Location of Service: City of Oak Ridge Stormwater – 100 Woodbury Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
About City of Oak Ridge Stormwater:
Oak Ridge, TN has a rich history and was instrumental in the United States win over Nazi Germany during WWII because of the development of the atomic bomb. Known as the “Secret City”, Oak Ridge was not on any maps and 100,000 workers were brought to the city to work on a Top Secret war project, known as the Manhattan Project. The City of Oak Ridge is located in the eastern part of Tennessee, approximately 22 miles northwest of Knoxville, with a population of approximately 27,000. Oak Ridge is approximately 92 square miles in area with all residential, commercial, and municipal-owned portions making up 30 square miles. The remaining area of the City is still owned by the Department of Energy, which includes a national laboratory and a national security complex. The City of Oak Ridge has become a thriving solid community. Known for its world-class science, Oak Ridge is one of the most influential cities in the United States. Residents have limitless amenities that make day-to-day living a pleasure. Safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, award-winning schools, top-notch healthcare, and a traditional sense of community, make Oak Ridge the perfect environment to nurture a family or to nest for retirement.
Position Summary:
As a mandated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), the City of Oak Ridge gives CAC AmeriCorps members the unique opportunity to assist in expanding the city’s stormwater program under the direction of the Stormwater Coordinator. This position provides a mix of office, field, classroom, and event work as well as a variety of experiences and opportunities.
- Manage the City of Oak Ridge Healthy Waters program, which focuses on education and outreach related to stormwater quality.
- Work with students of all ages, as well as the general public.
- Collaborate and support other AmeriCorps members and professionals working at related organizations when appropriate.
- Assist the Stormwater Coordinator and Public Works Department in a variety of tasks to maintain compliance with the NPDES MS4 Stormwater Permit.
- Support larger city events by serving on event committees and assisting with event execution.
- Work together with other AmeriCorps member at the City to plan, create outreach materials, and host educational events, presentations, and workshops focused on water quality improvement measures for a variety of age groups.
- Coordinate community volunteer events aimed at improving water quality in Oak Ridge.
- Recruit and train volunteers for Oak Ridge’s Adopt-A-Stream Program and Adopt-A-Street programs.
- Bring information to the general public by tabling at community events, hosting special events, and managing the Healthy Waters Program’s social media presence.
- Assist in conducting stream surveys to identify problem areas.
- Perform basic chemical tests on pipe outfalls to detect potential illicit discharges in streams.
- Help prevent municipal stormwater pollution in City departments.
- Create and/or expand on special projects, such as rain gardens, social media presence, rain barrel initiatives, community river clean ups, invasive species removal, and school projects.
The member(s) in this position will have the opportunity to gain the following skills/credentials:
- Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Level 1 certification offered by the TN Department of Environment and Conservation.
- Fieldwork experience, public speaking skills, and event planning skills.
- 40-hour HAZWOPER training offered by Y12’s SafetyFest.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Forestry, or related field.
- Knowledge of software programs such as MS Office and proficiency using email, virtual meeting software, and social media platforms.
- Experience organizing/leading volunteer events, public speaking, and educating different groups of people
- Ability to navigate uneven terrain, and work in challenging weather conditions with exposure to poisonous plants and polluted urban streams on rare occasions.
- Ability to work in a team of two AmeriCorps members in an office setting with little supervision at times.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor when engaged in public activities.
- Ability to explain relevant information clearly to a variety of public audiences in both written and verbal forms.
- Ability to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work.
Equal Opportunity Statement: AmeriCorps prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, generic information, military service, or reprisal.