Rural Community Development Apprentice
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment seeks a full-time Rural Community Development Apprentice to work with rural communities and collaboratives throughout California. The position is based in the very rural northern Sierra town of Taylorsville. The duration of this position is six to nine months, but successful apprenticeships frequently result in full time, regular employment with us.
Job Duties
The apprentice will be involved in a variety of projects focused on forest and watershed health, rural community development, forest industry workforce development, environmental justice and the well-being of rural communities. The position involves substantial research, writing and collaboration with community partners.
Working with the Rural Development Team, the apprentice will:
- Contribute to planning and implementation of community workshops that measure socio-economic conditions in Sierra Nevada forested communities;
- Support program planning efforts centered around workforce development in forest restoration;
- Conduct outreach, project support, and assessment efforts with programs supporting forest restoration crews working in rural areas of the state as well as with Tribally run forestry crews;
- Draft reports on water related needs in tribal communities and under resourced communities across the Sierra Nevada;
- Conduct background research on issues related to environmental justice and rural community well-being;
- Gather and organize information on biomass utilization, bioenergy technologies, and innovative wood products businesses.
- Responsibilities may also include participating in rural youth enrichment activities, assisting with administrative duties in the main office, or other organizational support activities.
The Apprentice will have a commitment to environmental stewardship and promoting economically vibrant and equitable rural communities.
Qualifications
- Experience working with underserved communities;
- Interest in environmental justice issues in rural communities;
- An undergraduate or advanced degree in the social science, natural resources or related field;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel);
- A willingness to work and live in a rural, mountainous area that receives snow and ice in winter;
- A team-oriented perspective with a productive level of self-guidance and initiative;
- An ability to bring critical thinking skills, creativity, and laughter to the workplace;
- A personal vehicle for transportation outside of work;
- Experience living and/or working in a rural setting and a strong desire to learn about rural issues.
- Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Skills or experiences that can fill in for desired qualifications may be considered.
More Details
About the Sierra Institute
The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work is grounded by the concept of triple bottom line values, supporting initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. The organization is more than 20 years old, has experienced significant recent growth, and continues to evolve in its projects and partners.
Location
Sierra Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within a large mountain meadow referred to as “Indian Valley,” which includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community events and is surrounded by many outdoor recreation opportunities within nearby public lands including Plumas and Lassen National Forests, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Compensation
The apprentice will receive approximately $1,800/month, plus shared housing and the option to participate in the organization’s health insurance benefits. The Sierra Institute will provide fully furnished, utilities-paid accommodation within a 15-minute drive of the Sierra Institute office.
COVID 19
As of this posting, Sierra Institute staff are working through a hybrid model, with some staff primarily in the office, and some staff working primarily in a remote setting. We anticipate in June 2021 we will be fully in person at the office and expect the apprentice will work out of our office in Taylorsville. Our in office staff are following COVID -19 safety protocols informed by the latest research and evidence.
How to Apply
Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Rural Community Development Apprentice” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on March 23, 2021, but the position is open until filled. Please call (530) 284-1022 with questions.