3/4 Time Naturalist Educator

Member Supervisors:

Hannah Lansverk, Student Stewards Program Manager
hannah@tmparksfoundation.org
(775) 360-6068

Devin Genovese, Student Stewards Program Director
devin@tmparksfoundation.org
(775) 360-6068

Member Schedule & Service Location:
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm, some weekends and evenings for special programs and events.
Reno, Nevada

Mission:

The Naturalist Educator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the team for this young non-profit organization. This person will primarily implement and support the Student Stewards Program. The Student Stewards Program uses public parks within walking distance of under-served schools as learning laboratories. Students engage in hands-on citizen science research with a goal of improved academic engagement and better preparation for educational success. This will include teaching a three part class to underserved schools, developing and maintaining relationships with Washoe County schools administration and teachers, and developing and writing curriculum. This AmeriCorps member will also develop and implement the Student Stewards Spring and Summer Camps, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) camp for economically disadvantaged students. 

Timeline for Service: 

Primary Responsibilities:

Facilitate the Student Stewards Program;

Help develop and form connections between students and the natural world;

Inspire students to become stewards of the environment;

Lead outdoor field trips and programs;

Develop and maintain partnerships with school administrators and teachers;

Write new and enhance current STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum using Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards

Create, write, and implement STEAM and recreational camp programming for the Student Stewards Summer Camp and school break camps;

Facilitate TMPF’s Junior Naturalist Program.

Secondary Responsibilities: 

Facilitate other interpretive programs such as Truckee Meadows Trails Challenge and Discover Your Parks walks;

Support education and programming at the Rosewood Nature Study Area

Community outreach for the Student Stewards Program;

Create new adult education programs and events.

Qualifications:

Passionate commitment to TMPF’s mission and vision;

Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field;

Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;

Exceptional writing skills;

Strong communication skills;

Strong organizational skills;

High degree of initiative and spirit of service;

Experience working with students, teachers, and volunteers;

Preferred: strong understanding of education standards and experience in curriculum development;

Preferred: experience teaching in formal or informal settings;

Preferred: experience working at or managing summer camp programs;

Preferred: Reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award. It would be useful if members have a Bachelor's degree in education, science, or a related field.

Term of Service & Time Requirements:

Member's term of service begins on November 21st, 2022 and will be completed by August 19th, 2023. This is a ¾ term AmeriCorps member position. Members must complete 1220 hours of service.

Statement on Supplementation, duplication, or displacement of staff:

This position does not duplicate work of previous or existing employees or volunteers, supplant the hiring of workers, or include service of duties that have been performed or were performed by a current employee, an employee who recently resigned or was discharged, an employee subject to a reduction in force, or an employee who is on leave.

Service Environment Description and Inclusive Member Position Description Statement:

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The above functions may be completed with or without reasonable accommodations. No persons involved with the program will discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or disability. This position has recurring access to vulnerable populations.

Host Site Agency Mission:

The mission of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) is to support the parks departments operating in Truckee Meadows, including Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County parks. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for citizen engagement. TMPF is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing people's appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks. 

Program Mission:

The Student Stewards Program engages K-12 students in park-based, citizen science projects that encourage higher learning in science subjects.

Additional Guidelines or Expectations:

AmeriCorps members are required to wear at least one piece of AmeriCorps gear (AmeriCorps button), provided by the Parks Foundation, when serving during their term of service. When the member is facilitating a program, they should wear the t-shirt their site supervisor provides them with the AmeriCorps button pinned on this shirt. AmeriCorps members must participate in a minimum of three National Days of Service during their term of service and may participate in additional service projects. The AmeriCorps member must disclose all criminal convictions during application process and undergo National Service Criminal History Check and have no statutory exclusionary

offenses to AmeriCorps service reported. The AmeriCorps member must be at least 17 years of age, and a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Member Benefits:

In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $13,256, and will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,547 upon successful completion of service. Training and professional development will be provided.

AmeriCorps looks GREAT on your resume. It combines volunteering and professional experience into one big star on the resume--it shows dedication to serving your community, adaptability, and that you have the skills to help an organization thrive! A year of service with AmeriCorps is an investment in your future and has helped many staff at the Parks Foundation get to where we are today because, fun fact, the majority of us also served with AmeriCorps!

Evaluation and Reporting:

Members will receive a mid-term and end-of-term performance evaluation from their site-supervisor and the AmeriCorps Program Director. Members will submit their biweekly Member Service Logs (timesheets) to their supervisor to be approved. Members are also responsible for reporting performance measures to their site supervisor and AmeriCorps Program Director every month during their term of service.

How to apply:

Hannah Lansverk, Student Stewards Program Manager
hannah@tmparksfoundation.org
(775) 360-6068

Devin Genovese, Student Stewards Program Director
devin@tmparksfoundation.org
(775) 360-6068