Friends of Great Salt Lake: Environmental Education Assistant

Friends of Great Salt Lake is seeking a part-time Environmental Education Assistant to complete a 450-hour term of service AmeriCorps position through the Utah Conservation Corps (an average of 24 hours per week) over a 7-month period (March 20 – October 27, 2023). The Environmental Education Assistant will play a key facilitation role within our fourth grade Lakeside Learning Field Trip program, our three summer camps in June, outreach events, and other special events hosted by FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake.

This position is a 450-hour Utah Conservation Corps term will run March 20 – October 27, 2023.

• Lakeside Learning Field Trips take place Monday through Friday, between 8am-2pm during the months of March-June and August-October at Antelope Island State Park and Great Salt Lake State Park. The ideal candidate will be available during these hours with some flexibility.
• The weekly time commitment will be variable. This position will average 24 hours per week during our Spring (March 27-June 2) and Fall (August 28-October 20) field trip seasons, up to 40 hours per week during summer camps (June 12-16, June 19-23, & June 26-30), and as little as 5 hours per week between peak seasons (July & August).
• Some additional work during evenings and weekends will be required, particularly for outreach and special events.

The Environmental Education Assistant will:

• Assist in the facilitation of our Lakeside Learning Field Trip program, including:
  • Attend orientation and training the week of March 20-24, including completion of CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Lead groups of up to 25 fourth grade students through a series of outdoor educational activities at Antelope Island State Park and Great Salt Lake State Park
  • Adapt to outdoor conditions and follow protocol to ensure safety of students
  • Utilize inquiry-based informal education techniques to encourage student participation and engagement
  • Advance FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake’s mission by promoting environmental conservation and stewardship
  • Reinforce Utah Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards
  • Prepare and maintain field trip gear
• Co-lead Great Salt Lake Summer Camps (three, week-long day camps for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders) *Candidate must be available the weeks of June 12-16, June 19-23, and June 26-30, from 8:30am-4:30pm.
  • Candidate will be responsible for driving up to 5 campers to designated sites in vehicle provided by summer camp partners
  • Candidate will help facilitate activities for groups ranging from 5-15 campers at a time
  • Attend and engage the public at community outreach events, including some weekends
  • Attend and engage members (without soliciting donations) at the annual fall membership event (3pm-10pm on 10/5/23)
  • Attend and assist at other special events including the Alfred Lambourne Arts Program (9/2023), and International Coastal Cleanup (9/16/2023)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Capable of acting as a group facilitator and effective at communicating with a variety of audiences
• Comfortable working with youth in an outdoor settin
• Dependability & punctuality
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and a calm demeanor in stressful situations
• Basic knowledge of ecology and ability to quickly learn new concepts
• Able to walk moderate distances (2 miles) over uneven terrain and lift moderate loads (40 pounds)
• Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and access to personal transportation to FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake office (150 South 600 East, Suite 5D, Salt Lake City, UT) and summer camp partner sites (Natural History Museum of Utah & University of Utah Youth Education Building)

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with children preferably in an outdoor and/or educational setting
• Knowledge of Great Salt Lake ecosystem and local conservation, education, and management groups
• Social media platform experience
• Safety training and certifications

AmeriCorps Requirements: 

• Be a United States citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be eligible to serve an AmeriCorps term of service
• Have a high school diploma or GED or work towards obtaining one while in the program. It is a requirement to obtain a high school diploma or GED before one is eligible to use the Education Award.
• Must be clear of any record on the National Sex Offender Public Registry. Must have a criminal record clear of any conviction(s) for murder

Compensation:
$6,750 living stipend paid in even disbursements throughout the term of service and a $1,718.25 Education Award (given upon completion of service – this award can be used for future schooling or federal student loans).

Please note: Any offer of employment will be conditional, pending the candidate’s successful enrollment in AmeriCorps/Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) and successful completion of a criminal background check. For more information about the UCC, visit www.usu.edu/ucc/

How to apply:

Email a resume and cover letter to Katie Newburn at pelican@fogsl.org  no later than February 10, 2023.