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

Lead For America • Chinook, WA

6d

About The Position

The AmeriCorps Fellow serves with the Port of Chinook, supporting community-focused data collection, organization, and public information activities under the guidance and direction of Port staff. The Fellow helps organize and summarize appropriate, nonconfidential information about Port operations, public assets, businesses, and community activity. This work supports staff-led planning, reporting, public understanding of Port-related economic activity, and broader community development efforts in Pacific County and southwest Washington.

The role offers exposure to Port administration, community development, and Port-associated industries, while building transferable skills in data organization, public communication, and community engagement. Service activities support access to general public resources and the Port’s public service and community development goals.

The Fellow’s service is supervised by program and host site staff. The role does not include routine clerical or administrative responsibilities, financial transactions or accounting, replacing paid staff, individualized services or consulting that directly benefit for-profit businesses, or independent management, financial, or operational decision-making.

RPC Fellows receive structured training and support throughout the service year, including a virtual national orientation, an in-person Winter Institute, twice-monthly virtual training and self-paced curricula, a community listening tour, dedicated one-to-one support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator, peer pod meetings, and access to a national network of fellows, alumni, and community partners. Fellows are scheduled to serve from December 7, 2026, through August 13, 2027, for approximately 40 hours per week and 1,200 total service hours.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Hold 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.
• Have 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 that support staff-led planning, reporting, and community development efforts.
• Support staff with 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 with preparing materials for community and regional economic development initiatives.
• 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 over the service term.
• $5,220 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, applicable to education-related expenses after the program, including repayment of qualifying student loans.
• Healthcare coverage, if applicable.
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during the year of service.
• Fully funded Winter Institute, including travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED