[POSITION FILLED] NCA Environmental Educator (Colorado Canyons Association)

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 Colorado Canyons Association, which is located in Grand Junction, CO. Colorado Canyons Association is a "friends group" of the three National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in Western Colorado. We work in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to increase funding, education, and outreach efforts in the communities across the western slope.

Service Position Summary: Colorado Canyons Association (CCA), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), connects thousands of students and families to their public lands through outdoor education programs, community hikes and events, and stewardship projects each year. The member will support the educational program through helping lead these field trips, design and improve curricula, and strengthen partnerships with a focus on Delta and Montrose counties. 

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 Environment for the America’s goals. These duties include:

• Support the planning and delivery of in-person education events such as:  
  • Nature Knowledge Days: 3rd grade multi-day event 
  • Cottonwood Days: 6th grade multi-day event
  • Dias del Agua y Tierra: bilingual 5th grade two-day event
• Expand CCA’s file cabinet of educational resources and activities for land and river program use
• Build and maintain lasting community partnerships with a focus on Delta and Montrose counties 
• Assist the Education Programs Manager in developing and institutionalizing pilot programs with local school districts
• Develop service-learning projects for K-12 students
• Update program participant surveys and incorporate feedback into planning   
• 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):

• Create and maintain program materials
• Network with BLM and other partner organizations for additional development opportunities
• Support education by participating in CCA river trips
• Gather content from programs to share with the CCA network
• Attend CCA staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and special events 

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to work in outdoor settings in various weather conditions.
• Able to carry/lift 30 pounds
• Commitment to equity in education
• Interested and motivated to develop skills in environmental education including program design and delivery, leadership, group management, etc.
• Willing and able to drive to program sites in tri-county region 
• Must be willing to serve flexible work hours, including some weekend and evening hours

Qualifications:

• Educational or experiential background in environmental science, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, or other relevant fields
• Spanish speaker highly desirable (additional stipend offered)
• Prior experience working with youth, especially in an educational context (1 year preferred)
• Responsible, reliable, and organized; able to work efficiently and effectively without close supervision
• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain by start date
• Reliable transportation and clean driving record required
• Residents of rural communities in Colorado are encouraged to apply
• 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
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins September 5, 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 Annie Carter, Colorado Canyons Association Education Programs Manager, 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 will be based at 543 Main St #4, Grand Junction CO 81501 and service will be performed in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose Counties both in the National Conservation Areas and the surrounding communities.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:  Colorado Canyons Association shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.

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.