AmeriCorps Conservation Education Program Assistant

AmeriCorps EELCorps members are budding EE professionals who will increase environmental literacy in the communities they serve through engaging Kentuckians in EE programs, lessons, and activities. Members are expected to use the tools provided by EELCorps and the service site to provide outreach and quality EE with the goal of reaching as many Kentuckians as possible. The sum of a Member’s service term should be to help Kentuckians develop meaningful relationships with the environment, while experiencing a rewarding service experience that prepares the member for a future in the EE professional field. 

Kenton County Conservation District is dedicated to empowering our county citizens to protect our natural resources through Conservation, Restoration and Education! We are looking for dynamic, motivated EELCorps member to help us to design, implement and teach environmental education programs within Kenton County schools and communities, and at a nature preserve that is being restored by KCCD to support native species of plants and wildlife. This self-starting individual will also play a key role in developing an outdoor education classroom curriculum that will benefit students in the Erlanger-Elsmere School District, and will mentor high school students as they prepare for the state Envirothon program. Envirothon is a conservation problem-solving, teambuilding and leadership experience and competition for high school students. While developing, implementing and teaching education programs, the EEL Corps member will learn firsthand how KCCD provides technical and financial assistance for homeowners and landowners to protect natural resources in our county. The Member will also understand how KCCD and other regional partners are working together to restore terrestrial and aquatic habitats across our region. 

Benefits of the Position:

• Living allowance of $4,802 disbursed in bi-weekly increments

• Education Award of $1,718.25

• Professional Development

• Access to Member Mental Health Assistance Program

Essential Functions of the Position: 

• Member directly delivers environmental programs or activities of at least 20 minutes duration to the clients of the service site. This may include individuals or groups.
• Member consistently conducts the EELCorps Participant Survey provided by the Program for all lessons, activities or programs the Member performs lasting more than 20 minutes.
• Member maintains accurate and confidential records of the number of people that have received direct instruction, and all survey responses for submission during monthly EELCorps Data Collection.
• Member completes Monthly Data Collection and weekly timesheets by the specified due dates.
• Member develops new EE programs or activities that support the mission of the service site.
• Member assesses the effectiveness of their instruction in cooperation with their service site.
• Member communicates service activity to, and maintains open communication with site supervisors, and EELC staff via regular professional meetings and through reports completed in OnCorps.
• Member attends and completes all requirements for the required member trainings and professional development, including required monthly EELCorps meetings.
• Member seeks opportunities to lead or assist with programs in support of EE and increasing the environmental stewardship in the communities they serve. (This may include assisting with marketing and promoting EE opportunities offered at the service site).
• Member seeks opportunities to build strong relationships with site and community partners who support the EELCorps goal of using the environment as a framework for instruction in all content areas. 
• Member speaks to civic organizations about experiences in AmeriCorps service.
• Member presents at environmentally focused conferences, summits, and symposiums when possible.
• Member participates in mandatory meetings and trainings with EELCorps and Serve Kentucky.
• Member participates in AmeriCorps Week and other service projects as directed by EELCorps.
• Member will research forestry curricula such as Project Learning tree and local outdoor learning spaces to develop key components of outdoor learning curriculum for Martin Woods.
• Member will communicate with educators (virtually, in-person, or via email) in the Erlanger-Elsmere to gather input for developing Martin Woods outdoor learning curriculum.
• Member will communicate with educators or community members to organize education programs.
• Member will assist District Manager in training students from Lloyd High school at habitat restoration days and at field days to prepare for the yearly Envirothon Competition. Member will also assist Manager in preparing high school students to mentor and teach elementary-aged students at Martin Woods. 
• Member will assist in organizing and delivering school-based and community-based education programs at schools, parks, and other community locations, as well as at KCCD’s nature preserve, Morning View Heritage area. 

Preferred Candidate Qualifications:

•  A willingness to lead in-person or virtual lessons, activities, or programs,
• A positive and encouraging attitude,
• A willingness to learn and implement best practices in EE and related fields,
• Some background in environmental or outdoor education (preferred, but not required)
• Working toward a degree or a degree in natural science, conservation or environmental education.
• Self-motivated, willing to conduct research and apply research to program development.
• Experience and confidence in leading hands-on activities for people of all ages, with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills; experience in developing lesson plans preferred!
• Willingness to communicate directly with teachers and other members of the community to organize education programs and events.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer software applications, including MS Word, PowerPoint and MS Excel.
• Willingness to learn and use the Canva graphic design application.
• Willingness to work weekends or evenings to deliver community education programs.
• Ability to hike and navigate steep stairs and terrain. 

How to apply:

Go to https://forms.gle/triq6yGnjqix83ov5