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Conservation Education Specialist (Full-time AmeriCorps Member)

The mission of Bur Oak Land Trust is to protect and conserve natural areas to enrich and engage current and future generations. By conserving the forests, lakes and streams of Eastern Iowa, we improve economic, environmental, educational and recreational opportunities in communities throughout our region. We understand that the connections between land, water and people are what make this region special. At the core of all of our work is a goal to instill a conservation ethic in the people and places we serve to build vibrant, sustainable communities rich with protected natural resources. The Conservation Education Specialist will play an integral role in Bur Oak Land Trust’s goal to better connect people of all ages to nature through their work in planning and coordinating educational and outreach opportunities for community members, their engagement with community and organization members to raise awareness about the value of land stewardship, and their advocacy of our mission through presentations to community groups on the importance of conservation stewardship. We are looking for someone who has experience with educating in a variety of situations, possesses strong communication and planning skills, and brings a creative approach to new projects.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Conservation Education
  • Identify opportunities to connect learning with stewardship efforts and link as appropriate
  • As needed, plan, promote and implement learning or engagement events in the region
  • Plan and coordinate education and outreach opportunities for community members of all ages, genders, and ethnicities
  • Maintain regular communication with local youth groups, schools, and agencies to promote current projects, plan new opportunities, and share achievements
  • Lead education activities, both indoor and outdoor
  • Develop and give presentations to community groups
  • Find locations to display our organization’s exhibits and staff them when necessary

Volunteer Coordination
  • Coordinate the placement of volunteers into appropriate roles such as team leaders, program event volunteers, team mentors, subject matter experts, and organizational support roles
  • Maintain accurate records and tracking of volunteer engagement through database entry and utilization
  • Design informational/educational material for the social media and web platforms
  • Train staff and volunteers on maintaining the Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to build capacity for the organization

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:  
  • Prepare and submit 2-week schedules and timesheets
  • Conduct presentations to community groups about Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps once a month
  • Engage at least 30 volunteers in conservation activities during the 11 month service period
  • Provide regular project updates and photos for the website and social media
  • Represent yourself as a Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps member at all times
  • Attend required trainings provided by the AmeriCorps Coordinator
 
QUALIFICATIONS:   
✓    Bachelor’s Degree 
✓    Computer efficiency (typing, email, word processing, excel)
✓    Ability to pass a background check* 
✓    U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
✓    At least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
✓    Commitment to conserving natural Midwestern habitats  
 
Preferred Qualifications
✓    Experience with environmental education, interpretation, or teaching in a formal or informal setting
✓    Excellent verbal and written communication
✓    Ability to both work independently and on a team
✓    Knowledge of forestry, water infrastructure, and/or invasive species
✓    Knowledge of social media and website applications
 
On occasion, service will be required at an off-site location. Use of a personal vehicle may be required to perform duties. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position and runs from September 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020. Benefits include $18,700 living stipend, health insurance, and an education award upon successful completion of the term of service and deferment of qualified student loan.
 
Applications and directions are available at www.buroaklandtrust.org and will be accepted until June, 30, 2019.
 
Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Brooke Flattery, AmeriCorps Program Director at 319/338-7030 or brooke@buroaklandtrust.org.

*Registered sex offenders are not eligible for AmeriCorps positions. Murderers are also ineligible.