Wildlife Educator AmeriCorps Member

Member Position Summary:

The Wildlife Educator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the Conservation Education team. This person will support the field trips and community programming offered at Oxbow Nature Study Area and Verdi Nature Area. This person will also facilitate our statewide wildlife education programming in classrooms, among other Conservation Education programming. AmeriCorps members will also help develop and facilitate regional outdoor education events demonstrating archery, fishing, and hunting activities for families. In addition, this person will assist with the Urban Wildlife Education Program. These programs extend throughout the northwest region of Nevada (from Winnemucca to Hawthorne to Incline Village and all parts in between). Their duties will include facilitating, evaluating, and fine-tuning our existing programming, developing new programs, training volunteers, assisting on volunteer projects, and monitoring the habitat area in and around Oxbow.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and evaluate Wildlife Education statewide classroom programming, including Urban Wildlife Program;
• Facilitate, evaluate, and develop science field trips at Oxbow Nature Study Area;
• Develop and conduct diverse community programs that include family activities connecting people to wildlife;
• Maintain and develop displays for the visitor center;
• Maintain ‘Trout in the Classroom’ trout tank in office and at participating schools;
• Develop and assist in facilitating angler education, hunter education and archery events.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships to recruit and train volunteers;
• Develop relationships with existing and new partner organizations
• Assist in conducting evaluations of all programming;
• Coordinate and retain volunteers;
• Conduct basic maintenance of Oxbow Nature Study Area and Verdi Nature Area;

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High degree of initiative and spirit of service – a self-starter.
• Ability and a willingness to talk with people in-person, via telephone or using digital media.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Exceptional writing skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability and a willingness to work a non-traditional work week, including weekends.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award. A bachelor’s degree in education, science, outdoor recreation or a related field is preferred.

Host Site Agency Mission:

The Nevada Department of Wildlife offers Wildlife Education and Aquatic Education field trips at Oxbow Nature Study Area, a 22-acre wild habitat along the Truckee River with micro habitats including river, riparian, wetlands, and grasslands. Nevada wildlife make their home in these diverse habitats and the Wildlife Education Program helps to foster NDOW's mission: "Connecting people to wildlife in a positive way."  The Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Wildlife Education Program reaches more than 10,000 participants each year through a variety of programs at diverse venues in the region.

Additional Guidelines or Expectations:

AmeriCorps members are required to wear at least one piece of AmeriCorps gear (AmeriCorps button), provided by the Parks Foundation, every day during their term of service. When the member is facilitating a program, they should wear the t-shirt their site supervisor provides them with the AmeriCorps button pinned on this shirt. AmeriCorps members must participate in a minimum of three National Days of Service during their term of service and may participate in additional service projects. 

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to Margaret Lord at margaret.lord@ndow.org.