I. Volunteer Position Descriptions Field Placement Partner: Climate Change Initiative of Howard County (CCIHC) Title: Coordinator, Advocacy Program Background: Although climate change is a daunting issue, individuals, organizations, schools, government and business can take actions to mitigate the effects of global warming. Through CCIHC’s small group discussions, participants come to understand our individual and collective power to shape an effective response and create a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. At the local, state and federal levels, CCIHC supports efforts to establish and reinforce energy conservation and clean energy policies. CCIHC forms discussion circles of six to twelve members who meet approximately four to eight times using Discussion Guides from the non-profit Northwest Earth Institute http://nwei.org/ The basic guide is Global Warming: Changing Co2 Course. Guides have series of essays, a facilitator’s guide with questions. Circle members often go on to further actions after the discussion circles complete the curriculum, especially CCIHC advocacy efforts. CCIHC is a Partner with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), the Earth Forum of Howard County and the Howard County Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment. CCAN www.chesapeakeclimate.org/ is part of the Alliance for Climate Change and sponsors advocacy campaigns that CCIHC supports. CCAN is the fiduciary agent for tax-deductible contributions to CCIHC. Fact sheets, fliers and handouts for recruiting and establishing discussion circles and information about advocacy issues are all available on the CCIHC website www.hococlimatechange.org The CCIHC email address is HoCoClimateChange@gmail.com Position Description: Responsibilities include working with the Steering Committee of the CCIHC. The Coordinator of the Advocacy Program will help the committee accomplish the following tasks:
Skills and Abilities Needed The ability to interact effectively with people of different ages, genders, and geographic locations in the County is essential. This position requires email and word processing skills, the ability to express the organization’s goals orally and in writing, and availability to attend meetings with government and other representatives and partner organizations. The ability to organize records and contact lists is helpful. Mentors/Supervisor Ruth Alice White is the Supervisor for the position. Margo Deusterhaus and Betsy Singer are Mentors. Training Ruth Alice White provides training for organizing advocacy programs Location and Work Site The Legacy Leader should be able to work off site and join CCIHC members for monthly meetings usually on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Columbia. Work Schedule The work can be performed as needed to complete the 150 hours of field placement required by HoLLIE. Special Considerations The Legacy Leader may be asked to staff a tabletop display at CCIHC’s booth at the Howard County Greenfest on April 2, 2011, at monthly Earth Forums (third Sunday) and the Howard County Fair. *****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Title: Coordinator, Discussion Circle
Program
Background: Although climate change is a daunting issue, individuals, organizations, schools, government and business can take actions to mitigate the effects of global warming. Through CCIHC’s program for small group discussions, participants come to understand our individual and collective power to shape an effective response and create a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. CCIHC forms discussion circles of six to twelve members who meet approximately four to eight times using Discussion Guides from the non-profit Northwest Earth Institute http://nwei.org/ The basic guide is Global Warming: Changing Co2 Course. Guides have a series of essays and a facilitator’s guide with questions. Circle members often take further actions on their own or as a group after the discussion circles complete the curriculum. Additional NWEI Discussion Guides are Menu for the Future, Voluntary Simplicity, Healthy Children, Healthy Planet, Choices for Sustainable Living and the new World of Health. CCIHC trains people as circle starters, facilitators, and mentors and is pursuing additional venues for discussion circles. A website, www.hococlimatechange.org , and email, HoCoClimateChange@gmail.com provide tools for communication. Fact sheets, fliers and handouts for recruiting and establishing discussion circles are all available on the website. Position Description: Responsibilities include working with the Steering Committee
of the CCIHC. The Coordinator of the
Discussion Circle Program will help the committee accomplish the following
tasks:
