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 Denver Audubon in Littleton, CO. Denver Audubon inspires actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research. We connect people to nature with programs in schools, local parks, libraries, and at our Nature Center.

Service Position Summary: The Environmental Educator will teach science, environmental education, and conservation to students in grades K-12 both in classrooms and our Nature Center. They will collaborate with the education team to develop and enhance curriculum, program marketing, and evaluation. They will facilitate programs including bird banding, owl programs, nature hikes, and pond explorations.

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 Denver Audubon’s goals. These duties include:

• Instruct hands-on science, environmental education, and conservation classes for school groups, youth programs, and community programs
• Collaborate with the education team to develop, enhance, and implement curricula, marketing, and educational materials
• Teach three to four days per week during the spring bird banding season
• Support year-long school programs including high school service-learning projects
• Teach week-long summer camps for elementary and middle school students focused on wildlife, art, watersheds, birds, and nature
• Encourage stewardship through enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for birds, other wildlife, and habitats
• 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):

• Support large public events hosted by Denver Audubon
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship
• Inspire connections to nature and the outdoors in young people

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Extensive public contact including individuals, small groups, and large groups.
• Multiple service settings may exist (inside offices or buildings, outdoors on trails, in classrooms)
• Extensive outdoor service (up to 8 hours at a time) in possibly adverse weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, and high winds.
• At times strenuous outdoor service includes hiking, walking, carrying, and kneeling
• May lift up to 40+ lbs at times
• Must be able to stand on feet for up to 4 hours at a time
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required, including unlit night-time activities

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to youth development and environmental / conservation / science education
• Experience or strong interest in teaching in informal settings such as nature centers and camps
• Commitment to continuous growth
• Team player: fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated
• Passionate about Denver Audubon's mission
• 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 half-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 900 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 2/18/25 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 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 Kristen Peterka, Denver Audubon School Programs Manager, 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: Position will be based at the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center at 11280 Waterton Rd, Littleton, CO 80125 (and office across the street) and service will be performed at the Nature Center and at other partner schools, parks and libraries in Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, and Denver counties.

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.
• $325/month housing stipend.
• An education award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
• It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Mileage reimbursement for eeCorps- and Denver Audubon-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: Denver Audubon is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants based on age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. 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 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.