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 at Catamount Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. Catamount Institute achieves our mission to connect kids to the outdoors through outdoor education and adventure programming. We serve over 5,500 youth a year from PreK to young adults.

Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps member serving with the eeCorps at Catamount Institute will primarily support summer camp programming with the potential for some field trips, weekend programming and community events. Catamount’s day camps serve 5-16 year olds exploring outdoor recreation, adventure, wildlife, history, environmental education, and more. Service members will gain experience in communication, collaboration, and mentorship alongside education staff.

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 Catamount Institute’s goals. These duties include:

• Facilitate and lead summer camp programming
• Prepare for and teach activities and lessons as assigned, including lesson review, learning background information, and supply acquisition
• Effectively collaborate with Catamount Institute Staff to meet organizational goals
• Regularly meet and collaborate with the Director of Environmental Education, the Director of Operations, the Executive Director, and all full-time and seasonal staff to reflect and improve programming
• 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

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Collaborate with Catamount Institute’s staff to evaluate and report on youth programs
• Assist with photography and video portfolio
• Transport students as needed in CI-supplied vehicles (15-passenger vans) if 24 years of age or older, a clean driving record is required
• Mentor and support high school interns and volunteers

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to serve in outdoor settings in various weather conditions for long periods
• Commitment to fostering a culture, in both programming and the workplace, that is respectful and welcoming to all
• Willing to engage with youth, community members, parents, and donors

Qualifications:

• Experience working with school-aged children
• Adaptable and energetic, quick learner under new circumstances
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively
• Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to pass criminal history checks required
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service: This is a quarter-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 450 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 5/16/25 and ends 8/15/25. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Training and Support Provided: eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in environmental education programming, child development, group and behavior management, safety mitigation, conflict management, relevant laws, and teaching skills. Service members will attend a four-day long team summer camp training before the start of camp. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Billy Kinn, Director of Environmental Education at Catamount Institute, 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: The position will be based at Catamount Institute, 740 W Caramillo St Colorado Springs CO, 80907 and service will be performed at schools and other partner locations in and around the Pikes Peak Region.

Benefits:

• Biweekly (two times per month) living allowance of $875. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• An education award of $1,956.35 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.

Equal Opportunity: Catamount Institute shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of equal opportunity to advance environmental education. CAEE 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.