Skills and Abilities Needed The ability to interact effectively with people of different ages, genders, and geographic locations in the County is essential. This position requires email and word processing skills, the ability to express the organization’s goals orally and in writing, and availability to attend meetings with a variety of potential circle starters and partner organizations. The ability to organize records and contact lists is helpful. Mentors/Supervisor Lore Rosenthal is the Supervisor for the position. Margo Deusterhaus and Betsy Singer are Mentors. Training Lore Rosenthal provides training for organizing Discussion Circles. Training includes attending and participating in a Discussion Circle. Location and Work Site The Legacy Leader should be able to work off site and join CCIHC members for monthly meetings usually on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Columbia. Work Schedule The work can be performed as needed to complete the 150 hours of field placement required by HoLLIE. Special Considerations The Legacy Leader may be asked to staff a tabletop display at CCIHC’s booth at the Howard County Greenfest on April 2, 2011, at monthly Earth Forums (third Sunday) and the Howard County Fair. *****************************************************************************************************************************************************
II. Volunteer Position Description Volunteer Environmental Educator Field Placement Partner: Howard County Recreation and Parks Title: Volunteer Environmental Educator (2+ positions available)
Organization: Howard County Recreation and Parks Natural Resources Division 7120 Oakland Mills Road Columbia ,MD 21046
Title: Volunteer Environmental Educator Background: Howard County Recreation and Parks’ (HCRP) mission is to “promote opportunities for all residents to pursue safe and enjoyable leisure activities in balance with the protection and conservation of natural resources”. To assist in this endeavor, the county is in the process of building the Robinson Nature Center (RNC) where we can further facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of our natural resources through experience-based education. The RNC is scheduled to open in spring 2011. Position Description: HCRP needs volunteers to assist in all aspects of environmental education programming to facilitate bridging the gap between people and nature. Volunteers will be involved in planning and development of programs for the RNC and the adjacent Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). Responsibilities to complete the required volunteer hours will depend on skills and interest and could include: · Creating, piloting and evaluating single topic environmental education program(s) for the future RNC. · Developing RNC ‘Discovery Room’ hands-on activities for children. Possible examples are a puppet theater program, single topic activity drawers (feathers, tracks, etc.), or educational displays. · Planning and leading nature hikes for the public in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). To include topic development, marketing and program evaluation. · Planning, coordinating, leading and evaluating a special event day at the MPEA, or the future RNC. Possibilities could include National Trails Day or International Migratory Bird Day. · Working with the new RNC Director (to be hired in January 2011) to develop projects and programs of interest. Skills and Abilities Needed · Ability to interact effectively with a variety of different people. · Interest in direct contact with nature and enthusiasm for the outdoors is necessary. · Basic computer skills: E-mail and WORD. Mentors/Supervisors Robin Rosebrough, MPEA
Environmental Education Program Coordinator, and Cheryl
Farfaras, MPEA Natural Resources Manager and/or Jeff Claffy,
MPEA Assistant Natural Resources Manager will be the primary contacts. Other HCRP
Natural Resources Division staff will be available to provide advice and
consultation as needed. It is
anticipated that the RNC Director will be hired in January, and will serve as
mentor on nature center projects and programs. Training Training will be available as
needed to assist in completion of selected projects. Location and Work Site The Legacy Leader will be asked to provide computer and e-mail capability from home. Shared office space at HCRP Natural Resources Division will be provided as available and needed. It is expected that the Legacy Leader will conduct work outdoors as needed at the MPEA and future RNC site. Work Schedule Work on projects and programs to complete the volunteer hours will be planned to be mutually convenient for the Legacy Leader and the mentors/supervisors. In general it is expected that the Legacy Leader will work approximately one day or two half days per week. Special Considerations All volunteers for HCRP who have any contact with minors are required to have a criminal background check. This will be provided at no cost to the Legacy Leader.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************** III.
