Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the posting time of this position.

Service Description

The primary role of the Community Program Educator position is the development and presentation of engaging informal, nature-based education programs for community members and groups of all ages. Team teaching and collaboration are keystone components, with creativity and fun always encouraged. Programs typically include use of live education animals, community science efforts, and creative, emerging programming for the community. Current programming includes but is not limited to:

- Monthly Nature Saturday programs (children & families)

- Monthly partner programs on Wednesday evenings (teens & adults)

- Naturalist programs, including the CritterMobile and programming for special events

- Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB), a community science program

Time Requirements:
Typical schedule includes Tuesday – Saturday daytime hours, some evening hours.

AmeriCorps

This is an AmeriCorps Position (What is AmeriCorps?).

AmeriCorps Provides Additional Benefits:

  • AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay for current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
  • Professional networking opportunities, mentorship, and experience to help grow your career
  • Make a difference in the community
  • Be a part of a dedicated service team
  • Opportunity for loan forbearance on qualified student loans
  • Free access to Employee Assistance Program includes phone/text/video call counselor service and other resources
  • Health insurance option (1 year/1700 hr positions only, who are not already covered)
  • You may be eligible for AmeriCorps child care public assistance
  • Access to on-site food pantry and laundry facilities

Site Overview

The Nature Place (TNP) is a nature-focused community center open to the public, located in beautiful Myrick Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. We offer nature education programs and community events for all ages and our unique space is available to visit during open hours or to rent for special events and meetings.

The Nature Place occupies Native American ancestral land. Read our Land Acknowledgement here: natureplacelacrosse.org/about/land-acknowledgement

Responsibilities

Programming

  • Assist with planning, scheduling, teaching, and general supervision of community programs for all ages of community members
  • Work with community partners on collaborative programs
  • Research, design, and implement new programs for different age groups
  • Facilitate public interaction/education using live educational animals
  • Represent The Nature Place at community booths and events
  • Collaborate with fellow AmeriCorps members from other teams to implement TNP’s mission through a variety of programs.
  • Complete program and event record keeping and evaluations

Program Marketing

  • Contribute educational content to promotional materials, as needed
  • Develop and write up to 2 blog posts throughout service term

The Nature Place Operations

  • Ensure TNP policies and safety procedures are followed
  • Become familiar with the resources available for education programs including appropriate usage, maintenance, and storage
  • Assist with facility-related needs for Environmental Education programming and The Nature Place operations
  • Assist with front desk duties as needed, including opening/closing on Saturdays
  • Welcome and engage visitors to The Nature Place and assist them in navigating the public space, exhibits, and programming
  • Assist with the proper critter care and handling of live education animals
  • Assist with facility-wide events, as needed and as available
  • Purchase supplies and equipment, following established budgetary procedures

Capstone Project

  • 1700 & 1200 hour AmeriCorps Members will have the opportunity to develop a significant program series or select a project that will leave a lasting contribution within their program area, the department, or the organization.

Trainings

  • All Members serving at TNP
    • AmeriCorps Orientation (timekeeping training, member prohibited activities, how to use your Education Award)
    • The Nature Place orientation
    • Educational Animal training
    • First Aid/CPR/AED
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Sexual Harassment training
    • Additional training tailored to your position
  • 1700 & 1200 Hour members receive additional training throughout the year, which may include career exploration or learning experiences, field trips, participation in National Days of Service, and other training or professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

  • Teaching or community program experience, a plus
  • Experience with community partnership and collaboration, a plus
  • Experience in outdoor recreation, a plus
  • Comfortable with learning how to care for and handle live education animals including amphibians, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates.
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Strong communication skills with persons both younger and older than self
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
  • Passionate about environmental causes and being a part of the community surrounding environmental service
  • Willingness to learn various conservation practices and or land management techniques
  • Willingness to learn about various community science programs and techniques and engage the community about these programs
  • Willing to learn and implement strategies for creating and maintaining a welcoming work and community environment
  • Dependable; able to fulfill commitment to term of service
  • Willing and able to follow and implement The Nature Place’s policies and procedures
  • NSOPW, FBI, and State(s) Criminal History Checks will be conducted and position is contingent upon a review of those results. The member will have the opportunity to review any results. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations. We encourage this not to deter anyone from applying and to ask questions to better understand what this means.

TNP provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability, and need to access information in an alternative format, or need it translated into another language, please contact us at 608-782-2494, by email staff@centralconservation.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.

Apply Online

Details

1 Year Term Positions
Sept 2, 2026 - Aug 20, 2027

35 hrs/week average

Tuesday - Saturday schedule

1700 total hrs required before end date

$460/wk living stipend

Education Award upon successful completion of service​

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