projects that are
part of the Sustainable Sierra Communities Program. See the full service plan for more information.
Required Qualifications:







Ability to work at a computer station and typing for up to 8 hours a day
Ability to hike and be on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time to assess sites and monitor volunteers
Ability to drive for up to 8 hours to access sites and trainings across the Sierra
Strong computer and organizational skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work well independently and with others
A passion for the Sierra, it’s environmental issues and the grassroots movements working to protect and
restore the “Range of Light”
Desired Qualifications:



Experience in environmental education, creating outreach materials, volunteer coordination, and event
planning
An understanding of watersheds and sustainable landscaping practices
An understanding of climate change and individual and community actions to reduce emissions
Additional Benefits: Perks of Serving as an AmeriCorps Member at the Sierra Nevada Alliance





Live on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe, a Mecca for outdoor recreation activities including skiing,
mountain biking, rock climbing, sailing and hiking.
Work in a fun, friendly office that is a great place to develop professional skills and learn from others
Gain valuable experience and networking opportunities by working with the Sierra Nevada Alliance, an
organization that is a network of over 100 conservation groups in the Sierra Nevada
Have the opportunity to lead projects and manage volunteer interns
Get assistance from our welcoming staff with relocation and settling in as needed
Website: Visit www.sierranevadaalliance.org (see Programs: Sustainable Sierra Communities) for a more
detailed service plan and information on the Sustainable Sierra Communities Program