AmeriCorps Education Program Coordinator
This position is with the Eno River Association, located in Durham, North Carolina. ERA's mission is to conserve and protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Eno River Basin.
This 2023-2024 AmeriCorps position will have a start date (for new full-time 11-month members) of September 5th, 2023 (or soon thereafter), and an end date of July 31st 2024 (or 11 months after start date).
**Please make sure you upload all of the required documents - Resume & Cover Letter. 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 2023-2024 service year, Resilience Corps NC offers a living stipend that will range from $25,500 to $30,000 for 11 months (this is taxable and the final amount is dependent on federal funding granted by AmeriCorps in July, and candidates/applicants will be notified of that amount), health insurance reimbursement for premiums, childcare assistance, and professional development opportunities (some examples are three AmeriCorps cohort trainings that cover project management to strengths assessments, individual self-directed trainings, enrollment in NC Environmental Education Certificate Program, and conferences in conjunction with VolunteerNC). Members are also eligible to signup for SNAP benefits. Participants who complete the program will receive a Segal Education Award of $6,895 (taxable in the year used, not the year awarded) from the National Service Trust.
CTNC, the fiscal sponsor of Resilience Corps NC, is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual preference or familial status.
Resilience Corps NC 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 an Eno River Association Education Program AmeriCorps Member is to support the education efforts of the organization through public school programming and field trips to the Eno, public and private small group programs, and support of our summer camp programs. A key goal of these programs is to aid in improving climate change resiliency of the communities we serve. Through our education programs, we aim to engage with our community, especially youth from underserved and at-risk communities with regard to the effects of climate change. The member will provide valuable knowledge and promote an understanding of the natural world in order to inspire stewardship of the environment, in turn increasing the climate resiliency of the community at large.
Position Responsibilities and Duties
- Develop and facilitate public school on-site visits and/or field trips to the Eno River
- Develop public school Eno programming curriculum aligned to current NC school standards
- Develop, schedule, promote, and facilitate public and private small-group environmental, cultural, and historical education programs
- Provide Eno information and education at community table/booth events
- Research, compose, and post Eno environmental education through social media, newsletters, and blog posts
- Provide support for the facilitation of Eno River Association nature-based summer camp programs, iWalk the Eno Science and Nature Camp & Eno River Field Station
- Maintain tracking of program attendance, partnerships developed, and program curriculum developed
Qualifications
- Commitment to viewing all work through an anti-racist and equity lens
- Experience in formal or informal education and/or public speaking
- Communication skills, in person and in writing
- A general understanding and passion for the natural world with a desire to share this passion and excitement with others
- Experience and enjoyment in working with children, professionally or personally
- Knowledge of or a desire to learn and interpret cultural and historical information about the Eno River basin to the general public
- Working knowledge of computer technologies including Google Suite, Microsoft Office programs, social media (Facebook & Instagram), and the ability to learn other job-specific tools (possibly Canva and program registration software)
- Valid driver’s license
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required
Essential Functions / Physical Demand
- Able to traverse trails, often with uneven terrain, while conducting interpretation and education programming
- Tolerance for working outdoors in typical North Carolina weather ranging from hot and humid, to cold and wet and sometimes frozen Able to move program supplies ranging in weight and size
Preferred Schedule
Generally, the service member will serve Monday-Friday between 8:00AM and 5:00PM. The member will have flexibility to adjust workday length based on programs facilitated and time served throughout the week, as long as required hours to complete service term are met.
The member can expect to lead a single educational program at least two weekends per month, either on a Friday evening, Saturday, or a Sunday afternoon as is most appropriate to reach target audience.
Holiday work on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Holiday if allowed by AmeriCorps policy, as these are major event days for the Association. Occasional but uncommon work at weeknight evening events and reporting to the board of directors. Occasional evening and night-time interpretation and education programming 1-2 times per month. Weekday work hours can be flexed to accommodate weekend and evening work requirements.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a bridge builder, a force multiplier, a way to connect individuals and organizations to support their communities in tackling challenges. AmeriCorps programs across the country address a variety of community needs like education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, disaster response, and veteran & military family services.
What does Resilience Corps NC do?
CTNC’s AmeriCorps program, Resilience Corps NC, seeks to address our state’s changing climate by expanding access to environmental education, increasing eco-literacy, promoting disaster resiliency, and utilizing communities to identify and address climate-related issues.
Who should apply for a position with Resilience Corps NC?
Our program is a great opportunity for:
-Recent graduates looking to build experience and a strong professional network
-Established professionals seeking a career change
-Passionate conservationists wanting to give back to their community
What benefits do Resilience Corps members receive?
-Living stipend, paid twice monthly
-Education award (upon completion of service)
-Healthcare premium reimbursement
-Childcare assistance
-SNAP eligibility