Volunteer Position Description Field Placement Partner: The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Field Placement Partner: The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Title: Coordinator of Volunteer Staff for HCPSS Grade 4 Environmental Field Experience Background: The mission of the Howard County Public School System is to ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will participate responsibly in a diverse and changing world. The mission of the Elementary Science office is to promote the environmental literacy and stewardship of all students. This trans-disciplinary field experience has been developed to provide fourth grade students an opportunity to apply their previous knowledge of objectives learned in Elementary Environmental and Earth Science, Social Studies, and Health Units to important local issues related to these curricula. Students learn about the history of farming in Howard County and explore how farming conservation practices, monitoring water/stream quality, planting of native species vs. “exotic species”, and composting can preserve and protect the local environment. They also learn about current farming in Howard County and how including local food products in their daily diets can reinforce healthy eating habits and reduce our “carbon footprint.” Description of Position Howard County Public School System requires the services of a person who would work with the HCPSS Elementary Science Coordinator and Resource Teacher to: · Communicate and/or meet with HCPSS and partner organizations to develop a schedule of volunteers from these partner organizations for various investigation stations on days of program events · Attend all program meetings/trainings, as well as each of the four days of the program (being held at the HC Fairgrounds) · Maintain contact with HCPSS Elementary Science Office and OEOH partner organizations · Prepare emails, sign in sheets, contact lists and other various communication tools · Help to develop volunteer training schedule and be a participant in those trainings · Facilitate the daily operations of the field experience · Lead an investigation station during the OEOH event · Reflect, organize notes, and propose revisions to the program coordination and facilitator, teacher, and student handbooks · Research grant opportunities for future funding sources to ensure sustainability of the program in future years Skills and Abilities Needed The person in this position will need to: · Demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for the environmental education of our students and community. · Interact effectively with people of different ages, genders, and geographic locations in the county. · Be able to utilize Microsoft Word, in particular Excel and Word. · Possess organizational skills and demonstrate ability in written and oral communication skills. · Be task orientated, dependable, and adhere to timelines. Mentor(s) and Supervisor Karen Learmouth, Coordinator, HCPSS Elementary Science is the primary mentor for this position. Amy Reese, Resource teacher, HCPSS Elementary Science is available to assist the Legacy Leader and to provide advice and consultation. Other mentors may include members from other partner organizations involved in developing this program. Training Training/mentoring will be available for Legacy Leaders by the Elementary Office Staff in order to understand the bigger picture of the purpose of the program and the tasks that are required to make it run smoothly for schools and students. Part of the training for the Legacy Leader will include effective strategies for working with 4th grade students. This will help the Legacy Leader to perform the described duties effectively. Location and Work Site Legacy Leader will be asked to: · Provide computer and email capability from home, or other facility · Attend occasional meetings with HCPSS Elementary Science Office and partner organizations will be held at locations TBD · Attend the four days of the program, which will be held at the HC Fairgrounds Work Schedule Legacy Leader will work whenever it is convenient and timely for him/herself, the supervisor, and the partner organizations involved in this program. The goal is to ensure the work is completed based on the timeline, which will be shared/discussed in more detail once the position begins. Special Considerations This Field Experience program occurs in late May. This would be a time-intensive position for 3-4 months (March – May/June). *****************************************************************************************************************************************************
HoLLIE Job Description 2011 - Public Program Researcher Responsibilities: Goal: Assist the Conservancy's Program Committee to expand and enrich program offerings by investigating scope and specifics of public programs offered by other nature centers, historic farm properties, and land conserancies across the nation. Create summary report for each of the three with resource notebooks of specific examples and documents (electronic or hard copy). Qualifications: Self motivated, curious, persistent researcher. Ability to organize and transcribe findings. Computer/internet literate. Time Commitments: 150 hours to meet HoLLIE internship requirements. Schedule is flexible. Program Committee meets on first Tuesday mornings of each month. Work can be accomplished at the Conervancy or at home. Supervisor/Direct Report: Initially the Program Committee Chairperson. Supervisor would change for other research projects. Examples of Land Trust research: 1-) Information for new property owners - folks who buy properties with an easement in place - what the easement requires, how we can help them, getting to know the conservancy; etc... This would be a package of information and a policy on when and how this would be tracked. 