What are the responsibilities and job description for the EASTER LAKE PROGRAMMING REPRESENTATIVE AMERICORPS position at Polk County, IA?
Start & End Dates: May 19 – August 20
Program Name: Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program
Member Term:Quarter Time; 450 hours
Service Location: Jester Park Nature Center
Living Allowance:$6,000/member
The Accessible Programming Representative plays a vital role in advocating for and enhancing accessible outdoor
recreation opportunities within Polk County Conservation. This position focuses on expanding veteran programming,
facilitating additional inclusive programs and special events, and improving accessibility to parks and greenspaces for
individuals of all abilities, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to natural resources.
The Half Time Accessible Programming Representative will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk
County Conservation AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed
résumé, earn a living stipend $6,000.00 over their 450 hours of service and receive a Segal Education Award upon
completion of $1,956.35 to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. This position is a quarter-time member
who will serve at least 450 hours over 13 weeks, serving approximately 38 hours per week.
Daily Times
- Typical weekly schedule, i.e. a week that does not include weekend or evening programming, will run from
- These programs will be scheduled with partner organizations closer to the start of our operating season in May
Evening and Weekend Schedule
- During each month of service, weekend programming taking place at a minimum, 2 Saturdays/month within a
hours will be used as a buffer as needed, or a day in the following week may be identified to flex off to ensure a
healthy and manageable workload.
- Evening programming taking place 1 time/week at a minimum, with programming held until 8:00pm at the
used as a buffer as needed, or a day in the same week may be identified to flex off to ensure a healthy and
manageable workload.
Special Events
- 1-2 special events taking place during the service member program. At this time, specific dates and times have
This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk
County. Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be
eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County. However, these positions will be serving with Polk County
Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules,
benefits and requirements.
- Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance.
Benefits:
- Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
- Living Allowance
- Cellphone stipend ($80/month)
- Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
- Housing opportunities provided by Polk County Conservation
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans
Illustrative Examples of Work
Program - Related Service Activities:
After two weeks of onboarding and training:
Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities.
Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements:
After two weeks of onboarding and training:
- Actively participate in outreach efforts to disability organizations and veteran groups to collaboratively discuss and identify population needs in order to develop inclusive programming strategies.
- Delivery of at least 2 presentations to the public or partner organizations highlighting the North Shore mission and the ways in which the park creates opportunities for accessible outdoor recreation.
- Expand veteran programming initiatives to provide outdoor recreational opportunities tailored to veteran’s needs and interests. PCCB will be providing member training on adaptive initiatives and program development for the North Shore’s target populations.
- Develop and implement a total of 4 inclusive programs will be developed and implemented to serve individuals with disabilities, including the use of adaptive equipment, sensory-friend activities, and barrier free access.
- Conduct assessments of parks, trails, and greenspaces to identify barriers and recommend improvements for accessibility
- Assist with the creation and facilitation of outreach events as well as environmental education and inclusive recreation-based programming for partner organizations and the general public to engage individuals of all abilities in outdoor activities.
Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities.
Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements:
- Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term
- Regular submission of member timesheets
- Monthly progress reports
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, environmental studies, social work, health sciences, disability studies, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Working knowledge of ADA guidelines, universal design principles, and accessibility standards
- Passion for promoting inclusivity
- Serve as a passionate advocate for accessible outdoor recreation, promoting awareness and understanding of accessibility issues within the community.
Training and Experience
Eligibility Criteria:
- Certify that they have or will obtain the diploma/GED
- Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
- 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
Salary : $6,000
