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AmeriCorps: Environmental Educator

Severson Dells Nature Center
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Position Title: Environmental Education AmeriCorps Member 

Reports to:  Education Programs Manager

Annual Stipend: $24,000, full-time, 1700 hour position
 

BENEFITS

  • Medical and Dental Insurance for full time (1,700 hour members)
  • Eligible for Employers of National Service and Schools of National Service upon successful completion of service
  • Federal Education Award- $7,395 upon successful completion of service
  • Reduced rent housing available- $350/month which includes all utilities except internet

 

WHO WE ARE.  Severson Dells Nature Center links people to nature through education and research. We promote awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment and preservation now and in the future. Severson Dells Nature Center is situated on a 369-acre county forest preserve with four miles of trails through prairie, savanna, oak woodland, creek and pond ecosystems. We aspire to be the local leader in nature education and create meaningful experiences with and for all ages. Our team seeks to build community connections while fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace.

 

YOUR ROLE. Members support school field trip programs, after school programs, and public programs to help students and adults learn about local habitats, predator and prey interactions, food webs, animal and plant adaptations and basic ecology of the area. During the term of service, Members will receive training in all of the above topics, best practices in environmental education, group management, and have the opportunity to develop and try nature-based lessons and community programs of their own. We love to support members that want to try new and creative ways to connect people with nature. Severson Dells encourages people of all backgrounds and social identities to apply. 

 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT. Severson Dells Nature Center is a strong collaborative team who see opportunity in every corner of our community. Our team takes pride in preparing AmeriCorps members for the next step of their professional journey and prioritizes the professional development and training opportunities for all members. The Rockford Area has a wealth of habitats to teach in, too! 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • 40 % Direct Teaching- teach and lead field trips, in-school, and afterschool programs with support of School Programs Coordinator. Host hikes and activity stations for Public Programs with support of Public Programs Coordinator. 
  • 20% Curriculum and Materials Development - develop educational curriculum and lesson plans for school groups, general public, and camps, using current environmental education best practices. Create corresponding materials for lessons and programs with support of School Programs and Public Programs Coordinators.
  • 15% Social Media Content- with support from the Community Engagement Coordinator, create educational social media content including graphics and videos. 
  • 15% Blog Writing- collaborates with the Community Engagement Coordinator to provide high quality, accurate content for publications and social media, including education and promotional material. 
  • 10% Support- support annual special events, assist with minor facilities and grounds needs.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The items listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities we are seeking. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result.
 

  • Education: Some college coursework required. 
  • Teaching: Some experience teaching or leading programs for children and/or adults. 
  • Communication: Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt information to different audiences.
  • Time management: Independently prioritize tasks, adhere to deadlines, communicate delays. Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Certifications:  Must successfully obtain and maintain CPR and basic first aid certification. A valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation are required (mileage reimbursed at the IRS rate). 
  • Systems: Ability to use or learn the following 
    • Microsoft and Google Suites 
    • Canva or similar programs for graphic design and video editing

PREFERRED SKILLS and EXPERIENCE

  • Some knowledge of environmental sciences, biology, education practices, natural history, and related environmental issues  
  • Experience developing informal science programs and curriculum.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS. The physical demands described here are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this service 

While performing the duties of this service, the member is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk or hear.  The member is frequently required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects such as a computer or controls, and includes repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers; and is required to reach with hands and arms.  The member may be occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch.  Sufficient vision, hearing and stamina to perform the above functions is needed. The member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.

SERVICE ENVIRONMENT.  While performing the duties of this service, the member serves in an office environment, but is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, including heat, humidity and cold.  The noise level is usually quiet while in the office or moderately noisy when in the field.
 

TO APPLY: Please submit an application in the AmeriCorps system: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=84612

Severson Dells makes reasonable accommodations for service and interviews. There is some flexibility with the start date, if needed. Please contact Ann Wasser at 815-335-2915 or ann@seversondells.org for details. We have a 1,700 hour position available. The living stipend is $24,000 and the federal education award is $7,395 after successful completion of service. 

This position description reflects Severson Dells Nature Center’s best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the position described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. This document is not intended to exclude the opportunity for modifications, providing reasonable accommodation.