AmeriCorps Environmental Educator

PURPOSE: AmeriCorps members will provide capacity-building service to a 77-year-old nature center and 400-acre reserve. Members’ focus will be to connect people of the Chippewa Valley and northwestern Wisconsin with nature.

OVERVIEW: Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) is a non-profit environmental center founded in 1947. The 400-acre reserve includes the Eau Claire County Youth Camp, Wise Nature Center, Citizen Science Center, Butterfly House, and the Hobbs Observatory. This unique combination of facilities provides a special atmosphere where all people can discover, learn and appreciate the mysteries and miracles of the world where we live. Beaver Creek Reserve is the bridge that connects what youth and adults learn in their everyday environment and adds real-life tangible experiences that support growth and understanding of the natural world.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Beaver Creek Reserve’s Environmental Educator AmeriCorps Member will assist the education staff with the planning and teaching of K-12 and adult programming. The Environmental Educator will develop grade-specific curriculum and programming with live animals. All program development will include writing a curriculum, creating materials, training volunteers, and presenting programs. The Environmental Educator assists in special events like Boofest, Candlelight Snowshoe Hikes, Maple Syrup Saturday, Native Plant Sale, Butterfly Fest, Wisconsin Master Naturalist training, and more. The Environmental Educator will play a significant role in developing, organizing, and leading nature-based summer camps, recreation programs, and seasonal programs for all ages. The Environmental Educator will also contribute to our newsletter, social media, and blog. There is a lot of space for personal creativity and inspiration in this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Assist education staff with the planning and teaching of K-12 and adult programming.

● Lead and assist education staff with PreK-12 and higher education field trips.

● Develop written curriculum based on Wisconsin DPI standards.

● Responsible for leading nature hikes, team-building exercises, and outdoor skills programs.

● Help with annual special events.

● Assist in organizing and leading summer camps.

● Care, train, and present with live animals including reptiles, amphibians, and raptors.

● Present at and attend offsite outreach events.

● Develop interpretive displays and exhibits.

● Assist with maintenance and care of exhibits, buildings, and education areas.

● Train and schedule volunteers.

● Contribute to marketing initiatives through newsletter, Facebook, and blog articles.

● Work some evenings and weekends.

● Assist with upkeep and development of new elements to Storybook Hiking Trail, Obstacle Course, Nature Nooks and youth outdoor exploration areas.

● Assist with the development and upkeep of trail signs.

● Help with the operation of the butterfly house, greenhouse, invasive species removal, and garden projects.

● Research grant opportunities and apply for grants to fund specific education projects and programs.

● Assist with day to day operations at Beaver Creek Reserve

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Education, Biology, or Natural Science degree with interest, knowledge, and experience in the outdoors.

● Strong knowledge base of Wisconsin ecology.

● Teaching experience with ages K -12 grades and adults.

● Summer camp experience.

● Excellent communication skills are essential.

● Enthusiastic, creative and flexible.

● Willingness to learn various recreational and environmental activities.

● Experience in outdoor recreation (kayaking, canoeing, hiking) a plus.

● Comfortable working in adverse weather conditions.

● Must be able to carry 50lbs, hike 5 miles, and be on your feet for several hours.

TRAINING:

● Beaver Creek Reserve training September 3-6, 2024 - BCR will hire = $330.76 for training. Attendance required.

● AmeriCorps Orientation training September 9-13, 2024. Virtual. Attendance required.

● Midterm training Spring 2025. Location TBD. Attendance required.

● Monthly Team Meetings & AmeriCorps team building offered online the first Thursday of each month.

● Statewide Opening Ceremony in October offering a variety of speakers and professional development.

AmeriCorps RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Mid-term and final performance evaluations conducted by supervisor.

● Weekly timesheets.

● Member Service Plan for tracking achieved goals.

● Quarterly written reflections; and completion of foundational public health training, self-paced (16-20 hrs).

● Community Health training.

● Member surveys and exit survey.

REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE:

● Members must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.

● Members must be at least 17 years of age by their start date (September 9, 2024)

● Members must have a HS Diploma, GED certificate, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.

● Members must be able to pass a criminal, FBI and DMV background check.

● Members must accept position as a full-time priority over other jobs and be able to complete their term of service.

BENEFITS:

● Build your resume! You will gain impressive knowledge from a year-round, well-established environmental education facility.

● A meaningful experience that allows you to learn new skills, take on new responsibilities and engage with your community in intensive and effective ways.

● Networking opportunities during year of service, and development of references for future employment, graduate school, Peace Corps or scholarships.

● Hands-on experience developing and presenting environmental education, caring for and educating with live animals, writing curriculum, and networking.

● The freedom to develop your own programming.

● Basic individual health, dental and vision insurance is available to full-time members only. No family plan.

● All members are eligible for loan forbearance and interest accrual payments with qualified student loans.

● Childcare assistance available to AmeriCorps members serving in a full-time capacity. This assistance is only for those who need childcare to be able to serve and is based on household income eligibility.

● Mileage, meals and housing are provided for all required MCHS AmeriCorps trainings and events.

● Onsite housing available. Members who choose on-site housing should be prepared to live in communal housing with other members of the program/organization/agency.

APPLY: The deadline to apply for this position is June 26, 2024. Interviews will be held the week of July 8-12.

Send resume and 3 professional references to:

Jeanette Kelly

Citizen Science & Education Director

Beaver Creek Reserve

S1 County Road K

Fall Creek, WI 54742

(715) 877-2212

csc@beavercreekreserve.org

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $21,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Payment frequency:

• Paid biweekly

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21,500