AmeriCorps 4-H Enviornmental Educator

Wapello County Conservation (WCC) is looking for you! There is an open position as an AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Educator. This person will be employed by AmeriCorps 4-H but will perform duties with WCC.

Hours: This full time (1 year) position will require the member to complete 1700 hours throughout the term. This will end up being on average 32 hours per week. There may be some longer weeks during school breaks and summer vacation. Nature Center hours are M-F 8-430 but to meet the target audience the member may be needed on nights, weekends and holiday breaks. Scheduling can be somewhat flexible and work with the member’s availability.

Benefits/Salary: The AmeriCorps member will receive a taxable living allowance of $17,500 which will be distributed equally by month throughout the term. The member will also receive a $6,495 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the term. Some additional benefits are: Student loan forbearance on qualified student loans, CPR and First Aid trainings, personal/professional development funding, leadership development and skills, involvement with Iowa Association of Naturalists, opportunities to network in the conservation community, hands on learning experiences, and the ability to work outside!

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, willingness to work outside normal business hours, willingness to work with ambassador animals, ability to learn what is not already known. Knowledge of Iowa’s natural resources. CPR certified or willing to get it. At least 17 years old. A United States Citizen or hold a permanent resident visa.

AmeriCorps members are required to attend trainings and other events throughout the year. The member is responsible for all required AmeriCorps paperwork including fingerprinting, reports, timesheets, reflections, and surveys.

Essential Duties: The AmeriCorps member will serve directly with the naturalist, facilitating programs, exhibit designs, and other environmental education tasks. The member will research, design, revamp, and utilize the WCC curriculum to create meaningful experiences and quality educational programs for the community. Programs will be held at schools, libraries, public areas, and local parks. Additional places may be added. There will be an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth that we are not currently able to reach as well as an emphasis on making sure we have a consistent presence in students' lives by providing 6 or more hours of programs throughout the year. Provide many ways for community members to access the environment by developing inclusive self-guided tours, nature center exhibits, and virtual lessons. The member and naturalist will work together to create a number of programs and projects to complete throughout the year, this could include but is not limited to: 2 school programs per week, 1 public program every other week, 1 nature center exhibit for the year, and 2 summer camps start to finish. The member may be required to develop and facilitate other activities/programs that align with the AmeriCorps approved grant.

Terms of Service: 1 year full time position starting September 2024 and ending August 2025.

To apply send cover letter, resume and at least three references by August 26th to: srunyan@wapellocounty.org or mail to:

Wapello County Conservation

Attn: Sara Runyan

1339 HWY 63Bloomfield, IA 52537