Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. eeCorps members provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.                      

Service Site Overview: This position will be located at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in Brighton, CO. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education, and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship, and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We acknowledge that a long history of deep-seated discrimination has influenced who has access to and feels comfortable in the outdoors and in the conservation movement. We recognize that this is reflected in the current limited diversity within our organization. Though long overdue, we are now committed to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors, and creeds to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission. We believe that being inclusive and equitable is essential to our work. We encourage feedback and suggestions as we navigate our collaborative path forward. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people.

Service Position Summary: The Environmental Educator will be responsible for delivering high quality, experiential environmental education programs to audiences of all ages. They will also assist with the organizational details and logistics involved in the planning and delivering of these programs.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities): eeCorps members engage with their Host Site organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps’ and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies’ goals. These duties include:

Assist with the development of the Growing Naturally Early Childhood Education Program for learners aged 0-5
Deliver educational programs including: classroom presentations, field trips, early childhood programs, outreach events, partner events, and virtual programs
Assist with curriculum design, program promotion, pre-program communication, development of props and materials, and program evaluation
Organize and maintain education materials 
Be a responsible and enthusiastic representative of Bird Conservancy
Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
Attend all eeCorps/AmeriCorps trainings, meetings, and orientations
Complete eeCorps National Days of Service projects as required
Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible

Desired Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to lead programs for diverse audiences in formal and non-formal outdoor or classroom settings
Responsible, creative, enthusiastic, flexible, and dedicated to providing a safe and age-appropriate learning environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially when interacting with coworkers, youth, parents and guardians, teachers and visitors
Solution-oriented mindset when faced with challenges
Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize, and display excellent time management skills
Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Word and Publisher, Adobe products, and Google Suite
Ability to communicate (speak, read, write) in Spanish

Required Qualifications:

A valid U.S. driver’s license and personal transportation. Must be willing to travel to program sites along the Front Range.
Ability to clear background checks
CPR and First Aid Certifications (re/certification can be provided)
Age 17+
High school graduate with diploma, GED, or equivalent
U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
Ethic of national service and a strong desire to create positive change
Bird Conservancy is committed to protecting and enhancing the welfare of its members during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a condition of service, selected members must provide to Bird Conservancy’s human resources representative either proof of full vaccination at service start date or agree in written form to potential weekly testing until further notice. Any proof of vaccination or weekly test results submitted to Bird Conservancy will remain confidential.

Term of Service: This is a Three Quarter Time (3QT) national and community service position requiring a minimum completion of 1,200 hours during the term (approximately 30 hours/week). The position begins as soon as possible but no later than January 9 and ends October 27, 2023. Flexible hours are required, including weekend and occasional evening commitments. Member may be required to serve on Days of Service that take place on certain national holidays throughout the year.

Training and Support Provided: eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Sarah Doxon, Education Programs Manager at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2022-23 cohort of eeCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO 80603. Service is also performed at program sites along the Front Range.

Benefits:

A living allowance of $12,000 distributed biweekly over the term dates. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
Housing is available (single occupancy room on site), if needed. No pets are allowed in the living facility.
An education award of $4,546.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
Mileage reimbursement for travel to required eeCorps trainings and program sites.
Non-tangible benefits include extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
Ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils; option to obtain CAEE’s nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage members of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented communities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other class protected by law.

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. CAEE defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone to the field of environmental education and the Alliance, including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.