2-) Stewardship funds required for eased properties - an evaluation of both, do we have enough funds for the current properties, are our fees adequate to steward the properties, and what should be required of new properties? 3-) Priorities of where we should acquire easements/focus areas. While we do have some internal guidelines (next to streams, historic, adjacent to other easements, etc) this should be spelled out more clearly. 4-) Formal, written procedure to train and oversee easement monitors - we have pieces of this, but again it needs to be put together. 5-) Written policy of how to evaluate a property to see if there are hazardous materials before we acquire an easement. Howard
County Conservancy Route 99 Woodstock MD ********************************************************************************************************************************** V. Volunteer Position Descriptions Stream Cleanup Director, Membership Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Stream Watch Coordinator, Storm Drain Stenciling Coordinator, Rain Barrel Coordinator
Field Placement Partner: The Friends of the Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway
Six volunteer position descriptions (VPD) are listed below (2+ positions available)
Organization: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway P. O. Box 96, Ellicott City, MD 21041 phone: 410-480-0824, email: PatapscoFriend@gmail.com Title: Stream Cleanup Director Background: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway (PHG) is a local 501c3 non-profit run primarily through the energy, commitment and passion of our members and volunteers. PHG evolved from an environmental committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation and was created in 1999 by a group of local citizens to preserve, protect and enhance the history, heritage and environment of the Patapsco River Valley. PHG sponsors opportunities for volunteers of all ages to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings and invasive plant removal events. PHG is also committed to environmental education and outreach, conducting regular stream watch training, stream cleanup leader training, rain barrel workshops and other environmental seminars. Other events related to our mission such as guided hikes, bike rides and kayak rides, as well as informal history talks by local amateur historians are also conducted throughout the year. Description of Position: Stream Cleanup Director main emphasis will be during the spring and fall. Responsibilities include:
Skills and Abilities Needed
Mentors and Supervisor: Susan Kane, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator and Betsy McMillion, Executive Director Training: To be determined between HOLLIE volunteer and Susan Kane for mutually acceptable times and dates during March-April. Location and Work Site: Training will be conducted in the field at locations within the Patapsco Valley area (Ellicott City, Elkridge, Catonsville, Arbutus, etc.) and/or in our office located at 8030 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Work Schedule: Flexible – depends on mutually agreed upon times. Some weekend hours may be required to participate in environmental events, usually from 9 am – 12 pm. **********************************************************************************************************************************Title: Membership Coordinator Background: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway (PHG) is a local 501c3 non-profit run primarily through the energy, commitment and passion of our members and volunteers. PHG evolved from an environmental committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation and was created in 1999 by a group of local citizens to preserve, protect and enhance the history, heritage and environment of the Patapsco River Valley. PHG sponsors opportunities for volunteers of all ages to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings and invasive plant removal events. PHG is also committed to environmental education and outreach, conducting regular stream watch training, stream cleanup leader training, rain barrel workshops and other environmental seminars. Other events related to our mission such as guided hikes, bike rides and kayak rides, as well as informal history talks by local amateur historians are also conducted throughout the year. Description of Position: Membership Coordinator’s responsibilities (throughout the year) include:
Skills and Abilities Needed
