Position Description

The Health and Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA will be an essential member of the team for this young nonprofit organization. This person will primarily serve to develop health and wellness education components for the Student Stewards Program (SSP) and to collaborate with the SSP team to continue to expand and improve current TMPF programs.This will include maintaining relationships with Washoe County schools administration and teachers, developing and fine-tuning curriculum, and training volunteers through workshops and training days. This VISTA will also develop a standardized health and wellness education component for the Student Stewards Program camps and promote the importance of whole-person well-being . This VISTA will also expand the health and wellness related components of other Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation programs.

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, in Reno, Nevada is a private nonprofit that was incorporated in 2012 and received its 501(c)(3) determination in 2013. The Parks Foundation protects and enhances our communities' livability through public engagement, education, and the sustainability of our parks, open spaces, and trails. Current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing people’s appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks. A special emphasis is placed on increasing access to free programming for low income community members in order to improve education and health outcomes for people living in poverty. The Student Stewards Program uses public parks within walking distance of under-served schools as learning laboratories. Students engage in hands-on community science with a goal of improved academic engagement and better preparation for educational success.

Service Dates

February 16, 2021 - February 15, 2022

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop the Student Stewards community science curriculum to incorporate health and wellness education while aligning with Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards;
• Collaborate with the SSP team to continue to expand and improve current programs;
• Maintain partnerships with school administrators and teachers;
• Assist in developing school break camp curriculum with a standardized health and wellness education component for spring and summer;
• Train volunteers to teach and implement the Student Stewards Program;
• Continue to develop, maintain, and expand the Junior Naturalists program.

Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to TMPF’s mission and vision;
• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a health related field; and/or one year of related experience;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Exceptional writing skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
• Experience working with students, teachers, and volunteers;
• Preferred: strong understanding of education standards and experience in curriculum development;
• Preferred: experience teaching in formal or informal settings;
• Preferred: experience working at or managing summer camp programs;
• Preferred: reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language.