Seasonal Naturalist Educator

Position Description

The Naturalist Educator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the team for this young non-profit organization. This person will primarily implement and support the Student Stewards Program. The Student Stewards Program uses public parks within walking distance of under-served schools as learning laboratories. Students engage in hands-on citizen science research with a goal of improved academic engagement and better preparation for educational success. This will include teaching a three part class to underserved schools, developing and maintaining relationships with Washoe County schools administration and teachers, and developing and writing curriculum. This AmeriCorps member will also develop and implement the Student Stewards Spring and Summer Camps, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) camp for economically disadvantaged students.

Member Schedule & Service Location:

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm, some weekends and evenings for special programs and events.

Term of Service & Time Requirements:

Member's term of service begins in February, 2023 and will be completed by August 19th, 2023. This is a 1/2 term AmeriCorps member position. Members must complete 920 hours of service.

Primary Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the Student Stewards Program;

• Help develop and form connections between students and the natural world;

• Inspire students to become stewards of the environment;

• Lead outdoor field trips and programs;

• Develop and maintain partnerships with school administrators and teachers;

• Write new and enhance current STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum using Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards

• Create, write, and implement STEAM and recreational camp programming for the Student Stewards Summer Camp and school break camps;

• Facilitate TMPF’s Junior Naturalist Program.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate other interpretive programs such as Truckee Meadows Trails Challenge and Discover Your Parks walks;

• Support education and programming at the Rosewood Nature Study Area

• Community outreach for the Student Stewards Program;

• Create new adult education programs and events.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to TMPF’s mission and vision

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

• Exceptional writing skills

• Strong communication skills

• Strong organizational skills

• High degree of initiative and spirit of service

• Experience working with students, teachers, and volunteers

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award

• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in §2522.110(b)(3) or (g)

• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

• Successfully pass the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) and National Sex Offender Program Registry check

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred: experience teaching in formal or informal settings.

• Preferred: experience working at or managing summer camp programs.

• Preferred: Reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language.

• Preferred: strong understanding of education standards and experience in curriculum development.

• Preferred: a Bachelor's degree in education, science, or a related field.

To apply:

Send resume/cover letter to:

Hannah Lansverk, Youth Education Director, hannah@tmparksfoundation.org