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

Service Description

The primary role of this position is commitment to the following tasks and responsibilities to help The Nature Place make connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both.

Time Requirements:
Typical schedule includes Monday – Friday daytime hours, some evening hours (at least once a week) and rotational weekend hours ( at least once a month )

AmeriCorps

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

AmeriCorps Provides Additional Benefits:

  • Learn more about the AmeriCorps Education Award mentioned under "Details". 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. (Award Amounts)
  • 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 is your space, year-round, rain or shine.

The Nature Place is currently occupying traditional native land. Read our Land Acknowledgement here: https://natureplacelacrosse.org/about/land-acknowledgement/

Responsibilities

Programming

  • Assist with planning, scheduling, teaching and general supervision of existing programs for all ages of community members
  • Work with community partners on collaborative programs
  • Research, design, and implement new programs for different age groups
  • Teach programs with live animals
  • Represent The Nature Place at community booths and events
  • Complete program and event evaluations
  • Collaborate with fellow AmeriCorps members from other teams to implement TNP's mission through a variety of programs
  • Keep detailed records of program types and attendance numbers for grant purposes
  • Use general budgetary and financial policies and procedure to assess feasibility of programs and events

Program Marketing

  • Assist in designing and creating publicity for community programs and events using Canva
  • Assist in distribution of publicity for upcoming events, programs, and volunteer opportunities
  • Assist with website and social media to promote programs and events
  • Author blog posts for use on website and in newsletter.

Volunteer Recruitment and Management

  • Assist with recruitment, training and working with of unpaid, non-AmeriCorps volunteers
  • Make sure appropriate records of volunteers hours are kept

The Nature Place Operations

  • Interact with the public as a community resource during open hours, sharing your knowledge, experience and insight about The Nature Place and surrounding natural areas
  • Engage visitors to meet their needs, interests or curiosity about The Nature Place and advance the mission of The Nature Place
  • Conduct tours of The Nature Place
  • Assist with facility-related needs for community programs and The Nature Place operations
  • Ensure that The Nature Place and Community Program policies and safety procedures are followed

Capstone Project

  • 1700 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 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.
  • Willing to learn and implement teaching strategies for diversity, equity and inclusion
  • At least 18 years of age
  • 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
  • Dependable; able to fulfill commitment to term of service
  • Prepared to undergo a background check

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 at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.

Apply Online
PDF Application

Details

1 Year Term Position​
Sept 4, 2024 - Aug 22, 2025

35-40 hrs/week

1700 hrs = total hours required before position end date

$460/wk living stipend = $23,460 total

$7,395.00 = estimate Education Award upon successful completion of service​