Education Specialist

Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps Member will directly support the Executive Director and School Programs Director by conducting standard-based environmental programs for summer camp programs, K -12 students including field trips, in-school programs, afterschool programs, weekend programs, overnights, and community events.  Additional responsibilities include developing program materials, marketing, fundraising, and attending relevant community events. 

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 Catamount Institute’s goals. These duties include:

• Primarily facilitate summer camp programs (June-Aug) including: over-nights and day camps
• Support school programs including (March-May): field trips, in-school programs, afterschool programs, weekend programs, and 2-6 day overnight programs 
• Prepare marketing plans for existing programs which include timelines and contacts
• Effectively collaborate with a high efficiency team  
• Assist with photography and videography portfolio
• Collaborate with Catamount Institute staff to evaluate and report on youth programs
• Assist in the acquisition and inventory of program resources, including, but not limited to, volunteers, equipment, supplies, specimens, and books
• Regularly meet with the School Programs Director and Executive Director to review educational programs
• Provide program descriptions and information for publications and website to Marketing and Communication staff
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
• Attend all eeCorps/AmeriCorps trainings, meetings, and orientations
• Complete any National Days of Service projects as required by the eeCorps program
• Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
• Some local and out of town travel required to annual conferences; occasional statewide travel possible

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities)

Additional tasks include:

• Attend trainings and seminars as directed to maintain or attain relevant knowledge and certifications needed to support the educational department
• Represent and present at relevant community programs, events, and conferences

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: 

• Ability to work effectively and collaborate in a team  
• Patience required, as the member will be serving with children 
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting in varying weather conditions for several hours at a time 
• Comfortable going on overnight and backpacking trips (up to 5 nights) 

Qualifications:

• First Aid/CPR certified (re/certification provided if needed)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Previous experience working with school-aged children a plus
• Adaptable and energetic, quick learner under new circumstances
• 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
• Passion for diversity inclusion
• High School Diploma or GED required, college graduate preferred
• Ability to pass criminal history check (required)
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required  
• Colorado residents are encouraged to apply
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Term of Service: 

This is a half-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 900 hours during the term of service (approximately 40 hours/week but will vary and can be up to 60 hours/week during overnight camps). The position begins March 6, 2023 and ends August 11, 2023. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening, weekend, and overnight commitments.  Member may be required to serve on Days of Service that take place on certain national holidays throughout the year.

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 Janelle Ross, Director of Staff and Logistics, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2022-23 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 Catamount Institute (740 W. Caramillo St. Colorado Springs, CO. 80907), and may involve service (indoor and/or outdoor) at other locations in the surrounding areas. 

Benefits: 

• A living allowance of $8,250 distributed biweekly over the term dates. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• An education award of $3,247.50 upon successful completion of term of service. 
• It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings
• Non-tangible benefits include extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
• Ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils; option to obtain CAEE’s nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: The Catamount Institute 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.

If you are interested in applying to this position, please send your resume and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the program and commitment to national service to Erin Dreps, AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, at americorps@caee.org. Please include “AmeriCorps Catamount Institute Environmental Educator Application” in the subject line. Please also attach a list of three (3) references, and a diversity and inclusion statement that is no longer than one page in length.