Davenport Parks and Recreation - Environmental Education Program Specialist

*This is a temporary AmeriCorps position through the City of Davenport AmeriCorps Program*

Position Information:

Living Stipend: $3,700

Education Award: $1,565.08

Service Term Dates: May 12, 2025 - August 2, 2025

Position Specifics:

1) Expand educational tour curriculum for Vander Veer Conservatory based on tour examples provided by site supervisor for reference

· Create at least 1 30-minute tour for ages 10

o Research age-appropriate education content that aligns with the conservatory’s mission (i.e., how plants grow, importance of ecosystems, fun facts)

o Develop a tour script that includes clear descriptions of plants, fun interactive activities, and a strong focus on visual and sensory engagement

o Identify group size, space requirements, and supply needs (such as activity materials, handouts, etc.)

o Submit the finalized tour proposal to site supervisor by mid-June 2025

· Create at least 1 60-minute tour for ages 16

o Research and identify more complex plant biology topics, such as plant adaptations, ecosystem services, and the history of the conservatory

o Develop a tour script that balances informative content with opportunities for discussion and questions

o Identify group size, space requirements, and supply needs (such as handouts, worksheets, or discussion prompts)

o Submit the finalized tour proposal to site supervisor by mid-June 2025

· Implement the tours developed for both age groups and facilitate at least 1 tour per week throughout service term

o Prepare for each tour by reviewing the tour script and ensuring all necessary materials (i.e., handouts, activity supplies) are available

o Lead the tours based on basic training provided at beginning of service term

2) Create content for a monthly electronic newsletter for dissemination by site supervisor and/or other DPR staff

· Research current trends or important topics in gardening, environmentally sustainability, or plant conservation

· Write at least 3 articles for each newsletter that reflect the mission of DPR and the conservatory

· Submit 3 completed articles to site supervisor on each deadline: June 15 and July 15, 2025

· Write a brief 1-2 sentence recap of each of the previous month’s department hosted free events and submit to site supervisor on each deadline: June 15 and July 15, 2025

3) Increase Davenport Parks and Recreation engagement with the community

· Attend at least 3 outreach events, including 1 Party in the Park event, by end of term with site supervisor and/or other DPR staff by running the DPR community outreach table, answering questions about DPR and AmeriCorps, and discussing upcoming department hosted free community events

· Create at least 2 hands-on gardening/plant-based activities once a month (i.e., mini terrariums, seed bombs, plant marker decorations) for participants to complete at events and take home

· Research at least 3 outreach event options for Davenport Parks and Recreation agencies to attend in the community

o Submit event options to site supervisor by the first week of June 2025

o Attend at least 1 of the events with DPR staff, facilitating community engagement and promoting upcoming department hosted free community events

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

· Background in the field of horticulture, agriculture, science, education, recreation, human service, or related field

· Experience working with children and families preferred

Eligibility Criteria:

· Certify that they have or will obtain a diploma/GED before the service contract start date

· Be 18 years old at the start of service

· Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service

· Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident

Benefits:

· Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service

· Living allowance

· Childcare coverage, for qualifying members

· Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans

Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements:

· Member Performance Evaluations requirements during the term

· Regular submission of member timesheets

· Submission of Reflection Project

City of Davenport Youth Corps Program – Related Service Activities:

· Davenport Parks and Recreation Summer Events (including Red, White and Boom, YouthFest, and Party in the Park events)

Job Type: Temporary

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Davenport, IA 52803 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Davenport, IA 52803: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person