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 successful daily operation of The Nature Place (TNP).  This position will engage with the public, program participants, facility reservations, volunteers, and staff in the daily operation of TNP. This position will educate the public on local natural resources and assist the public with their visit to The Nature Place, answering any potential visitor questions. This position will work with the Visitor Services Manager to remove barriers to accessing our space and services and will ensure the TNP is organized, clean, maintained, and safe.

Time Requirements:
Typical schedule will include Monday – Friday daytime-evening hours, and rotational weekend hours. 35 hours average per week. Hours will vary but generally will not exceed 80 hours per two-week period.

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

  • On-site Visitor Experience
    • Welcome visitors. Engage them to meet their needs, interests or curiosity about The Nature Place and advance our Mission
    • Promote program participation, visitor services, and volunteerism to visitors. Connect visitors to other staff members when appropriate
    • Facilitate and promote self-led activities including the Little Free Sled Library, Art Gallery viewing, self-led garden tours, and activities/game check-out
    • Assist in the coordination of The Nature Place’s daily operations, including the oversight and care for TNP, 5 acres of park space, native gardens, and demonstration garden
    • Collaborate with community partners on Visitor Services initiatives and projects
    • Assist with visitor experience projects related to signage, layouts, exhibits, and displays
    • Conduct tours and introduce new visitors to TNP
    • Purchase supplies and equipment / follow general budgetary procedures
    • Assist the Visitor Services team with opening/closing The Nature Place on a scheduled basis
    • Assist the Visitor Services Team with proper critter care and handling of live education animals and facilitate public interaction/education
    • Collaborate with fellow AmeriCorps members from other teams to implement TNP's mission through a variety of programs
    • Ensure The Nature Place policies and safety procedures are followed
  • Volunteer Program
    • Engage volunteers in reception and stewardship of the building and grounds
    • Research current trends in best practices and the benefits of connecting youth, families, and adults to nature and to their community
    • Coordinate and train unpaid, non-AmeriCorps volunteers
    • Assist with scheduling and supervision of volunteers
    • Ensure appropriate records of volunteer hours are kept
  • Marketing
    • Assist in designing and creating publicity for The Nature Place
    • Assist in distribution of publicity for upcoming events, programs, and volunteer opportunities
    • Assist with website and social media to promote visitor services, programs, and events
    • Develop and write 4-5 blog posts throughout service term
    • Use Canva as a tool for developing marketing materials
  • 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

  • Excellent customer service skills and professional demeanor
  • Experience or interest in public relations
  • Willing to learn and implement 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 or land management techniques
  • Experience with community partnership and collaboration, a plus
  • Comfortable with learning how to care for and handle live education animals including reptiles, fish, insects, amphibians, a plus
  • Dependable; able to fulfill commitment to term of service
  • Prepared to undergo a criminal background check
  • Believes in The Nature Place’s mission and is willing to implement TNP policies and procedures

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 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​