Port Operations and Community Economic Development Fellow (Port of Chinook)

Lead For America•Long Beach, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Port Operations and Community Economic Development Fellow is a full-time Rural Partners Corps (RPC) AmeriCorps position hosted by the Port of Chinook. Under the guidance and supervision of Port staff, the Fellow supports community-focused data collection and organization, public information, community engagement, research, and organizational capacity-building. The service focuses on organizing and summarizing appropriate, nonconfidential information about Port operations, public assets, businesses, and community activity, and supporting access to general public resources. These activities help the Port and community better understand Port-related economic activity and support broader community and regional development efforts. The Fellow will gain staff-guided exposure to Port administration, community development, and Port-associated industries, while developing transferable skills in data organization, public communication, and community engagement. The service term runs from December 7, 2026, through August 13, 2027, with approximately 40 hours per week and 1,200 total service hours. The Fellow does not perform routine clerical or administrative work, financial transactions or accounting, or individualized services or consulting that directly benefit for-profit businesses. The Fellow does not replace paid staff or exercise independent management, financial, or operational decision-making authority.

Requirements

Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Be at least 17 years old by the start of service.
Have served fewer than four AmeriCorps State/National terms.
Demonstrate a passion for community service and connecting neighbors to digital tools, skills, and opportunities.
Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Have an interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Responsibilities

Assist with collecting, organizing, and summarizing information related to Port operations, public assets, and community activity.
Help maintain organized records and develop summaries to support staff-led planning, reporting, and community development efforts.
Support staff in responding to general public inquiries and sharing approved Port information and resources.
Assist with community outreach and engagement activities and document questions and community needs for staff follow-up.
Research Port-related industries, economic activity, and community development opportunities.
Compile publicly available information and assist staff in preparing materials for community and regional economic development initiatives.
Help organize project information, prepare outreach and informational materials, track service activities, and document outcomes.
Share observations and research-based recommendations with staff to support improvements to community services and Port operations.

Benefits

$23,300 living stipend, dispersed bi-weekly during the service term.
$5,220 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, applicable to education-related expenses after the program, including qualifying student loan repayment.
Healthcare coverage, if applicable.
Access to childcare benefits.
Student loan forbearance during the service year.
Fully funded Winter Institute, including travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend.
Week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort.
Twice-monthly virtual training, self-paced curricula, and opportunities to earn badges and credentials.
Structured community listening tour at the start of service.
Dedicated one-on-one support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings.
Access to a national network of RPC Fellows, alumni, and community partners.