Environmental Educator Galena Creek Visitors Center Description: The Environmental Educator is responsible for assisting the Youth Education Coordinator with implementation of Great Basin Naturalists Environmental Science Studies at the Galena Creek Visitor Center. Primary programs include: 1. On-site and school-based environmental curriculum for elementary through high school age school groups, 2. An outdoor summer youth nature camp based in Galena Creek Recreation Area and Regional Park, 3. Summer Teen Leadership Academy. This position will serve as an AmeriCorps member with the Great Basin Institute and will work collaboratively with the US Forest Service and Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in environmental and cultural interpretation, curriculum development and visitor center operations while serving at one of the regions premiere visitor destinations.
Compensation: This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a living stipend of $7,000 for the season. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members bi-monthly throughout the entire season. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service, members shall receive an additional education award in the amount of $2,775 that can be used for paying off student loans, or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college. Housing is provided. Timeline: April 16, 2012 through October 12, 2012 Duties: * Assist Youth Education Coordinator with implementation of ongoing Great Basin Naturalists curriculum-based interpretive programming about the natural, geological and cultural history of the vicinity for on-site and school-based programs for K high school groups; * Assist Youth Education Coordinator with coordination of Great Basin Naturalists Summer Camp, which includes developing weekly curriculum, preparing materials, providing oversight for (8) camp counselors, and ensuring the success and safety of the camp program; * Assist Youth Education Coordinator with coordination of Young Naturalist Institute, a one-week residential nature camp located at Camp We Che Me in Galena Creek Park; * Assist Youth Educator Coordinator with implementing the Summer Teen Leadership Academy, a counselor-in-training program for youth ages 1317; * Help facilitate and coordinate our involvement with environmental community events and provide environmental activities for the public; * As needed, staff the information desk at the Galena Creek Visitor Center to answer phone and in-person inquiries, open and close the visitor center, daily center upkeep, and provide a high level of customer service to visitors; * Staff the Galena Creek Store, which includes a monthly inventory, operating a cash register, and answering questions about merchandise; * This position requires working on weekends and holidays and overnight for various summer camp themes; * this position will have access to vulnerable populations. Qualifications: * Experience developing and implementing environmental-based curriculum required. * Experience interacting with children of all ages and the public in a customer service capacity; park and/or visitor center experience is desirable; * Knowledge of the natural history of the Reno-Lake Tahoe area highly desirable; * Minimum of two years experience with environmental program development, nature-based field instruction, and community outreach. * Bachelors Degree in biology, resources management, or environmental disciplines; * Experience implementing education and outreach programs, desirable but not required; * Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented; * Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities; * Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums; * Ability to speak English conversationally; conversational ability in a second language desirable but not required; * Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments; * Possess clean, valid, state-issued drivers license; and * Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) must be at least 17 years of age and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award), (3) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (4) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. To Apply: Step 1: Click here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=43600 Step 2: Click Apply then register. Step 3: Once registered login and complete the application. Step 4: Click the Search Listings link and search under Nevada and Environment. Step 5: Click on the appropriate position title, then hit the Apply Now button at the bottom of the listing. Please direct all questions regarding the application process to Bridget Walden at [email protected] or 775-674-5496 These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from Nevada Volunteers. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex. Person with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
