Program Overview: 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. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps 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 the Nature Connection (NC) in Hotchkiss, CO. The Nature Connection’s mission is to eliminate the barriers to getting outside by providing fun, active, and educational outdoor experiences for youth and families in our community.
Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps will engage with the Nature Connection to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps and the Nature Connection’s goals. The members will focus on NC’s school programs, Learn to Bike, Skis for Kids, and Winter Ecology Days.
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 NC’s goals. These duties include:
Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
Qualifications:
Term of Service: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 9/3/24 and ends 8/15/25. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
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 Steph Seitz, NC Program Manager, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2024-25 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 the Nature Connection Headquarters, 397 Miners Way, Hotchkiss, CO 81419, and service will be performed at schools, on public lands, and other locations around Delta County.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity: The Nature Connection shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.
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.
Position will be filled pending grant award.