AmeriCorps Environmental Educator (450hrs)

POSITION: AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Educator with Buena Vista County Conservation, Peterson, IA.

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: Flexible: 40 hours per week for total of 450 hours by November 2020 with approximate term mid-May through August 31, 2020. General hours are Mon. - Fri., 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Occasional nights, weekends, and holidays may be required as programing requires. Vacation time, sick time and holidays are not counted towards the hours needed to complete the term. Start and end dates are flexible.

SALARY & BENEFITS:  This is an AmeriCorps position. Benefits include a taxable living allowance of $3,704 per program year, $1,638.89 educational award at the end of successfully completed term. Student loan forbearance on qualified student loans, if applicable. Housing may be available, dependent on department needs and availability.

DESCRIPTION: Gain leadership experience and skill development, training opportunities and hands on experience in a professional setting.

Plan and conduct educational programs to interpret the components of the Buena Vista County Conservation Board System for school programs, youth camps, civic groups, and the general public, under the supervision and guidance of the Naturalist.

Lead volunteer groups throughout county parks, and recreation areas to perform stewardship and service projects including trail work, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, etc.

Enhance curriculum on STEM based experiences and principles to better provide field trip opportunities and programing to the K-12 students of Buena Vista County.

Plan and present programs to develop an encourage outdoor recreation and utilization including hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing/ kayaking, bird watching, camping, etc.

Help design and implement the Buena Vista County Conservation summer camps for children including day camps and overnight camps.

Design and develop informational kiosks and brochures, program related written and visual materials, and engage the public via print materials, online presence, and social media outlets.

Carries out general maintenance tasks at the Conservation Office including animal care, aquarium and exhibit care, and other work as assigned.

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS: Prefer bachelor’s degree or be working towards a degree in any of the following areas: Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Interpretation, Animal Ecology, Forestry or any other related field. Minimum: Be at least 18 years of age by the time of enrollment. Be a United States citizen or have a permanent resident visa. Have a high school diploma or GED, or agree to achieve a diploma or GED before applying for an education award. Have a valid driver’s license. Have served no more than three terms of service in national service programs.

REQUIREMENTS: Ability to routinely stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, climb, and use small hand and power tools for extended periods of time. Ability to routinely lift up to 50lbs. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to work outdoors in extreme hot, cold, rainy and windy weather conditions and be exposed to dust, fumes, smoke, and loud noises. Member must submit and clear required background checks including: National Sex offender, Statewide Criminal History, and fingerprint – based FBI check.

TO APPLY: Interested individuals are required to submit an employment application and a resume with cover letter. Applications can be found at http://www.bvcountyiowa.com or obtained from BVCCB Headquarters. 

Submit application and resume with cover letter to:

Buena Vista County Conservation

377 440^th Street

Peterson Iowa 51047

Or email to office@bvcountyparks.com