Youth Outdoor Education Coordinator

with Greater Arkansas River Nature Association

Salida, CO

Service Dates: April 1, 2025 – September 31, 2025 

Average Hours per Week: 32-40

Days/Hours of Service: Mon-Thurs 9-5 (hours vary), some evenings and weekends required based on scheduled programming

Minimum # of Hours to Complete Term: 900 Hours minimum 

About Blue Elements Watershed Stewards: Blue Elements Watershed Stewards are committed to increasing community resilience in the face of changing water conditions by supporting sustainable access to one of Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. AmeriCorps members will support organizations serving the water education and monitoring sectors in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond. Members may provide water education to youth and adults, complete watershed management projects, and support water quality monitoring projects.

About the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association: The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), through community collaboration, inspires a conservation ethic by providing educational opportunities and experiences so that those who live, work and play in the Upper Arkansas Valley are motivated to take care of the natural resources and leave a legacy of responsible use of the natural environment. GARNA’s ‘Friends of Public Lands’ Initiative manages the largest group of volunteers in the Upper Arkansas Valley, coordinating over 200 hardworking volunteers each year who clean, maintain and improve the health of the watershed. GARNA serves as a community connector through its Youth Ecological Literacy Program, Community Education Programs, and popular clubs, such as the Birding, Hiking, Photography and Book Clubs. GARNA also serves as a partner in the Upper Arkansas Watershed Partnership, which fosters collaboration among the regional agencies, organizations, governments, and landowners in the Upper Arkansas River Basin to enhance management actions to achieve a healthy and resilient watershed.

About the Position:

GARNA is seeking an enthusiastic Youth Outdoor Education Coordinator to coordinate and support spring and summer youth programming. This position will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations of GARNA’s youth programs, including Nature Camp, Camp GARNA, Stream Explorers, and school-based field trips. The role involves mentoring seasonal staff, expanding outdoor access for youth and community members through GARNA’s Chaffee Mobile Gear Library, and participating in environmental education and stewardship projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and nonprofit program coordination while making a lasting impact on youth in the Upper Arkansas Valley.

Primary Position Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for coordinating and supporting day-to-day operations of GARNA’s youth programs, including but not limited to: 
• School-based field trips (3 field trips in May)
• Nature Camp (4 weeks of camp in June, Mon-Thurs)
• Camp GARNA (2 weekend overnight trips: July 12-13, August 2-3)
• Stream Explorers (July 18 & 25, August 1 & 8)
• Collaborate with GARNA’s gear library to expand outdoor access for those unable to afford the necessary gear
• Team lead for other summer youth program staff for Nature Camp (3 anticipated)
• Participate in outdoor recreation stewardship projects
• Transportation of youth for programming (must have valid driver’s license)
• Assist in curriculum development and refinement
• Opportunity for personalized independent project that furthers GARNA’s mission
• Other duties as assigned

Trainings will be provided in First Aid/ CPR, Mental Health First Aid, 

Leave No Trace and Foundations of Environmental Education

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with youth (elementary & middle school) 
• Outdoor leadership and education skills
• Proven record of collaboration in a team setting
• Love of the natural world

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications: 

• At least 18 years old at start of service 
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. 
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202

Physical Demands and Service Environment: This position is based at GARNA’s office at 209 East 3rd Street in Salida, CO, and at the Valley View Nature Learning Center at 9051 CR 140. The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors and will involve working with children and community members. Days outdoors may be in inclement weather. There will also be days spent indoors, sitting at a desk and utilizing computers. 

Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Program Benefits: 

• Living Allowance- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $9,350 paid out bi-monthly at $779.17 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Housing Stipend- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $3,000 paid out bi-monthly at $250.00 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the housing stipend is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Education Award / Tuition Assistance- AmeriCorps member(s) can receive an Education Award upon successful completion of service in the amount of $3,697.50. This can be used to pay back student loans or further your education.
• All members receive professional development and training, plus covered travel costs for attendance at regional or state conferences. 
• All members may be eligible for the Federal Assistance Program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.) 
• All members may qualify for student loan forbearance while in service. 
• Alumni benefits may include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers 

of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt. 

Blue Elements Watershed Stewards is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, sex, origin, and ability to apply. Our service culture embraces—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives, contributions and experiences of all our members.