Mentors and Supervisor: Susan Kane, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator and Betsy McMillion, Executive Director Training: To be determined between HOLLIE volunteer and Susan Kane for mutually acceptable times and dates during March-April. Location and Work Site: Training will be conducted in the field at locations within the Patapsco Valley area (Ellicott City, Elkridge, Catonsville, Arbutus, etc.) and/or in our office located at 8030 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Work Schedule: Flexible–depends on mutually agreed upon times between staff and membership coordinator. ********************************************************************************************************Title: Volunteer Coordinator Background: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway (PHG) is a local 501c3 non-profit run primarily through the energy, commitment and passion of our members and volunteers. PHG evolved from an environmental committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation and was created in 1999 by a group of local citizens to preserve, protect and enhance the history, heritage and environment of the Patapsco River Valley. PHG sponsors opportunities for volunteers of all ages to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings and invasive plant removal events. PHG is also committed to environmental education and outreach, conducting regular stream watch training, stream cleanup leader training, rain barrel workshops and other environmental seminars. Other events related to our mission such as guided hikes, bike rides and kayak rides, as well as informal history talks by local amateur historians are also conducted throughout the year. Description of Position: Volunteer Coordinator’s responsibilities (throughout the year) include:
Skills and Abilities Needed
Mentors and Supervisor: Susan Kane, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator and Betsy McMillion, Executive Director Training: To be determined between HOLLIE volunteer and Susan Kane for mutually acceptable times and dates during March-April. Location and Work Site: Training will be conducted in the field at locations within the Patapsco Valley area (Ellicott City, Elkridge, Catonsville, Arbutus, etc.) and/or in our office located at 8030 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Work Schedule: Flexible–depends on mutually agreed upon times between staff and membership coordinator. ********************************************************************************************************Title: Stream Watch Coordinator Background: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway (PHG) is a local 501c3 non-profit run primarily through the energy, commitment and passion of our members and volunteers. PHG evolved from an environmental committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation and was created in 1999 by a group of local citizens to preserve, protect and enhance the history, heritage and environment of the Patapsco River Valley. PHG sponsors opportunities for volunteers of all ages to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings and invasive plant removal events. PHG is also committed to environmental education and outreach, conducting regular stream watch training, stream cleanup leader training, rain barrel workshops and other environmental seminars. Other events related to our mission such as guided hikes, bike rides and kayak rides, as well as informal history talks by local amateur historians are also conducted throughout the year. Description of Position: Stream Watch Coordinator main emphasis will be during the spring and fall. Responsibilities include:
Skills and Abilities Needed
Mentors and Supervisor: Susan Kane, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator and Betsy McMillion, Executive Director Training: To be determined between HOLLIE volunteer and Susan Kane for mutually acceptable times and dates during March-April. Location and Work Site: Training will be conducted in the field at locations within the Patapsco Valley area (Ellicott City, Elkridge, Catonsville, Arbutus, etc.) and/or in our office located at 8030 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Work Schedule: Flexible – depends on mutually agreed upon times between stream watch coordinator and stream watch volunteers. Occasional weekend hours may be required to meet with stream watcher at a mutually agreed upon time or weekday evening hours to trouble shoot or provide training for volunteers working full time. ********************************************************************************************************Title: Storm Drain Stenciling Coordinator Background: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway (PHG) is a local 501c3 non-profit run primarily through the energy, commitment and passion of our members and volunteers. PHG evolved from an environmental committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation and was created in 1999 by a group of local citizens to preserve, protect and enhance the history, heritage and environment of the Patapsco River Valley. PHG sponsors opportunities for volunteers of all ages to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings and invasive plant removal events. PHG is also committed to environmental education and outreach, conducting regular stream watch training, stream cleanup leader training, rain barrel workshops and other environmental seminars. Other events related to our mission such as guided hikes, bike rides and kayak rides, as well as informal history talks by local amateur historians are also conducted throughout the year. Description of Position: Storm Drain Stenciling Coordinator main emphasis will be during the spring and fall. Responsibilities include:
Skills and Abilities Needed
