AmeriCorps Environmental Education Position

AmeriCorps Environmental Education 6 Month Position: 1 POSTITION (900 Hours)

Calkins Nature Area, Iowa Falls, IA Hardin County Conservation  

Description:  This is an AmeriCorps position that is being offered through a partnership between AmeriCorps and Hardin County Conservation and will be a combination of full-time and part-time schedules running from April through November.  It allows for some flexibility in work schedules in but will require a 40 hour/week from late May through mid-August with part-time hours in the spring and fall.   The participating member is required to complete a minimum of 900 work hours and will be paid a monthly stipend ($8,470 divided by the number of months worked) throughout the service term with an additional $3,000+ Education Award given with the successful completion of the service term.  The successful candidate will gain experience in natural history interpretation and environmental education, captive wildlife care, campground programing, and public speaking.  This position will work a Tuesday through Saturday work week during the summer months.  

Duties:  Assist the educational staff in carrying out the mission of HCCB

-  Work with staff in preparing environmental education programs on a wide variety of topics to audiences of varying ages and knowledge base

-  Assist with our nature day camps, monarch tagging, Halloween Hike, canoe floats, and more

-  Have the opportunity to develop and administer your own environmental education program

-  Daily feedings and maintenance of our live animal display (over 25 species)

-  Take part in professional development opportunities and training

-  Perform fireside environmental education programs and impromptu interpretive hikes

-  Identify opportunities to improve current outdoor recreational opportunities within the county

-  Must be available to work some night and weekend hours  

Qualifications:  Ability to work independently under the direction of regular staff members, proficient in public speaking, and pursuing a degree in the field of environmental education, natural history interpretation, conservation, ecology, biology, or similar course of study.   Strong work ethic, passion for education and native ecosystems, and a strong desire to learn, as well as a valid driver’s license, pass a background check, and be able to work in harsh environments.  

Benefits:  Members who complete 900 work hours of AmeriCorps service will receive:

-  A taxable living allowance of $8,470

- On-site housing available for the summer

-  Student Loan forbearance on qualified student loans

-  A $3,172.50 educational award at the end of the service term

-  Hands-on experience that will help improve one’s skillset and resume  

Deadline:  Open until filled  

Submit resume, cover letter, and references to:               

Chris Barber - cbarber@hardincountyia.gov

Calkins Nature Area                                                                                                                

18335 135th St.                                                                                                                

Iowa Falls, IA 50126  

Call (641) 648-9878 or email cbarber@hardincountyia.gov if you have any questions.