CURRENT OPENINGS
GREEN COMMUNITY YOUTH AMBASSADOR
GET PAID. WORK OUTDOORS. LEARN NEW SKILLS. HELP GREEN UP ALBANY.
COMPENSATION: $20/hour; $21/hour for bilingual Spanish/English
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Oct 20, 2026
POSITION TERM: Fall 2026–August 2027
HOURS: Approximately 120 hours total; schedule is variable and mostly flexible
LOCATION: All meetings, planting activities, and outreach will take place in Albany
TO APPLY: Complete the application (link below) and provide 2 references indicating why you are a strong candidate for this position.
OVERVIEW
The Calapooia Watershed Council (CWC) is seeking three youth who are enthusiastic about increasing tree canopy and wildlife habitat in Albany to serve as Green Community Youth Ambassadors.
Ambassadors will work closely with CWC’s Education and Habitat Restoration Program Managers to help facilitate community and student planting events and implement an outreach strategy for CWC’s Green Infrastructure Project. Along the way, Ambassadors will gain hands-on experience in habitat enhancement, tree planting and care, stormwater facility maintenance, environmental education, and community outreach.
Ambassadors will receive approximately 40 hours of paid training and work a total of 120 hours between Fall 2026 and August 2027. Work schedules will be mostly flexible. Attendance will be required at scheduled community and planting events, while meetings and other work can generally be scheduled around the availability of the selected team.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Green Community Youth Ambassadors will be vital partners in implementing a city-wide planting project that will include more than 12,000 plants in parks and schools throughout Albany.
These plantings will increase tree canopy and wildlife habitat while providing more shade in community spaces. Increased shade can help keep parks, schools, and other outdoor spaces cooler and more accessible during hot summer months, creating more opportunities for people to spend time outdoors.
Join the Calapooia Watershed Council team as a Green Community Youth Ambassador!
No previous environmental, restoration, tree-planting, or public-speaking experience is required. We will provide the training and support you need to be successful in the position.
ABOUT THE YOUTH AMBASSaDOR POSITION
The primary goals of this position are to help lead student and community volunteer planting events and connect the Albany community with the project.
Through paid training and hands-on experience, Ambassadors will develop skills in tree planting and care, green infrastructure, habitat restoration, communication, environmental education, community engagement, and public speaking.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend required training sessions (dates TBD and scheduled with the selected team).
- Plant trees and other vegetation at selected parks and school campuses in Albany.
- Work alongside CWC staff and community partners, including City of Albany Urban Forestry and Stormwater Maintenance staff, teachers, students, and volunteers.
- Help facilitate and co-lead planting and plant-maintenance events for students and community members.
- Assist with the development, refinement, and implementation of a community outreach strategy.
- Co-lead outreach activities at the Albany Farmers’ Market, Festival Latino, and other community events; host information sessions and presentations at schools and community spaces; and help lead project tours.
- Assist with the creation of maintenance plans for project sites.
- Work as part of a team and help create a positive, welcoming environment for fellow Ambassadors, volunteers, students, and community participants.
We are looking for applicants who:
- Are interested in community service and outreach.
- Are excited about habitat enhancement in Albany.
- Have a desire to be a steward for the natural world.
- Are interested in working with community members and students through both hands-on projects and outreach activities.
- Are dependable and willing to follow through on commitments.
- Are willing to learn new skills and try new things.
- Are comfortable working as part of a team and, after training, with limited direct supervision.
- Are willing to speak with community members and participate in presentations and outreach activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Planting and plant maintenance will take place outdoors and may involve uneven, muddy, or slippery terrain and work in a variety of weather conditions.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
The CWC is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including decisions to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, are based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Questions? Please contact:
Kristen Daly, Youth Education & Outreach Program Manager, at kdaly@calapooia.org.
