eeCorps River Watch Outreach Coordinator (River Science)

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:  River Science is the nonprofit organization that manages the River Watch Program (in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife). River Science is based in Canon City Colorado, but the River Watch offices are based in Denver Colorado, at the HQ Colorado Parks and Wildlife building. This position will be based with the River Watch staff in the Denver office. The River Science mission is to provide education opportunities that develop fundamental skillsets targeted at Colorado’s in-demand water professionals. The River Watch mission is to work with voluntary stewards to monitor water quality and other indicators of watershed health and utilize this high quality data to educate communities and inform decision makers about the condition of Colorado’s waters.

Service Position Summary: The River Watch Outreach Coordinator will be trained in River Watch methods and protocols to better serve the high school volunteers in the program. The River Watch program is statewide and services mostly school groups throughout the state. This position will support high school students in our Career Development Incentive Program. Through this program, we offer high school students a certification in our program to enhance their environmental knowledge of the rivers and ecology. Our goal is to increase our environmental stewardship footprint with high school students by offering them a better position in the environmental workforce after graduation. This position will be responsible for creating an outreach event to engage high school students (potential job fair) and work on a sustainable fundraising plan to raise funds for our internship program for these students. They will visit River Watch groups throughout the state to engage with high school students.

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 River Watch’s goals. These duties include:

• Support creation of an outreach event that engages high school students to learn about environmental jobs and celebrate their work in River Watch.
• Create educational material to be used to certify students in River Watch.
• Be trained in River Watch methods and protocols to engage with students already in the program.
• Serve as a representative of River Watch during site visits to groups located throughout Colorado.
• Serve with some high school groups to provide support with sampling throughout the state.
• 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):

• Create a sustainable fundraising plan to raise funds for an internship program.
• Learn about data and volunteer management.
• Engage with students at site visits to further their understanding of methods, protocols and environmental opportunities outside the classroom.
• Learn from professionals in the environmental fields

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Must be willing to attend any River Watch Training events during term of service. We usually host one training annually for 4 days in the fall.
• Outgoing and able to engage with high school and middle school students as well as other environmental professionals.

Qualifications:

• Desire to learn about and serve with environmental professionals.
• Word and PowerPoint knowledge is helpful.
• Ability to engage with volunteers (mostly high school students, but some middle school too).
• 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 three quarter-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,200 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins September 5, 2023 and ends April 30, 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 Michaela Taylor, River Watch Director, 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 River Watch, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 and involves travel to program sites throughout the state

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: River Science shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.

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://caee.org/americorps: 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.