Red Butte Garden, Utah’s botanical garden and arboretum and the largest botanical garden in the intermountain west, is excited to accept applications for an environmental educator in our School Programs department. Join our team and become a School Programs Educator and provide direct services to our community through our botany and science-based programs for K-12 students throughout the state. Share your passion for plants, the outdoors, and the environment to school-aged (K–12) kids during classroom visits, field trips, remote learning, and more. Gain valuable experience developing, teaching, and evaluating curricula for School Programs based on NGSS and Utah’s SEEd standards. Develop resume-building skills through professional development opportunities. Work in a beautiful botanical garden and travel to schools throughout the state. Must enjoy being outdoors, informal education, and working with school-aged children.

This full-time, 12-month term (1700 hours) AmeriCorps position is offered through Utah Conservation Corps and is a great opportunity to grow your skills in environmental education, botany, horticulture, NGSS & SEEd science standards, and more. There are two positions available.

Primary Duties

• Perform environmental education to elementary school students, with occasional middle and high school students, throughout the state
• Communicating with and instructing teachers
• Traveling to classrooms throughout the state, sometimes on overnight trips, and driving our education vehicle
• Assisting with scheduling and processing of programs and supplies
• Assisting with daily operations by maintaining, manufacturing, and collecting supplies, facilities, and equipment
• Assisting with acquiring and analyzing program evaluations
• Assisting the Programs Department with other activities, programs, and seasonal events as needed
• Assisting the Programs Department in developing and revising program curriculum and materials
• Develop a data tracking plan and collect and report AmeriCorps impact data timely and accurately

Training/Professional Development you will receive

• Professional development opportunities vary but typically include on-site training, SEEd training, informal science education networking opportunities, and virtual STEM and National Association of Interpretation professional development offerings as available
• Data collection and reporting training (required)

Qualifications

• Background in science, education, environmental studies, botany, or horticulture preferred
• Proven written and verbal communication skills
• Must enjoy working outside, in classrooms, and with children
• Proven basic Word, Excel, and Outlook skills
• Previous experience working with children and some knowledge of basic lesson planning
• Proactive, flexible, strong organizational skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a team

AmeriCorps Requirements

• Be a United States citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be eligible to serve an AmeriCorps term of service
• Have a high school diploma or GED or work towards obtaining one while in the program. It is a requirement to obtain a high school diploma or GED before one is eligible to use the Education Award
• Must be clear of any record on the National Sex Offender Public Registry. Must have a criminal record clear of any conviction(s) for murder

Additional Requirements (optional, but encouraged)

• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs., carry ladders, stand, and walk on uneven, hilly terrain
• A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle if unable to utilize public transportation
• A positive and professional manner with diverse populations

Compensation (required) This is a 1700-hr AmeriCorps position that comes with these benefits:

• $26,505.00 living allowance (paid in even disbursements throughout term of service)
• $6,340 education award (available to members after successful service term)
• Federal student loan forbearance and workers comp for all members.
• Childcare and insurance benefits for 1700 hr members only.

Position is Monday through Friday with some weekend and evening work required. Begins January 2023.