Organizational Background:

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) is a global leader in research, education, and public outreach on lakes that provides critical scientific information to help understand, restore, and sustain the Lake Tahoe Basin and other systems worldwide.

Number of Member Positions at this Site: 3

Site Supervisor’s Name(s) and Title(s): Heather Segale, Education and Outreach Director

Position Description:

The education and outreach programs are designed to inspire an interest in environmental sciences and motivate the public on sustainable tourism, active conservation and preservation of freshwater resources, especially Lake Tahoe. We provide environmental education programs and events for students, residents and visitors to the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center’s two science-based education centers (Tahoe Science Center and Eriksson Education Center) through exhibits, tours, field trips, hands-on science activities and citizen science monitoring.

The TERC Education Program Assistant(s) will implement education and outreach programs by serving with the Education and Outreach Director and Program Manager. Duties will be divided between the three Education Program Assistants by personal choice between the three AmeriCorps members. Tasks will include some of the following activities:

• Develop, coordinate, and lead educational programs at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center and Tahoe City Eriksson Education Center sites
• Host student field trips and various group tours SNAP 2024-25 Position Description
• Coordinate watershed education programs together with various partner organizations around the Lake Tahoe Basin
• Help coordinate various special events including the Science Expo, evening science lectures, and others
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and coordinate volunteer activities
• Present and develop hands-on science activities, exhibits, and curriculum
• Administer evaluation and program assessment tools (participant tracking database, surveys, pre- and post-assessment)
• Conduct outreach to the community including hosting TERC outreach booth at numerous events throughout the Tahoe Basin including three Earth Day events, Tahoe Federal Summit, and others
• Assist with other regional environmental education events such as Sierra Watershed Education Partnership (SWEP) science fairs and others
• Participate in optional restoration and field day training events through the SNAP program, performing stream monitoring during Snapshot Day, gardening at the Tahoe City Demonstration Garden
• Opportunity to participate in various professional development opportunities such as Certified Interpretive Guide, Project WET, and other workshops
• Manage the UC Davis TERC (@UCDavisTahoe) social media pages
• Write, create, and develop newsletters and other outreach materials
• Develop, manage and maintain exhibits in the science center
• Oversee native and non-native species aquariums.

*Please note that primary responsibility for some of these tasks are divided among the three TERC AmeriCorps members based on interest and skillsets.

Site-Specific Training Provided:

UC Davis-specific orientation and training opportunities including Certified Interpretive Guide workshop, Project WET, Wilderness First Aid, etc.

Desired Qualifications:

• Background in science and/or education (coursework or relevant experience)
• Ability to present educational programs to both adult and student audiences
• Public speaking and outreach skills
• Ability to serve with local community members, conservation groups and agencies
• Experience organizing events
• Skills facilitating and/or participating in group meetings
• Ability to lay out work tasks, identify resources, focus work and complete tasks on time
• Strong writing skills
• Independent, highly motivated, and able to meet deadlines with limited supervision
• Passion for the natural environment
• Proficiency using personal computers and Internet
• Ability to travel throughout the region
• Physical ability to perform strenuous activities at high elevations

Additional Benefits:

Opportunity to work at world-class research laboratory in a U.S. Green Building Council LEED certified “Platinum” building at beautiful Lake Tahoe. Website: http://tahoe.ucdavis.edu and www.TahoeScienceCenter.org

Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years of age and high school graduates or GED recipients (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma or GED); members must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award; meeting full list of member eligibility requirements in 45 CFR §2522.200(a)
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident
• Must participate in a national criminal history background check pursuant to 45 CFR §2540.200-206

Benefits:

• Up to 27,500 living allowance for term of service, $2,500 per month.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of minimum hours for enrolled term of service.
• California For All Education Award in the amount of to supplement the Segal Education Award for a combined total of $10,000. (FT/1700 hr members only)
• Healthcare, Dental, Vision coverage for members (FT/1700 hr members only)
• Childcare assistance if eligible (FT/1700 hr members only)
• Student Loan Deferment & Interest Forbearance if eligible.
• Member Development fund of $500 to support training, networking, and professional development opportunities that can be utilized and will be valued by future employers after the service term is completed.