AMERICORPS ENVIRONMENTAL ED/NATURALIST POSITION

Jones County Conservation is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a temporary half-time term AmeriCorps Member (40 hours per week). This AmeriCorps Environmental Educator/Naturalist position will serve under the Jones County Conservation Naturalist and requires the successful completion of 900 hours of AmeriCorps service. The AmeriCorps team member will serve approximately late April/Early May through the end of October. Start and end date are flexible. 

Position Description: AmeriCorps Environmental Educator/Naturalist: Responsible for planning and conducting environmental education programs designated to meet state education standards to various preschool, elementary, middle, and highs school age students as well as the public. Work closely with the Jones County Naturalist, “School of the Wild” Project Director, and school staff in the coordination, planning, curriculum development, and implementation of the “School of the Wild” pilot program in Jones County. Coordinate, help train teaching staff, and oversee the implementation of the “School of the Wild” training session/workshop to be held with school staff prior to the beginning of the 2020 school year. Create and present curriculum to school groups that align to educational standards and incorporate STEM based experiences and principles. Work with the Naturalist to develop pre and post activities for teachers to conduct in the classroom to build on environmental education field outings. Create pre and post surveys to gauge success and input from the “School of the Wild” pilot project teachers and students. Plan, create and provide programming to local youth groups and day camp groups during the summer months. Plan and present programs to develop and encourage outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, and other opportunities in the area. Plan and lead volunteer opportunities/programs within Jones County Conservation Board areas including the Jones County Youth Conservation Crew summer program, trail work sessions, habitat restoration, species surveys and monitoring, and invasive species removal. Plan and conduct public programming to interpret local flora, fauna, habitats, and other natural resource topics related to Jones County Conservation areas. Staff the Nature Center on select weekends including weekend program presentation, live animal care and maintenance, custodial duties, and public relations. Design informational and educational signage, displays, brochures, print materials, short informational videos, and contribute to the online presence and social media outlets of the JCCB program. Contribute to the coordination of programming with other agencies throughout the county and state such as the ISU Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Service/NRCS Office, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Contribute to the partnerships with local organizations including the Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H Youth Groups, and local Camps. Help to develop badge and milestone specific programming when needed to meet criteria within the youth group organizations. 

Essential Skills: Basic knowledge of natural environment and local plants and animals, experience working with children preferred; self-starting ability to work with minimal supervision; computer literate; ability to communicate tactfully, courteously, and effectively with others. Possess a current, valid driver’s license; ability to get to and from job site in all types of weather; ability to lift up to 50 pounds; ability to work some evenings and weekends. 

Term of Service: The AmeriCorps team member will serve a total of 900 hours approximately late April/Early May through the end of October (no more than 40 hours per week). Non- routine including some weekends, evenings, and holidays.) General hours are 8 AM – 4:30 PM – Monday – Friday, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as programs require. Summer Nature Center shifts require some weekend shifts. Start and end date are somewhat flexible based on school and work schedule. 

Eligibility and Responsibilities: Be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of service. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (or be in the process of obtaining one). College coursework, college degree, or equivalent experience preferred. Be a U.S. Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Member will have recurring access to vulnerable populations. Successful completion and clearance of required background checks (including: 1) a nationwide National Sex Offender check; 2) a Statewide Criminal History check; and 3) a fingerprint-based FBI check) Members must serve from an agency office. Serving while at home is not allowed. Vacation time, sick time and holidays are not counted toward the hours needed to complete the term. Of these hours, a maximum of twenty percent (20%) may be spent in training (45 CFR § 2520.50) and a maximum of ten percent (10%) may be spent fundraising (45 CFR § 2520.45). Participate in AmeriCorps 4-H Orientation and Life After AmeriCorps trainings.

Participate in/Attend: Host-Site provided CPR/First Aid/AED Certification training. School of the Wild training sessions, possible Iowa Association of Naturalist Summer Workshop, summer Invasive Species workshop, and other training that might be beneficial. Consult with your supervisor if you have any ideas, issues, or concerns, offering analysis and solutions whenever possible.Respect confidentiality of involved persons, staff, and AmeriCorps members.Provide data necessary for monthly reports as required by the host site/ AmeriCorps 4H staff within the timeframes provided. 

Benefits for Half-Time Members committed to 900 hours of AmeriCorps service: A taxable living allowance of $7,408 per PROGRAM YEAR, A $3,097.50 educational award at the end of a successfully completed service term, Excellent training opportunities,Student loan forbearance on qualified student loans, Leadership experience and skill development, Hands-on experience in a professional setting, Develop a life-long commitment to the value of service to others