Environmental Educator

Position Service Site: The Nature Place, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Service Description: The primary role of the Environmental Educator (E.E.) position is the development and presentation of engaging informal education programs based on natural and environmental science concepts, skills and activities for ages 2 – 12th grade. Team teaching and collaboration are keystone components, with creativity and fun always encouraged. Programs typically include outdoor explorations and hands-on activities and include but are not limited to:

• 1 – 2 hour long curriculum-supporting nature education days for school groups
• weekly series for caregiver/young child pairs (Critter Kids) and Homeschooled Students
• summer day camp week-long themed sessions for ages 4 – 12.

Service Dates:
Summer Positions    
•    May 28 through August 28, 2024
•    450 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term

1 Year Positions
•    September 4, 2024 through August 22, 2025
•    1700 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term

Time Requirements: Typical schedule generally will not exceed 80 hours per two-week period. (occasional evenings & weekends):
    -  September through May: Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 4:30 pm.
    -  June – August: Mon. – Fri. will vary between 7:30 am – 5 pm 

Summer Positions 
•    Approximately 40 hours per week average, the week containing July 4 off.

1 Year Positions 
•    Approximate averages:  
        Sept. – Nov. - 40 hours per week
        Dec. – Mar. - 30 hours per week
        Apr. – Aug. - 40 hours per week

Responsibilities: 
Program Development & Presentation

• Become familiar with the resources available for education programs including appropriate usage, maintenance and storage.
• Assist with the design, development, planning, leading and general supervision of existing programs and events for preK – 12th grade students and community members of all ages. 
• Design, develop and deliver new programs, including one-off, dedicated series and weekly summer day camp themed sessions.
• Assist with Community Programs and facility-wide events as available and requested.
• Care for and use select live animals in programs as appropriate.
• Purchase supplies and equipment / follow general budgetary procedures 
• Complete program and event record keeping and evaluations.

TNP Operations

• Engage visitors to meet their needs, interests, or curiosity about TNP and advance TNP’s mission.
• Assist with facility related needs for education programs and nature center operations.
• Ensure TNP and Environmental Education Program polices and safety procedures are followed.

Marketing 

•  Assist in designing and creating signage and social media posts for educational programs. 
• Author blog posts for use on website and in newsletter.

Capstone Project

• 1700 hour AmeriCorps Members will have the opportunity to develop a significant program series or select a project that will leave a lasting contribution within their program area, the department, or the organization. 

Qualifications:

• Experience working with ages 3 – 14 a plus
• Experience leading groups of up to 16 members in guided activities a plus
• Comfort in working in the outdoors including around aquatic environments
• Willingness to collaborate with team members in both development and leading of programs, including the responsibility of being the lead planner in certain instances
• Strong communication skills with persons both younger and older than self
• Comfortable with learning how to care for and handle live education animals including amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, birds and invertebrates.
• Passionate about environmental causes and being a part of the community surrounding environmental service
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
• Ability to spend extensive time being active – on your feet, reaching, stretching, bending, lifting, being outdoors
• Willing to learn and implement strategies for diversity, equity and inclusion
• At least 18 years of age
• Dependable; able to fulfill commitment to term of service
• Willing and able to follow and implement The Nature Place’s policies and procedures
• NSOPW, FBI, and State(s) Criminal History Checks will be conducted and position is contingent upon a review of those results. The member will have the opportunity to review any results. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations. We encourage this not to deter anyone from applying and to ask questions to better understand what this means. 

Benefits: Access to on-site food pantry and laundry facilities, opportunity for student loan forbearance, professional development, make a difference in the community, be part of a dedicated service team, Employee Assistance Program (includes phone/text/video call counselor service and other resources), optional health insurance (1700 hour positions only), AmeriCorps child care public assistance (based on eligibility)

Summer Positions
•    Living stipend total for whole term = $6,020 ($430/week for 14 weeks)
•    Education Award of approximately $1,956.35 earned upon successful completion of service. To find out more about the Award:  https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more 

1 Year Positions
•    Living stipend total for whole term = $23,460 ($460/week for 51 weeks)
•    Education Award of approximately $7,395.00 earned upon successful completion of service. To find out more about the Award: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more

Trainings:
All Members serving at TNP 

• AmeriCorps Orientation (timekeeping training, member prohibited activities, how to use your Education Award)
• The Nature Place orientation
• Educational Animal training 
• First Aid/CPR/AED 
• Conflict Resolution
• Sexual Harassment training
• Additional training tailored to your position 

1700 Hour Members: receive additional training throughout the year, which may include career exploration or learning experiences, field trips, participation in National Days of Service, and other training or professional development opportunities. 
 

Contact Cindy Blobaum, Environmental Education Manager, at cindy.blobaum@natureplacelacrosse.org if you have questions or for more information.