[POSITION FILLED] eeCorps Education & Interpretation Program Assistant (Cherry Creek State Park)

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 Cherry Creek State Park which is located in Aurora, Colorado. Cherry Creek State Park is an oasis on the plains, providing important habitat for wildlife, including a wildlife refuge, as well as offering a bed and breakfast for many species of resident and migrating birds.

Service Position Summary: Cherry Creek State Park is an outdoor classroom open to everyone, every day of the year. This position will fill a critical need in Cherry Creek’s interpretation and education programs, helping create and deliver meaningful and memorable educational experiences for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This position is made for someone interested in sharing their love and passion for the outdoors with others.

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 Cherry Creek State Park’s goals. These duties include:

• Sharing your love of the outdoors by creating  and presenting educational and interpretive programs and experiences for diverse audiences on-site and in the community
• Provide visitors with accurate and concise information regarding the park’s natural and cultural resources and history, responsible recreation ethics, and general orientation to the site
• Work with volunteer naturalists on developing and delivering programs
• Perform outreach to local schools and build relationships with teachers
• Collaborate with other local natural resource organizations, partners,  and businesses in the community
• 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):

• May develop educational brochures, fliers, and other materials
• May assist with special events or programs within the park
• May assist with educational and volunteer trainings and other opportunities

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to work in outdoor setting in various weather conditions for up to 9 hours
• Able to carry/lift up to 50 pounds is a plus
• Ability to perform adequate research and fact checking using reputable resources when creating educational programs
• Commitment to equity in education and access to parks/outdoors

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and comfort speaking in front of large groups
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Willingness to reach out to local community schools, organizations, etc.
• Self-motivated with planning and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and provide current Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• First Aid and CPR certifications may be required (can be provided by agency)
• 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
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service: This is a half-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 900 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins February 16, 2024 and ends August 15, 2024. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. The member will need to be available most holidays and weekends as those are the park’s busiest days.

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 Levi Reisinger, Interpretation and Education Park Ranger at Cherry Creek State Park, 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 is based at Cherry Creek State Park at 4201 S Parker Rd Aurora, CO 8001

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Cherry Creek State Park 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.