Environmental Educator

Become an amazing environmental educator by serving at one of the premier nature centers in New England!  You’ll learn how to handle and educate using ambassador raptors, present programs to thousands of people from around the world, gain skills and experience in using proper education techniques when teaching to school children, and build on your organizational skills while helping organize our education special events.  Join us for an exciting year educating people from all walks of life!

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.

VINS Mission: Motivating Individuals and Communities to Care for the Environment through Education, Research and Avian Wildlife Rehabilitation

Position Goals:  VINS Environmental Educators deliver live raptor and Vermont natural history programs at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont and through our Outreach program to other sites around the region.

Essential Functions:

• Present educational programs, many of which involve live animals (mainly raptors), to audiences of all ages (e.g., on-site daily programs, school tours, camps, Road Scholar programs, and outreaches such as resort programs, fairs, public relations events).
• Teach field trip lessons to school children using Next Generation Science Standards, assist with lesson planning, and develop and maintain lesson materials.
• Assist with the organization and facilitation of special onsite educational events.
• Work with education staff to schedule and develop new programs as appropriate.
• Train and support volunteers in the care of resident birds.
• Train and support volunteers in the appropriate handling of education raptors.
• Help design, fabricate and install new education exhibits.
• Help with care, cleaning, training and handling of raptors and reptiles used in programs.
• Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps
• Participate in VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days, Events, and Program Initiatives.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities.

Secondary Functions:

• Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required.
• Serve with other departments at VINS to both bring added content to public programs and facilitate opportunities for cross-promotion of programs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in public speaking and environmental education is preferred.
• Degree in education or environmental sciences, working towards a degree or have equivalent education experience.
• General knowledge of raptors and New England natural history (or willingness and initiative to learn).
• Comfortable using AV equipment (including PA systems).
• Strong organizational skills and service ethic.
• Ability to serve independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and lead moderate to strenuous trail hikes.
• Previous animal-handling experience, especially raptors, preferred.
• Current first aid and CPR certification (VINS may be able to assist in scheduling a training).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to travel using company vehicles;
• Ability to serve weekends and evenings;
• 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

Position begins September 8th, 2022 and ends August 12th, 2023

This position is: 

• Full Time: Requires 1,720 hours for an average of 40 hours per week for 48 weeks.   Member will receive a living allowance of $20,400 (pre-tax), and an education award of $6,345 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of service. 
• Other benefits include health insurance, federal school loan forbearance, and various training and networking opportunities.
• This position does have recurring access to vulnerable populations (youth, persons over 60, individuals with disabilities).

Application deadline: August 26, 2022

Additional information on AmeriCorps is available at www.americorps.org.

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) is sponsoring this AmeriCorps position through their AmeriCorps Program. VHCB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Positions are open to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran’s status, religion or creed.

How to apply:

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

For questions about this position or to send additional materials:

Chris Collier
ccollier@vinsweb.org
802-359-5000 x214

​Application deadline: August 26, 2022