Environment Naturalist and Environmental Educator
Job Description
This position is responsible for the education and implementation of Great Basin Naturalist, Environmental Science camps and STEM-based curriculum for school field studies. This is an AmeriCorps position with the Great Basin Institute based in the Galena Creek Recreation Area.
The Galena Creek recreation area includes Washoe County and U.S. Forest Service lands, and is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. High desert, forest, river, wetland, mountain, and rangeland are all ecosystems you will find within our 450-acre regional park. The Great Basin Institute serves as the interpretive association operating the Galena Creek Visitor Center (GCVC) on a day-to-day basis. The Visitor Center is a resource for people throughout the Reno/Tahoe community, as well as a stop for tourists coming from around the world.
Our goal is to provide local youth with opportunities to experience the outdoors in a safe, fun, nurturing and engaging setting, and to provide academic, STEM education.
Description:
• Assist with the teaching of Great Basin Institute at Galena Environmental Science Education Field Study Programs comprising theme-based activities that capitalize on the unique natural setting of Galena Creek Park and the Sierra Nevada region. Themes include natural and cultural history topics such as Animals, Plants, Water, Ecosystems, etc. that allow children to experience the outdoors through discovery-based, STEM education.
• Assist in implementation and education of the Great Basin Institute at Galena’s Camps and School Residential/Extended Day Field Studies to ensure the success and safety of these programs. School Break Camps and Residential/Extended School Field Studies include hands-on games, hikes, educational activities, teambuilding, field trips, guest presenters, exploration and play. Staff and Students/campers stay in the beautiful WeChMe Lodge three nights a week for five weeks of residential summer camp and varying length of times for residential school field studies.
Compensation and Benefits:
• This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a stipend of $250 per week (before taxes).
• Upon successful completion of the AmeriCorps service term, members shall receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in the amount of $4,266.50 that can be applied towards qualifying student loans, tuition for Title IV accredited colleges, and other educational expenses.
• Limited health, dental and vision insurance premiums will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting your first day of service.
• Shared, on-site housing is available at no charge.
• Trainings and mentoring provided include but are not limited to: First aid and CPR certification.
Timeline: 33-week position beginning March 2nd and extending through October 16th
Additional Position Details:
• Deliver near-daily environmental education curriculum to students and youth (ages 2-17) both in the field and occasionally in the classroom.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of curriculum for day and residential outdoor education school field studies.
• Assist in assuring the safety of students and campers.
• Present clear, well-organized educational programs that exemplify professional delivery, thematic development, and cohesive structure that are consistently appropriate for the activity and the audience.
• Communicate effectively and develop relationships with participating teachers, parents and chaperones.
• Assist with monthly education programs based out of the visitor center including Toddler Time, Homeschool, and miscellaneous events as needed.
• Enforce school and camp policies, procedures and regulations.
• Recognize and respond effectively to emergencies.
• May require the driving of an 11-passenger van
• 2-5 overnight camping trips required.
• Camps include Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, and Fall Break Camp. Summer Camp includes five weeks of 24 hr/day, Monday-Friday residence at WeChMe Lodge. You will be given daily breaks and one night off a week. Residential and Extended-Day School Field Studies entail 10 hour days and occur as booked.
• On occasion, assist with staffing the GCVC information desk, providing customer service, and assisting in daily upkeep of the GCVC
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in education or the natural sciences;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Experience working with K-12 children;
• Campfire skills (song leading, playing of musical instrument, storytelling) desirable;
• Enthusiasm and commitment to youth outdoor education;
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, and otherwise maintain good physical condition.
• Ability to hike between 2 and 5 miles in a single day.
• Applicant must be comfortable working a varied schedule where some days will be longer than 8-hrs, some shorter.
• Looking for applicants who are flexible, adaptable, and optimistic.
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements:
1. U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
2. Must be at least 17 years of age.
3. Received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award).
4. Eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or equivalent of 2 full-time awards), and
5. Pass state and federal criminal background checks.
How to Apply
Please apply on the Great Basin Institute website at the following link: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careersmobile/careers.aspx?rf=PD&req=2019-GCVC-0052061 total views, 1 today