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

Service Description

The primary role of the Environmental Educator (E.E.) position is the development and presentation of engaging informal education programs (school field trips, summer day camps, et al) based on natural and environmental science concepts, skills and activities for ages 2 – 12th grade. Team teaching and collaboration are keystone components, with creativity and fun always encouraged. Programs typically include outdoor explorations and hands-on activities and include but are not limited to:

  • 1 – 2 Hour long curriculum-supporting nature education days for school groups
  • Weekly series for caregiver/young child pairs (Critter Kids) and Homeschooled Students
  • Summer day camp week-long themed sessions for ages 4 – 12.

Time Requirements: Typical schedule generally will not exceed 80 hours per two-week period. (occasional evenings & weekends):
-  September through May       Mon. – Fri.   8 am – 4:30 pm.
- June – August                         Mon. – Fri. will vary btwn 7:30 am – 5 pm

Summer Positions
- Approximately 40 hours per week average developing and leading summer day camps, the week containing July 4 off

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

Responsibilities

  • Program Development & Presentation
    • Become familiar with the resources available for education programs including appropriate usage, maintenance and storage.
    • Assist with the design, development, planning, leading and general supervision of existing programs and events for preK – 12th grade students and community members of all ages.
    • Design, develop and deliver new programs, including one-off, dedicated series and weekly summer day camp themed sessions.
    • Collaborate with fellow AmeriCorps members from other teams to implement TNP's mission through a variety of programs.
    • Assist with Community Programs and facility-wide events as available and requested.
    • Care for and use select live animals in programs as appropriate.
    • Purchase supplies and equipment / follow general budgetary procedures
    • Complete program and event record keeping and evaluations.
  • TNP Operations
    • Engage visitors to meet their needs, interests, or curiosity about TNP and advance TNP’s mission.
    • Assist with facility related needs for education programs and nature center operations.
    • Ensure TNP and Environmental Education Program polices and safety procedures are followed.
  • Marketing
    • Assist in designing and creating signage and social media posts for educational programs, including the use of Canva
    • Author blog posts for use on website and in newsletter.
  • 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

  • Experience working with ages 3 – 14 a plus
  • Experience leading groups of up to 16 members in guided activities a plus
  • Comfort in working in the outdoors including around aquatic environments
  • Willingness to collaborate with team members in both development and leading of programs, including the responsibility of being the lead planner in certain instances
  • Strong communication skills with persons both younger and older than self
  • Comfortable with learning how to care for and handle live education animals including amphibians, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates.
  • Passionate about environmental causes and being a part of the community surrounding environmental service
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
  • Ability to spend extensive time being active – on your feet, reaching, stretching, bending, lifting, being outdoors
  • Willing to learn and implement strategies for diversity, equity and inclusion
  • At least 18 years of age
  • 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 at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.

Apply Online
PDF Application

Details

Summer Positions​
May 28 - Aug 28, 2024

40hrs/wk (July 4 week off)
450 total hrs required before end date

$430/wk living stipend = $6,020 total

$1,956.35 = estimate Education Award upon successful completion of service

 

1 Year Term Positions
Sept 4, 2024 - Aug 22, 2025

Approximate averages:
Sept. – Nov. | 40hrs/wk
Dec. – Mar. | 30hrs/wk
Apr. – Aug. | 40hrs/wk

1700 total hrs required before end date

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

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