AmeriCorps 4-H Naturalist

Job Description

AmeriCorps 4-H Naturalist

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The individual in this position is an employee of AmeriCorps 4H that will perform duties for Des Moines County Conservation (DMCC), as set out in this document, under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Manager. This individual prepares and executes summer programming for youth ages 3-13 years old. This individual will promote conservation through environmental education and interpretation. Conservation education, and outdoor recreation programs are delivered to the public, summer camp participants, and local school groups. This individual is also expected to help with the care and maintenance of Des Moines County Conservation’s parks and natural areas by participating in beautification and conservation practices.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience/Education: High School diploma or its equivalent. College coursework, college degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience preferred. This participant must be a United States Citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident.

Special requirements:

• Experience in public speaking
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• A valid driver’s license.
• Must be 18 or older.
• A willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and irregular hours.
• A willingness to wear designated uniform attire.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:

• Greet and respond to nature center visitors regarding park usage and information inquiry.
• Develop and execute K-8 field trips (2) that align with student’s Environmental Education needs.
• Run operations and programs for Starr’s Cave Nature Center (all nature center staff participate in operation and management activities)
• Use creativity to develop and deliver at least 2 public conservation lessons/activities per month.
• Attend appropriate training sessions as assigned by the Environmental Education Manager and AmeriCorps 4-H
• Participate in at least 2 conservation events. This can include but is not limited to, an activity table at The Outdoor Youth Jamboree event, create an invasive species removal event, and the End of Summer Celebration.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, and SKILLS

Knowledge of natural and cultural history and recreation:

• Basic field identification and natural history of local flora and fauna
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and explain conservation laws, principles, and practices to different aged people.

Program Development and Educational Skills

• Ability to plan and evaluate programs appropriate for the developmental ability and needs of the audience.
• Ability to write program goals and objectives with supervision from EE Manager
• Use fun and creative teaching methods to deliver conservation messages.

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate orally and effectively to groups and individuals in both formal and non-formal situations in one or more of the following areas: indoor and outdoor presentations, campfires, trailside talks, classroom presentations, public meetings, and storytelling.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing to people with a variety of ages and educational abilities.
• Maintain regular communication with local school and afterschool partners to promote and plan activities and programs.
• Speak to field staff about program needs or maintenance.

Personal Attributes

• Creative
• Organized
• Enthusiastic
• Takes Initiative
• Flexible
• Team player
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work within a budget
• Sense of humor
• Sincere love of the outdoors and desire to communicate it to the public, especially children.

WORK SCHEDULE, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This Half time member agrees to serve a minimum of 450 hours with a maximum of 32 hours/week through the summer, and 15hours/ week during the fall. These hours will be regularly served weekly, however, some nights or weekends will be required based on the member’s service projects.

Please send your cover letter and resume to nackm@dmcounty.com

• Job Type: Temporary
• Department: Conservation
• Salary Range: $900/month living allowance, $1,718.25 education award, and $125 Self Determined Professional Development Funding.
• Posted: 4/10/23
• Expires: 5/24/23