Environmental Educator AmeriCorps

Position Description

Updated October 2024

Riveredge Nature Center is located in Saukville, WI (30 minutes north of Milwaukee), on 485 beautiful acres of restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands along the Milwaukee River. Riveredge has a remarkable 56-year legacy of creating joyful educational experiences in the outdoors. Our mission is to support conservation through education that awakens curiosity, engages the body, and explores connections to nature for all people. Riveredge achieves its mission by partnering with individuals and organizations across Southeastern Wisconsin. Our dynamic staff works to promote the strategic themes of nature-rich lifestyles for all, wellness in nature, nurturing the next generation, and putting conservation into action.  Upholding a commitment to making environmental education more broadly accessible, we offer immersive, hands-on, and fun outdoor experiences within the Riveredge sanctuary and throughout the communities we serve—including Ozaukee, Washington, and Milwaukee Counties.Position Purpose

The AmeriCorps Environmental Education position is a unique opportunity for a person transitioning into the full time environmental education field who is willing to learn and work with a dedicated group of staff and volunteers.  The position will help support local youth and families who visit Riveredge Nature Center connect with the outdoor world.  Specifically, we have programs that provide educational experiences to inspire lifestyle changes that will positively impact our local waterways and ecosystems.  Responsibilities include leading educational and community programs, helping support existing partnerships, and building connections for all with nature.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities 

• Teach/co-teach inquiry-based environmental education programs for school-aged children on-site. 
• Assist in the delivery of environmental education programs for school, scout, youth group, and family audiences as needed.
• Assist with special education programs and events such as the Maple Sugaring Festival, Frog Fest, Family Egg Hunt, Trails & Treats, and Handmade for the Holidays.
• Co-teach Nature Journeys summer camps and adventure programs.
• Inspire, inform, and engage community members from diverse backgrounds and abilities at off-site events with local clubs, municipalities, and nonprofits with a reach across all audiences.
• Shadow and receive on-site training in a variety of departments at Riveredge, including Research & Conservation, Marketing, Membership, Land Management, Permaculture, Agroforestry, and Community Engagement.
• Receive instruction and certification in QPR Suicide Prevention Training
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Position Expectations

In addition to the Primary Duties, the AmeriCorps Educator is expected to meet the following expectations set forth to all staff members of Riveredge Nature Center:

• Meaningfully contribute to the Riveredge staff team. 
• Regularly participate in staff meetings and internal professional development training.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment through personal actions such as supporting and helping other staff members and volunteers.
• Provide high-quality customer service experiences to all guests and volunteers.
• Strive for excellence and innovation.

Compensation

This position has a $5,176.50 Education Award stipend (funded through AmeriCorps) as well as a $885.29 bi-weekly living allowance for the 8-month duration of the role.  On-site housing may be available for a low fee–please inquire.

Benefits & Working Conditions

This is a full-time, 8 month position with a minimum of 1200 total hours.  Start date will be January 6, 2025 with the end date being August 30, 2025.  Hours may fluctuate based on the season with an average of 36-40 hours per week.  

Additional working conditions include:

• Assume occasional travel within southeastern Wisconsin (mileage reimbursement provided).

This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Education. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or a related field.
• Self-starter and a well-developed ability to set and meet goals and outcomes.
• Loves working with children of all ages and families in a public setting.
• Enthusiastic, positive, motivated and likes to have fun on the job.
• Flexible, creative teacher with experience (K-adult) in a formal or non-formal setting.  
• Ability to work as a member of a team by sharing decision making while personally assuming and also asking for responsibility and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, organized and professional demeanor, self-directed.
• Ability to physically traverse and transport gear over the Riveredge trails with ease.
• Naturalist skills and knowledge of Wisconsin natural history (or willingness to learn).
• Experience with Google docs, Google calendar and social media.
• CPR, First Aid certifications or ability to attain them within 60 days.
• Lifeguard, WFA, WFR appreciated but not required.

Timeline

Positions will be filled on an ongoing basis.

To apply: please send a letter of interest, resume and a list of three references in a single document to the Associate Director of Education Steff Merten smerten@riveredge.us