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ReSource Educator (AmeriCorps Member)

Position Title:

AmeriCorps Member - ReSource Educator

Host Site:

Buffalo ReUse, Inc., 158 Eaton Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

Work Schedule:

Full time primarily Tues through Saturday.

Organizational Summary:

Buffalo ReUse is Western New York’s first and only Green Demolition & Salvage company. We are fully licensed and insured to demolish houses, garages, additions and barns, but instead of creating tons of debris which is buried in the landfill we use a method called deconstruction which keeps useable materials out of the landfill. Hundreds of things like doors, tubs, sinks, tiles, chandeliers, brick and dimensional lumber are reclaimed or recycled. We bring the useable materials to our ReSource retail store. The revenue generated from the sale of the used building materials funds our community programming and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Position Summary:

The ReSource is our education and retail destination located at 298 Northampton Street. The ReSource is designed to be an educational hub for the community, providing resources and materials to homeowners that support energy conservation; green rehabilitation; responsible home ownership; and local purchasing. The ABLE Member will provide service to the hundreds of volunteers, tour groups, and clients that enter our store each week. The Member will be responsible for creating and expanding our educational displays; teaching workshops and safety courses; and conducting research necessary to expand the ReSource in a manner that demonstrates ecological and community sensitivity. The ABLE member will develop a year round workshop schedule for community residents; develop interpretive displays to educate and inform customers and residents; compile materials and resources on energy efficiency; and plan special events at the store to encourage recycling and reuse. They will work directly with store staff each day to identify critical ways to serve the needs of our customers and provide additional services and resources.

Essential Functions:

  • Works closely with the Director of Community Programs and ReSource Store Management, and staff, to create a safe, informative, engaging and fun environment for the public
  • Work closely with staff to create a calendar of Do It Yourself workshops about home repair, restoration, remodeling, tool use and safety.
  • Create events and educational displays which educate the public about the materials, tools and process of deconstruction and salvage
  • Conduct tours of the store, lumber and brick yard for the general public, volunteer groups and school programs
  • Educate the public about reuse, recycling, landfill diversion and potential uses for the materials in our inventory
  • Maintain safety and organization of equipment and tool inventory; trouble shooting needs, repairs and cautionary signage
  • Train volunteers to process inventory for sale and reuse
  • Assist with scheduling routes for pick ups of used materials and salvaging materials from houses
  • Seek ways to promote used building materials locally and regionally
  • Assist with tracking sales trends
  • Assist Store Manager with identifying and eliminating safety hazards for customers and staff
  • Identify and implement ways The ReSource can be a hub and example of sustainability, recycling, biofuels, and energy efficiency as a green business.

Proficiencies/Critical Skills:

  • Excellent skills in research, communication and customer service on the phone and in person
  • Ability to maintain grace under pressure and work within an inner-city environment, serving contractors, home owners and the elderly
  • Basic carpentry skills, use of other hand tools and equipment
  • Conduct work in a safe, responsible manner
  • Ability to lift 60lb frequently throughout the day
  • Comfortable in all weather conditions; especially cold as much of the work involves outdoor exposure
  • Familiarity with green methods of weatherization, radiant heat, energy conservation and other innovations
  • Comfortable with internet and data base entry
  • Skilled at drafting or photography

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Driver’s license
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien
  • Able to provide the following documentation: birth certification, driver’s license or state photo ID, social security card and high school diploma or college degree
  • Must undergo a national criminal history check *REQUIRED*
  • Comfort working outdoors and overseeing action oriented, hands-on, work projects.
  • Diligent work ethic.

Experience/Education:

At least 1yr experience working as a handy man, or in a home improvement store or lumber yard

Compensation:

  • Yearly stipend, paid bi-weekly to ABLE member
  • Health insurance and child care offered to full-time ABLE members only
  • Professional trainings, orientation and continuous member support
  • Loan forbearance
  • Education award to be used by recipient to pay qualified student loans and/or educational expenses incurred at a higher education institution of the member’s choice.

Application Procedure

INCOMPLETE PACKETS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Please submit all of the following:

  • Resume, Cover Letter and 3–6 professional references.
  • Email complete packet to caesandra@buffaloreuse.org
  • To all applicants, please make sure your packet details your experience in the field and that each file of your packet contains your last name. Impressive packets will receive follow up questions and a phone interview; top candidates must also have a second interview on-site and must complete an Americorps Orientation session.
  • Visit http://www.wnyamericorps.org/able to apply as a member

Do Members Get Paid? YES

Full-Time members receive a modest living allowance of $408 every two weeks during their time of service as well as an education award of $4,725 (One Year) which can be used to pay off student loans, pay for college, or learn a trade. Health Care coverage and Child Care coverage are also provided. please call 716–558–3325 for more information about Americorps.

Please visit www.WNYAmeriCorps.org to apply online for this position.

For more information about the position or Buffalo ReUse, please contact Caesandra Seawell; Buffalo ReUse, caesandra@buffaloreuse.org , 716–885–4131, learn about our mission at www.buffaloreuse.org.