[POSITION FILLED] eeCorps Nature Educator (Wild Bear Nature Center)

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: This position will be located at Wild Bear Nature Center (WBNC), which is located in Nederland, CO. Founded in 1995, WBNC’s mission is to inspire a lifelong connection to nature and community through creative exploration of the outdoors. WBNC serves the rural Peak to Peak region, Boulder and Gilpin counties, and the wider Front Range.

Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps member serving with the eeCorps at WBNC will collaborate with our education team to plan fun and hands-on nature based programs for K-12 school age children. They will plan and implement creative hands-on full day, half day, nature clubs, and other nature education programs.

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 WBNC’s goals. These duties include:

• Collaborate with our education team to plan fun and hands-on nature based programs for K-12 school age children
• Plan and implement creative hands-on full day, half day, nature clubs, and other nature education programs.
• Plan and implement existing and new virtual education programs and resources as needed.
• Adopt all Wild Bear policies and procedures engaging in hands-on creative programs while keeping all participants safe.
• Collaborate with the Nature Education Director and Coordinator to create program curricula, planning guides, and resources.
• Take pride in diligently organizing and maintaining Wild Bear’s education materials. Integrate new ideas into Wild Bear’s existing programs and materials.
• Collaborate with the education team to create nature adventure enrichment kits for teachers and families.
• 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):

• Welcome nature center visitors and engage them in educational activities provided and other front desk duties such as counting visitors, maintaining exhibits and the gift shop.
• Assisting with animal ambassador care and exhibits.
• Participating in informal education events, such as weekend farmers markets.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to work in outdoor setting in various weather conditions for up to 9 hours
• Able to carry/lift 50 pounds-moving program materials
• Commitment to equity in education
• People person willing to go out into schools and communities and engage

Qualifications:

• Three positive professional references
• Experience and/or education in innovative full day nature education program planning
• 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 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 term (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins December 16, 2023 and ends August 15, 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 Frankie Beard, Wild Bear Nature Education Coordinator, 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 Wild Bear Nature Center, 20 Lakeview Dr #108, Nederland, CO 80466 and service may be performed at various wilderness locations and schools within Boulder Valley School District and surrounding districts

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: An important goal at Wild Bear is to increase diversity amongst our staff. We provide equal employment opportunities and encourage all qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other personal characteristics. 

Wild Bear Nature Center welcomes ALL individuals as visitors, participants, volunteers, board members, and employees. We do not discriminate with regard to race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, belief, creed, nationality, ethnicity, disability, or age.

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://bit.ly/eeCorpsApply: 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.