Mentors and Supervisor: Susan Kane, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator and Betsy McMillion, Executive Director Training: To be determined between HOLLIE volunteer and Susan Kane for mutually acceptable times and dates during March-April. Location and Work Site: Training will be conducted in the field at locations within the Patapsco Valley area (Ellicott City, Elkridge, Catonsville, Arbutus, etc.) and/or in our office located at 8030 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Work Schedule: Flexible – to be determined based on volunteer’s preference. Occasional weekend hours or evening hours may be required for workshop or exhibits. ************************** Title: Rain Barrel Coordinator Background: The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway (PHG) is a local 501c3 non-profit run primarily through the energy, commitment and passion of our members and volunteers. PHG evolved from an environmental committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation and was created in 1999 by a group of local citizens to preserve, protect and enhance the history, heritage and environment of the Patapsco River Valley. PHG sponsors opportunities for volunteers of all ages to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings and invasive plant removal events. PHG is also committed to environmental education and outreach, conducting regular stream watch training, stream cleanup leader training, rain barrel workshops and other environmental seminars. Other events related to our mission such as guided hikes, bike rides and kayak rides, as well as informal history talks by local amateur historians are also conducted throughout the year. Description of Position: Rain Barrel Coordinator main emphasis will be during the spring and fall. Responsibilities include:
Skills and Abilities Needed
Mentors and Supervisor: Susan Kane, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator and Betsy McMillion, Executive Director Training: To be determined between HOLLIE volunteer and Susan Kane for mutually acceptable times and dates during March-April. Location and Work Site: Training will be conducted in the field at locations within the Patapsco Valley area (Ellicott City, Elkridge, Catonsville, Arbutus, etc.) and/or in our office located at 8030 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Work Schedule: Flexible – to be determined based on volunteer’s preference. Occasional weekend hours or evening hours may be required for workshop or exhibits. *****************************************************************************************************************************************************
VI. Volunteer Position Description Field Placement Partner: The James and Anne Robinson Foundation
Volunteer position descriptions (VPD) are listed below (1-2 positions available)
Organization: The James and Anne Robinson Foundation Enviro-Center http://www.robinsonfoundation.org/
Title: School
Partnership Coordinator
Background: Drawing on the legacy of Anne Robinson, our founder, the Robinson Foundation supports environmental education initiatives in and around Howard County, MD. Our primary focus is support for the Robinson Nature Center; other focal areas include the teaching of natural science programs and the ethics of environmental stewardship and sustainability. In carrying out our mission, we seek to think globally and act locally and to partner with other organizations that share our values. Position Description: The Robinson Foundation needs volunteers to help build partnership between the Foundation and Howard County schools. Current partnerships include Swansfield Elementary, Clemens Crossing Elementary and Atholton High schools. Responsibilities could include: · Coordinating and developing activities with current partner schools · Expanding partnership opportunities with additional schools ·
Coordinating activities with Foundation and Center staff
and key volunteers Mentors/Supervisors: Marianne Pettis,
Interim Director, The James and Anne Robinson Foundation Training: Following an
initial orientation, training will be as needed to complete projects. Location and
Work Site: The Legacy
Leader can either work out of the Foundation’s shared office space or work
through internet connection from a remote location. Work Schedule: Work schedule is
variable depending on project and event.
Most work can be accomplished during regular working hours but there
could be some evening and weekend commitments. ***************************************************************************************
Title: Community Outreach Coordinator Background: Drawing on the legacy of Anne Robinson, our founder, the Robinson Foundation supports environmental education initiatives in and around Howard County, MD. Our primary focus is support for the Robinson Nature Center; other focal areas include the teaching of natural science programs and the ethics of environmental stewardship and sustainability. In carrying out our mission, we seek to think globally and act locally and to partner with other organizations that share our values. Position Description: The Robinson Foundation needs volunteers to help build a bridge between the community and the County’s new Robinson Nature Center. Volunteers will be involved in efforts to build a “Friends” group for the Center through public outreach events. Responsibilities could include: · Planning strategy for community outreach · Developing toolbox for community outreach programs including public announcements, powerpoint presentations and public displays. · Planning and coordinating “Friends” events · Coordinating activities with Foundation and Center staff and key volunteers Mentors/Supervisors: Marianne Pettis, Interim Director, The James and Anne Robinson Foundation Training: Following an initial orientation, training will be as needed to complete projects. Location and Work Site: The Legacy Leader can either work out of the Foundation’s shared office space or work through internet connection from a remote location. Work Schedule: Work schedule is variable depending on project and event. Most work can be accomplished during regular working hours but there could be some evening and weekend commitments. ****************************************************************************************************************************************************
