AmeriCorps Naturalist Educator

Naturalist Educator

Do you have a passion for the wonders of the natural world? Put your passion into practice! Join North Branch Nature Center in inspiring and teaching people of all ages about the wonders of nature through outdoor experiences, stewardship, citizen science projects, and lessons in natural history. This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach to creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land and energy conservation organizations around the state. NBNC’s mission is to connect people with the natural world. Our vision is a world in which people learn, teach, and play together in nature supporting healthy, resilient communities and ecosystems. The goal of the Naturalist Educator position is to help us provide experiential and informational programs to help Connect People with the Natural World. This position will involve teaching in a variety of our youth programs as well as hosting and supporting public events and adult natural history programs on topics related to the candidate’s interests and experience. 

Essential Functions: 
● Co-teach elementary students and collaborate with teachers as part of our Educating Children Outdoors program in local public schools 
● Co-teach afterschool programs 
● Plan and teach summer camp programs for children ages 4-14 
● Support/co-teach/collaborate with staff of ECO Homeschool 
● Support Robin’s Nest and Forest Preschool early childhood program 
● Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps 
● Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days, Events, and Program Initiatives. 
● Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities. 
● Uphold NBNC’s commitment to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI.) 

Secondary Functions: 
● Host and support public events and adult natural history programs on topics related to the candidate’s interests and experience. 

Desired Qualifications: 
● A love of nature and interacting with children 
● Some teaching experience and strong public speaking skills 
● High comfort level serving outside in all weather conditions with groups 
● General knowledge of New England natural history 
● Ability to serve independently and as part of a team Serve. Experience. Lead VHCB AmeriCorps ● Strong organizational skills and service ethic 
● Self-starter with strong initiative and follow through Minimum Qualifications: 
● Be US citizen or have permanent resident status; 
● Be at least 18 years of age upon entering the Pre-Service Orientation or 17 years of age with verified parental permission; 
● Be a high school graduate, have a GED certificate, or be willing to work towards a GED as part of the service-term. A member cannot have dropped out of high school to join AmeriCorps. 
● Has not been convicted of murder or sexual assault and is willing to undergo an National Service Criminal History Check; 
● Be committed to the VHCB AmeriCorps program’s ethic of service, appreciation of diversity, and personal and professional development of its participants; 
● Have the ability and enthusiasm to drive to, attend, and participate in all required trainings and events, and be prepared to drive up to 2-3 hours each way. 
● Available to regularly serve 40 hours per week Additional Information: Service Environment and Conditions: Service is to be performed primarily outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Service will require frequent hikes over uneven and steep terrain. As our vision states, we envision a world in which people learn, teach, and play together in nature. This also aptly describes the work and service atmosphere at NBNC. Position begins September 12th, 2022 and ends August 18th, 2023

Full Time: Requires 1,720 hours for an average of 40 hours per week for 48 weeks. Member will receive a living allowance of $25,000 (pre-tax), and an education award of $6,495 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of service. 
 

How to apply:

To Apply: https://vhcb.org/our-programs/vhcb-americorps/positions 

For questions about this position or to send additional materials:

Carrie Riker
713 Elm Street Montpelier, VT 05602 802 229-6206
carrie@northbranchnaturecenter.org