eeCorps Food System Education Program Assistant (School Food Project)

Program Overview: Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.

Service Site Overview: This position will be located at the School Food Project, the Food Services department of Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), in Boulder, CO. At the School Food Project, we are dedicated to improving the health of each student by providing healthy food and offering nutrition education programs.

Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps member serving with the eeCorps at the School Food Project will focus on food system-related Environmental Education programs. This will include the AALPS and Transitions programs run through the greenhouse at our Culinary Center. It will also include assisting with other greenhouse-based educational programming, farm field trips, plant-based menu education, and food waste prevention and awareness. Depending on member interest, the position can also include hands-on garden education programming.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities): eeCorps members engage with their Host Site organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps’ and the School Food Project’s goals. These duties include:

• Food Waste prevention and awareness education programs
• Help run student engagement programs to  increase composting and reduce food waste in cafeterias.
• Plan and manage in-school events that raise awareness of the environmental benefits of plant-based menu entrees.
• Run the AALPS and Transitions Greenhouse education programs
• Assist with farm field trips, greenhouse field trips, and in-school environmental education events such as Purple Potato Day
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
• Attend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainings
• Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
• Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Depending on member interest, there is the option to be involved in hands-on garden education for students and staff members as well.
• Depending on service member career aspirations, additional activities can be added in areas they are looking to gain experience, including but not limited to environmental education related tasks in the following areas: social media management, digital marketing, event planning, media relations, hands-on cooking education, etc.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to work in outdoor setting in various weather conditions for up to 9 hours
• Commitment to equity in education
• People person willing to go out into schools and communities and engage

Qualifications:

• Can do, willing attitude—willing to learn
• Team player
• Interest in food systems and the impact of food on the environment
• Interest and desire to work with kids in grades K-12
• Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to pass criminal history checks required
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins September 5, 2023 and ends August 15, 2024. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Training and Support Provided: eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Evan Senie, Programs and Grants Coordinator at School Food Project, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2023-24 cohort of eeCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at School Food Project, 6500 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303, and service will be performed at schools and other partner locations in and around Boulder

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Boulder Valley School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, need for special education services, age, marital status, genetic information, or physical characteristics in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities. The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. CAEE defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone to the field of environmental education and the Alliance, including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. CAEE defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone to the field of environmental education and the Alliance, including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.

How to Apply: If you are interested in applying to this position, please prepare the following documents and submit them via the form found at https://bit.ly/eeCorpsApply: 1) a resume, 2) a short cover letter outlining your interest in the program and commitment to national service, 3) a list of three references, and 4) a diversity and inclusion statement that is no longer than one page in length.