This position is with Boys & Girls Club of Plateau based in Cashiers, North Carolina

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

**NOTICE** This position is subject to continued federal and state funding, as AmeriCorps is under a 30% reduction in member slots for the 2024-2025 service year. We anticipate that by mid-May 2024 we will know which positions (if not all) will be available to start on our normal service year timeline. All applicants will be notified if this position is not funded.**NOTICE**

This 2024-2025 AmeriCorps position will have a start date of September 4th 2024 and an end date of July 31st 2025. Deadline to apply is June 14th 2024, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Don't delay in applying!

**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents -  Resume, Cover Letter, State or Federal ID, and Birth Certificate or US Passport/US Permanent Resident Card.** If required documents are not uploaded at time of application, any offer for employment may be withheld until they are provided. All AmeriCorps Members must submit to having a National Sex Offender, State of Residence (if state is different than NC), State of NC, and Federal FBI Background check conducted. Any applicant denying to submit to these checks will be automatically disqualified as per federal regulations.

For the 2024-2025 service year, Resilience Corps NC operates a 11 month 1700-hour service position that offers a living stipend of $31,000, health insurance reimbursement for premiums purchased on the ACA Healthcare Exchange, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (individual trainings, enrollment in NC Environmental Education Certificate Program, and conferences in conjunction with VolunteerNC). Members are also eligible to sign up for SNAP benefits. Participants who complete the program will receive a Segal Education Award of $7,395 from the National Service Trust.

CTNC is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status.

CTNC seeks to engage applicants from underrepresented communities, particularly of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Multi-Racial, and Native American background, in conservation careers. Connecting more diverse applicants to an employment pathway has led to greater equity, diversity and inclusion of all people in conservation.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the Outdoor Specialist AmeriCorps Member position is to plan, organize, and implement environmental education, nature-focused, gardening, and other outdoor adventure programming for out-of-school time (including for after school and summer camp) for youth members (in grades K-12) of the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. The Outdoor Specialist will adopt the Formula for Impact (a research-based theory of change for youth development) and ensure that Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is reaching those who need us most and providing them with an outcome driven Club experience. They will also provide mentorship and be a role model for the youth they serve and create an effective and inviting learning environment for all. 

Position Responsibilities and Duties

The AmeriCorps member would likely lead 3-5 thirty-minute programs per week during the school year - including classroom based experiential EE programs, gardening and composting activities, and nature walks - and 1-2 one-hour programs per day including an average of three hikes per week during the summer. Groups would consist of up to 20 children each in grades K-12. Ideally, the AmeriCorps member would spend 4-5 hours per day planning these activities, collaborating with staff and community partners, attending trainings, and performing other administrative duties. The main duties and responsibilities of the position include:

• Ensure physical and emotional safety of members at all times
• Embrace Club culture, values, and traditions
• Scout, plan, and facilitate field trips involving outdoor recreation opportunities
• Plan and lead environmental education programs including Boys & Girls Club of America’s curriculum - Ultimate Journey, Growing Up WILD, Leave No Trace, and Project WILD
• Provide leadership and guidance to other staff members assisting with outdoor programs
• Communicate and coordinate with relevant community partners for programming
• Plan and implement community programs for Club families including hikes and other outdoor related programs
• Implement healthy habits programming centered around gardening and composting
• Monitor behavior and implement discipline policy for members as necessary
• Ensure compliance with all rules, regulations, and safety protocols
• Participate in training and development opportunities
• Participate in staff meetings and Club events

Communication:

• Practice inclusive and thoughtful behavior in building rapport with program participants, site stakeholders and program staff.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with program staff, and site personnel.
• Report data in online systems in a timely and accurate manner.

Program Requirements:

• Demonstrate regular, timely attendance and adherence to hours as scheduled.
• Commit to service for the service term of 11 months, serving the minimum number of 1700 hours.
• Participate in all required AmeriCorps sponsored training sessions, meetings, and travel as necessary. Community Stewardship Coordinators will receive training on best practices for community engagement, group facilitation, and communicating about climate change with a focus on pursuing climate justice.
• Actively participate in service projects and commemorating days such as 9/11 Day of Service (as applicable). These may include evening and/or weekend hours.

Qualifications 

• Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Education majors strongly encouraged to apply
• Prior guiding, outdoor activity, or environmental education experiences preferred
• Ability to work with and plan activities for wide variety of age groups ranging from K-12th grade
• Ability to educate and motivate students in an outdoor setting
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, and Google drive
• Fluency in Spanish strongly desired 
• CPR and First Aid Certifications or willingness to obtain
• Lifeguard and/or Wilderness Swim Safety Certification or willingness to obtain a plus
• Must be 18 years of age or older prior to your start date.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent by your start date.
• Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Must pass mandatory National Service Criminal History Checks.
•  Speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Experience with professional computer skills and confidence using computers. Comfort and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), completing internet searches, and navigating resources online, completing data entry, using e-mail regularly including sending attachments, using databases and software, using videoconferencing software, and attending training online.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a driving record check. Access to a personal vehicle for transportation.
• Excellent communication & customer service skills

Essential Functions / Physical Demands

• Ability to work with groups of up to 20 students in grades K-12, or strong desire to develop those skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team, take direction and feedback, as well as offer their own voice
• Ability to take guidance as well as take initiative and be self-directed
• Must be in moderate physical shape (able to stand for long periods of time, walk, and hike without tiring)
• May be required to lift up to 55 lbs
• Must be able to work in all kinds of weather

Preferred Schedule

Primary schedule is Monday – Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm. Occasionally, some earlier and later days and some weekends are needed, but flex time is offered in those situations.  

JOB CODE: BGCP