PEA AmeriCorps Environmental Educator

Winston-Salem, NC

This position is with the Piedmont Environmental Alliance, based in Winston-Salem NC. Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) works every day to educate and empower people of all ages, build community, and lead action to create a more just, resilient, and environmentally sustainable Piedmont Triad. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, PEA’s innovative education programs, annual events, and community-based advocacy projects engage thousands of volunteers, students, faith communities, businesses, and partner organizations in climate and environmental action. 

**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 Piedmont Environmental Alliance’s Environmental Education Resilience Corps member is to provide quality environmental education programming for students in Forsyth County Title I schools. By providing engaging STEM/environmental education instruction that is relevant to energy, water, and other critical climate issues, the service member will give otherwise underserved students the tools and information and critical thinking skills to pursue further coursework in more advanced STEM fields. The service member will also serve as PEA ambassador at community events, sharing PEA’s work to create a more just, resilient, and environmentally sustainable Piedmont Triad.


Position Responsibilities and Duties

  • Manage PEA’s environmental education programs, including volunteer recruitment and implementation timelines.
  • Deliver environmental education curricula to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County middle school classrooms, with the support of staff and volunteers.
  • Organize an annual Environmental Debate Tournament for high school students in the Piedmont, including developing materials, recruiting teams, and event logistics.
  • Work with partners to organize a new field trip event for High School students to get hands-on outdoor environmental education.
  • Recruit and train volunteers to teach environmental education programs. Develop tactics and relationships to create long-term pipelines of volunteers. Develop systems for training, scheduling, and following up with volunteers.
  • Collect and analyze key performance indicators for programs.
  • Maintain and strengthen key partnerships, such as the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School District, university partners, local environmental nonprofits, and government agencies. Update education curricula with newest information and compelling and hands-on activities

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 

We are looking for you, if:

  • You love working with students to help them develop a love and respect for the environment.
  • You are a dynamic speaker who is comfortable leading classes and training volunteers.
  • You possess superior organizational skills and have a knack for logistics and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • You are a natural relationship builder; you work collaboratively and enjoy engaging with passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
  • You are a passionate community organizer, comfortable reaching out to people of all ages to involve them in our organization.
  • You enjoy your work and are comfortable with striving for amazing results on a shoestring budget.
  • You have a personal passion for the outdoors, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and demonstrate active engagement in environmental issues.
  • A college-degree or experience in science, environmental studies, and/or teaching is a plus. 

Basic Qualifications - AmeriCorps

  • 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

  • Some working hours are primarily based in an office setting and require sitting, standing, and operating a computer and telephone. Some working hours outside, potentially in various weather conditions.
  • Some working hours may require light to moderate lifting, bending, stooping, pulling, kneeling, carrying, and use of hand tools up to 30 lbs.

Preferred Schedule

The successful candidate will be available to work M-F 9 am-5 pm, with occasional (4-5 times per year) weekend work. About 20% of the AmeriCorps member’s time will take place during school hours (7/8 am-2/3 pm) and according to the school system’s calendar.

JOB CODE: PEA