Volunteer Opportunities
Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing NHR – One Vacancy
The Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which was created by a cooperative planning process between the National Park Service, Washington State Parks, Island County and the Town of Coupeville is responsible for Administration and management of the Reserve. The board includes seven residents, three are appointed by the Town of Coupeville, four are appointed by Island County; as well as a representative of Washington State Parks, and a representative from the National Park Service. Trust Board members appointed by the town and county serve as volunteers, and have four-year appointments which are staggered to ensure continuity on the board.
The Trust Board meets 2nd Tuesday at Ebey’s Reserve Office, and every 4th Tuesday at the Coupeville Library, 4:00 p.m. In order to be eligible to apply to the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing NHR you must reside within the Reserve.
Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing NHR – Position 3 is a four year term ending October 1, 2020 and will be vacant as soon as a replacement volunteer is appointed.
To apply for the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing NHR Position, submit a Town Volunteer Application to Town Hall. This position is open until filled.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – One Vacancy
The HPC’s primary functions are to research, obtain public input, deliberate, and submit advice and recommendations to the Town of Coupeville and Island County; and to assist their Planning Departments in issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for projects within the Reserve based on consistency with the Design Guidelines for Ebey’s’ Landing National Historical Reserve and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The HPC consists of seven members; three appointed by the Town of Coupeville, three appointed by Island County and one joint appointment. HPC members serve three-year terms. They meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. and sometimes in special workshop sessions as needed. Meetings are held in the Island County Commissioners’ Hearing Room in Coupeville.
Applicants for the HPC should live within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve (Reserve) and have a demonstrated interest or experience in, or knowledge of, history, historic preservation, architecture, design, landscape architecture, cultural landscapes, archaeology, and/or related disciplines. For Town of Coupeville appointments, special consideration is given to residents of the Town. Preference may also be given to applicants with a background in farming and applicants who own a contributing building, structure, or commercial business within the Reserve.
Position 1 is a three-year term ending December 31, 2020, and is currently vacant. Because this vacancy has occurred mid-term, the Town Council will appoint a citizen to finish the last year of this three-year term. Commissioners may request to be re-appointed for subsequent terms.
To apply for the Historic Preservation Commission, turn in a letter of interest stating your relevant experience and history of community service along with a Town Volunteer Application to Town Hall. This position will remain posted until filled.
Volunteer Application
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About Coupeville:
The Town of Coupeville is one of the oldest communities in the State, founded in 1853 and incorporated in 1910. The Town contains a little more than one square mile of area, with a population of 1,900 residents. Coupeville is located in Central Whidbey Island, with the city of Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to the north, and the communities of Greenbank, Freeland, Langley and Clinton to the south.
Coupeville is approximately 90 minutes from downtown Seattle, via the Deception Pass Bridge or WA State Ferry. Coupeville is the county seat for Island County, and also home to the Coupeville Schools, K-12, and Whidbey Health, the only hospital on the Island.
The Town of Coupeville has one mile of shoreline on beautiful Penn Cove, overlooking Mt. Baker. This shoreline includes, trails, beach access, shell fishing and crabbing, boating and kayaking. Coupeville is also located in the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, a 17,000-acre federal reserve, mainly composed of private property. The Reserve was created over 30 years ago to preserve the cultural landscape that began with sea captains arriving at Penn Cove and farmers coming to Ebey’s Prairie more than a 100 years ago. The Reserve has an extensive trail system that enables hikers to enjoy a healthy lifestyle in a breathtaking setting.
Coupeville is proud of its history, values historic preservation, and benefits from a vibrant population of lifetime learners and community volunteers. Coupeville has diverse housing options and an unusual amount of employments opportunities, for a town our size, in government, health care, education and tourism. All of these characteristic combined add up to an outstanding quality of life and a town you’re proud to call home.
About Town Government:
The Town is governed by a strong mayor and five person Town Council. Town Hall houses the Mayor, Clerk Treasurer, two administrative support positions, the Planner and Building Official, Engineer, and Town Sheriff Department. Citizens participate on the Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.
The public works department consists of the Public Works Superintendent and three full time maintenance workers, with one to two seasonal workers. The Town operates a water and sewer utility, managed by a Utilities Superintendent and three plant operators.
The elected officials and Town staff enjoy a very positive working relationship and are supported by active and hard working residents.