VII. Volunteer Position Description
Field Placement Partner: University of Maryland Extension – Howard County Title: Legacy Leader – Watershed Steward Program
Organization: University of Maryland Extension – Howard County 3300 North Ridge Road Suite 240 Ellicott City, MD 21043 Contact: Georgia Eacker – 410-313-1913 – geacker@umd.edu
Mission: The University of Maryland Extension - Howard County (UME) is a statewide organization that is part of the University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland Eastern Shore with educators and specialists located in twenty-three (23) counties, Baltimore City, College Park and Eastern Shore campuses and regional education facilities. UME provides education in broad areas of agriculture, natural resources, Master Gardeners, watershed, 4-H Youth Development, nutrition, health and wellness. These services reflect the programs available and outreach effort to Howard County consumers. UME is an educational entity involving three levels of government. The federal partner is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the State partner is the land grant university and the County partner is the local government. Background: During the period of July 9, 2009 through the present, a Master Gardener sub-committee of the Bay-Wise Committee has been meeting monthly to discuss issues related to storm water management. Topics and tasks include rain barrels, rain gardens, creation of related displays and public education presentations on these topics. A chart was created by the Master Gardener sub-committee, Storm Water Management Coordinator, listing watershed organizations in Howard County. Subsequently, in 2010 UME - Howard County participated in the HOLLIE program and was fortunate in securing a Legacy Leader who worked with the Master Gardeners and the Master Gardener Program Coordinator in refining this chart of organizations, including contact individuals. These contact persons were asked to ascertain that all information was correct, and subsequently the chart was turned over to the Office on Environmental Sustainability for inclusion on the Live Green website. Also included in discussions during sub-committee meetings, and at the April 10, 2010 Howard County Watershed Forum sponsored by UME - Howard County and conducted by Amanda Rockler, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, was the need for recruitment and use of long-term volunteers to do outreach to citizens, businesses, and developers on the various issues related to storm water management. These discussions and the concerns of Master Gardeners led to exploration of the idea of creating a Watershed Stewards Academy based upon the United States Environmental Agency programs and more locally, its certification program offered by Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. This ultimately led to two Master Gardeners and the Program Coordinator attending an informational meeting at Arlington Echo and then securing a 2010 Legacy Leader, Tim Titus who is willing to attend all training sessions at Arlington Echo. Mr. Titus has also agreed to work with the UME - Howard County, Master Gardeners, Amanda Rockler, and the Master Gardener Program Coordinator in the creation of a Watershed Academy in Howard County. The Master Watershed Steward Program is a certification program involving research based, hands-on training including a capstone project in the participant’s community. Description of position: The responsibilities for this position involve: 1)
Attending
regular meetings with Master Gardeners, Master Gardener Program Coordinator,
the 2010 Legacy Leader, and on occasion, the Regional Watershed Restoration
Specialist to develop a Master Watershed certification program. Tasks will include planning and execution of
an informational session(s) for residents, review of relevant references, as
those created by the EPA, and other resources as those listed in the Watershed
Chart and Water Keeper; the creation of a training program including
appropriate speakers; determining applicant qualifications and the application
procedure. 2) Skills needed: a. E-mail capability (can be done from home or Extension) b. Ease in telephone and on-site communications which will be necessary in contacting agencies, teaching resources (can be done from home, Extension or in the field). c. Ability to interact with other task members in developing a certification program. d. Ability to communicate the objectives and content of the program to potential applicants, Howard County agencies and organizations. e. Leadership skills in working with the planning group. Supervisor: Georgia Eacker will be the main point of contact, orientation and guidance for the Legacy Leader. Other UME faculty, including Amanda Rockler, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist and volunteers will provide support and consultation. Orientation to UME - Howard County will be provided including knowledge of faculty/staff, procedures, use of space and equipment. Work Schedule: An appropriate combination of on-site, field, and at home schedule will be determined through consultation with the site representative. Weekly communication either in person, telephone or e-mail will be needed to maintain mutual understanding of progress and problems. |
Volunteer Role Descriptions - 2011 (written out) |