Environmental Educator (AmeriCorps)

The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is seeking full-time Environmental Education AmeriCorps ServiceMembers to serve a six-month term from March 1–September 2023, with the potential to extend for an additional six months of service. The service member will be responsible for completing 900 service hours by environmental outreach and education to youth in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia, in both formal and informal settings.

Roles and Responsibilities:

In this role, the AmeriCorps member will provide instruction of PVAS programs to youth in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia. Audiences may include children ages 2–18. These programs include but are not limited to the following:

• Wee Naturalist Pre-School Programs: 1.5-hour long programs at Cool Spring Preserve for ages 3–5 year-olds who attend with a parent
• Outdoor School classes at both Cool Spring Preserve and Yankauer Nature Preserve: 6- hour classes for ages 5-10
• Fourth Grade Watershed program: This includes 5 in-school lessons to fourth-grade classes followed by a field trip to a local stream.
• Family programs: Campfires and Night Hikes
• Summer Camp: Weekly day camps in June and July
• General School Programs: These include programs and field trips with local schools relating to topics such as insects, reptiles, birds, decomposers, etc.
• Scout programs and library programs

Other Responsibilities 

• Assist in developing new programs, implement activities, and help evaluate programs for effectiveness.
• Help with animal care and cleaning (turtles, snake, hissing cockroaches, worms, and others), nature center interpretation and management, meet/greet visitors and special groups, and giving tours of PVAS properties.
• Participate fully in all trainings provided by PVAS and AmeriCorps.
• Communicate with teachers/youth leaders to confirm program times and locations beforehand.
• Prepare all lessons, materials, and teaching space needed for each lesson/activity as required, and clean up all spaces and clean/restock equipment after use.
• Serve as a positive role model for youth with whom you interact.
• Occasionally work with the Land Manager on conservation initiatives.
• Occasionally compose social media posts and write content for our newsletter, “Valley Views.”
• Assist the Lead Naturalist/Instructor with other duties as necessary to carry out the position. 

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• U.S. Citizen
• High school graduate/GED (Bachelors Degree in the environmental or education field preferred)
• Basic knowledge of science, mostly related to watershed and natural history. Able to work roughly 33 hours a week Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and/or evening work (work hours will never exceed 35 hours per week)
• Have reliable transportation, a valid license and good driving record. This position requires to occasionally driving up to 45 minutes to area schools or one of our nature preserves. Mileage to sites other than main office will be reimbursed.
• Interest in community service and commitment to getting things done in your community.
• Have patience and skills to teach/counsel up to 25 children at a time. Prior experience working with children is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of computers and software including Google Docs, Drive, Calendar, Slides and Sheets.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone and in writing.
• Excellent people skills
• Organized, self-starting, highly motivated and creative.
• Able to lift and carry 40lbs over uneven ground for a minimum distance of 50ft.
• Able to hike at least two miles over moderate terrain at a brisk pace (4mph).
• Able to be outside for long periods of time in rain, snow and/or cold temperatures.

Details and Benefits

• All AmeriCorps must sign a contract committing to six months of service. Start date is March 1, 2023, but soon after is acceptable. All positions are full-time.
• Service members receive a $717.48, pre-tax, paid twice monthly, stipend
• Full-time members who complete their 900-hour commitment by the end of August will receive an educational award of $3,247.50. The educational award can be used for existing student debt, current or future education expense – and the member has 7 years in which to use it.
• Healthcare benefits while in service (if you qualify)
• Childcare assistance while in service (if you qualify)
• Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
• Attend a public West Virginia college tuition-free for 1 year. 

How to apply:

1. Send resume with cover letter and contact information for three references via e-mail to: Amy@PotomacAudubon.org

Note: Cover letter should relate your experiences and abilities to this specific job. Generic or non-specific letters will receive no reply. No phone calls please. Send inquires to Amy@PotomacAudubon.org.

2. Candidates must also apply to and be approved by AmeriCorps. Details of that process will be shared once PVAS approves the applicant through resume review and interview. A sample of the application packet and reference forms will be provided upon request.

Note: All AmeriCorps members will undergo a fingerprint background check and a national sex offender check.