Environmental Education Leadership Corps Volunteer

The incumbent will lead high-quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and nature-based education, as well as The Parklands core values of safe, fun, clean, and beautiful. The position works early mornings and some weekends. This is a grant funded position through Americorps and the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. This is a full time, one-year position beginning September 1, 2026 and ending August 31, 2027. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The EELC Volunteer position is distinguished from other positions in that it provides the full front-line customer service interface for The Parklands of Floyds Fork during education programming. The ideal EELC member(s) will be friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. As a primary visitor contact, the EELC Volunteer works to increase the public’s understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the significant and special places in the Parklands. The EELC Volunteer will conduct a variety of interpretive programs including, but not limited to, school field trip classes, park tours, interpretive hikes, school outreach programs, family programs, and guided walks to a wide variety of audiences. The EELC Volunteer will also assist in maintaining the educational garden beds around the PNC Center Achievement Center as well as reptile (turtles) wildlife enclosures.

Essential Duties of the Position (The Parklands of Floyds Fork):

• Deliver education content for registered programs (school field trips and outreach, camps, scout programs, adult hikes, and family events)
• Lead interpretive hikes, guided walks and cultural history tours for a variety of ages
• Answer phone calls, provide Parklands information, assist park visitors
• Perform basic building maintenance and cleaning tasks
• Assist in planting, weeding, harvesting, and general care of the education garden
• Undertake all necessary training including the PEEC Course, Child Protection Training and CPR First Aid
• Greet & welcome visitors, provide information about Parklands amenities

Essential Functions of the Position (Americorps): 

• Volunteer directly delivers environmental programs or activities of at least 20 minutes duration to the clients of the service site.  This may include individuals or groups. 
• Volunteer consistently conducts the EELCorps Participant Survey provided by the Program for all lessons, activities or programs the Member performs lasting more than 20 minutes.
• Volunteer maintains accurate and confidential records of the number of people that have received direct instruction, and all survey responses for submission during monthly EELCorps Data Collection.
•  Volunteer completes Monthly Data Collection by the 1st Monday of each month and bi-weekly timesheets by the specified due dates.
• Volunteer develops new EE programs or activities that support the mission of the service site.
• Volunteer assesses the effectiveness of their instruction in cooperation with their service site.
• Volunteer communicates service activity to, and maintains open communication with site supervisors, and EELC staff via regular professional meetings and through reports completed in OnCorps. 
• Volunteer attends and completes all requirements for the required member trainings and professional development, including required monthly EELCorps meetings. 
• Volunteer seeks opportunities to lead or assist with programs in support of EE and increasing the environmental stewardship in the communities they serve. (This may include assisting with marketing and promoting EE opportunities offered at the service site).
• Volunteer seeks opportunities to build strong relationships with site and community partners who support the EELCorps goal of using the environment as a framework for instruction in all content areas. 
• Volunteer speaks to civic organizations about experiences in AmeriCorps service. 
• Volunteer presents at environmentally focused conferences, summits, and symposiums when possible. 
• Volunteer participates in mandatory meetings and trainings with EELCorps and Serve Kentucky.
• Volunteer participates in AmeriCorps Week and other service projects as directed by EELCorps.
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DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent public interaction skills; must have a pleasant, welcoming, enthusiastic attitude
• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, teaching, ecology, or environmental sciences strongly preferred
• Ability to learn and disseminate information to a variety of audiences, and to make learning both engaging and fun
• Ability to work well with team members and volunteers
• Positive attitude
• Basic knowledge of Kentucky flora & fauna and an understanding of Kentucky cultural history
• Basic understanding of STEAM subject areas, and Next Generation Science Standards 

Additional Requirements:

• Be 17 years or older (no upper age limit)
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Be able and willing to undergo and pass a National Service Criminal History Check including: 
  • A check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry
  • A State of Service check (Kentucky) and State of Residence check (state where member lives)
  • A fingerprint based FBI check.
• Work independently in varied weather conditions including rain, cold, and heat
• Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and move easily in an outdoor setting with regular work in outdoor conditions without environmental controls
• Ability to satisfactorily complete First Aid/CPR training
• Ability to complete youth protection training
• Ability to adhere to a Uniform Policy

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Applicants must be 17 to apply. Passion for the outdoors and ability to communicate effectively required. Bachelor’s degree with coursework in parks and recreation, natural sciences, teaching, or cultural history preferred. Years of experience or a deep understanding of Kentucky’s natural history may supplement educational requirements.