Half-Time AmeriCorps Member

Organization

The Wild Center

Job Posted

May 26, 2023

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Leah Hunter-Gunn

Contact Email

lhunter-gunn@wildcenter.org

Location

Tupper Lake, NY
United States
The Wild Center (TWC) is seeking highly motivated AmeriCorps members for a 900 hour (~6 month) term, at a natural history museum in the heart of New York State’s Adirondack region. Members are a key part of TWC’s visitor experience and will receive a broad range of interpretive experiences and opportunities. This position promotes leadership skills, development of local natural history knowledge, and best practices in customer service. Members will engage with visitors of all ages and backgrounds on our campus and throughout our community. We are looking for passionate, curious, and motivated people to join our team this year. All AmeriCorps members will share core duties related to visitor experience and community engagement with the option for additional responsibilities being offered to applicants with a particular interest in Climate Change.

Summary

 

AmeriCorps Member Essential Duties and Responsibilities: ALL AmeriCorps Members will:

  • Facilitate interpretive programs for public visitors: including large groups, technology based Science on a Sphere, and outdoor programs (i.e. hikes, canoeing, insect catching).
  • Teach school/afterschool programs to students in person and virtually, incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities and utilizing campus resources.
  • Design, implement, and manage community science programming at the local library and schools. 
  • Help maintain outdoor campus, opening and closing duties, trail sweeps, and gardening tasks.
  • Assist with planning and coordinating festivals, trail programs, and the Youth Climate Summit.

Climate AmeriCorps Members: Above duties for ALL AmeriCorps Members and:

  • Plan and implement climate education activities/workshops/presentations virtually and in-person.
  • Assist with planning and implementation of our annual climate programs including the Educator Retreat, Youth Leadership Retreat, and the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to commit to the half term (900 hours, 6-12 months) of AmeriCorps service. 
  • Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.
  • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
  • Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
  • Flexibility and adaptability - we work in a dynamic team setting with shifting duties.
  • Interest in teaching natural history, climate science, and working outdoors throughout the year.
  • Self-motivated - you seek opportunities to learn and grow and can thrive independently.
  • Positive attitude and a willingness to work with people - you must enjoy working and communicating with people, including members of our rural Adirondack community.
  • Organization and time management skills - you will work on multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Maturity and professionalism - you will represent The Wild Center and AmeriCorps.
  • Policies - be prepared to adhere to all Wild Center policies including Covid safety procedure. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment.

Experience & Education:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent or not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
  • A college degree is not required to apply for this position. We encourage current college students to apply, as well as non-traditional applicants not pursuing a degree.

Work Schedule:

  • 40 hours per week, including weekends, special events, and occasional mornings and evenings, with two consecutive days off each week.
  • Flexible start date, with AmeriCorps hours to be completed over the course of up to 12 months.
  • Members will be required to attend AmeriCorps-specific service days throughout their term.

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to traverse rolling trails and spend prolonged periods of time outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions, including extremely cold temperatures.

To Apply:

Open our Half Time AmeriCorps Member Application or go to wildcenter.org/careers to access the job description and application link. Attach a resume within the application form. 

The Wild Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We have a strong dedication to diversity in our community and in the people and groups with which we work.

 

Compensation Information

  • Approximately $398/week living allowance, paid bi-monthy for a 6 month term. 
  • $3247.50 Segal Americorps Education award after 900 hours of service.
  • Shared, seasonal housing on The Wild Center property, with all utilities included. Housing may be shared with up to 4 other AmeriCorps members. Housing available from May through November. 
  • May be eligible for federal student loan forbearance during service term.
  • Flexibility with school schedules for students working toward college credit.
  • Professional training: team building, teaching skills, project management, science content knowledge, health and safety, accessibility, customer service, group management, and social emotional health.
  • Training/certifications: CPR & First Aid, Certified Interpretive Guide, Visual Thinking Strategies.
  • Optional water safety and canoe training plus use of canoes, kayaks, and SUP’s outside of work.
  • The Wild Center strives to create an environment where our team thrives both personally and professionally. While life on the job can move at a fast pace, we appreciate the times we can slow down. Whether it's sharing stories over a staff potluck, being wowed by cool science facts, or taking a break during a meeting to view a cute animal - we make time to grow together as a community.