Program Overview: Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.

Service Site Overview: This position will be located at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in Brighton, CO. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education, and stewardship. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship, and sustained through cross-border collaborations.

Service Position Summary: The Environmental Educator will be responsible for delivering high quality, experiential environmental education programs to audiences of all ages, but with a particular focus on early childhood (ages 0-4 years) audiences. They will also assist with the organizational details and logistics involved in the planning and delivering of these programs.

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 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies’s goals. These duties include:

• Assist with the development of the Growing Naturally Early Childhood Education Program for learners aged 0-4 years and their caregivers
• Deliver educational programs including: classroom presentations, field trips, early childhood programs, outreach events, partner events, and virtual programs
• Assist with curriculum design, program promotion, pre-program communication, development of materials, and program evaluation
• Organize and maintain education materials
• Be a responsible and enthusiastic representative of Bird Conservancy
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
• Attend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainings
• Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
• Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to serve in an outdoor setting in various weather conditions for up to 4 hours
• Commitment to equity in education
• Enthusiasm for early childhood education

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead programs for diverse audiences in formal and non-formal outdoor or classroom settings
• Responsible, creative, enthusiastic, flexible, and dedicated to providing a safe and age-appropriate learning environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially when interacting with coworkers, youth, parents and guardians, teachers and visitors
• Solution-oriented mindset when faced with challenges
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize, and display excellent time management skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Word and Publisher, Adobe products, and Google Suite
• Ability to communicate (speak, read, write) in Spanish preferred
• A valid U.S. driver’s license and personal transportation. Must be willing to travel to program sites along the Front Range
• CPR and First Aid Certifications (re/certification can be provided)
• Ability to pass drug screens following Federal regulations
• Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
• Computer literate
• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to pass criminal history checks required
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service: This is a three quarter-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,200 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 9/3/24 and ends 4/30/25. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

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 Nellie Boyd-Owens, Bird Conservancy Education Coordinator, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2024-25 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 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO 80603. Service is also performed at program sites along the Front Range.

Benefits:

• Biweekly (two times per month) living allowance of $918.75. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• Housing is available (single occupancy room on site), if needed. No pets are allowed in the living facility.
• An education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
• It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Mileage reimbursement for eeCorps-required travel.
• Non-tangible benefits including 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: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage members of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented communities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other class protected by law.

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.

Position will be filled pending grant award.