Education and Outreach Coordinator

Position Overview:

This position will provide all coordination and logistical support as well as environmental education primarily for third and fourth grade students within the Columbia Basin. When time and volunteers permit, environmental education will be provided for other grades, organizations (i.e. Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts), and community groups (youth groups, after school programs).

The intern will work closely with refuge staff, partners, volunteers, and our nonprofit organization to maximize the students' understanding of natural resources, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, and the Columbia Basin by presenting a program in the classroom before students are brought to the refuge for hands-on activities.

Additionally, the intern will provide targeted educational outreach for Columbia NWR and the Mid-Columbia River NWRC at special events such as the Sandhill Crane Festival and the Salmon Summit.

Accommodation and utilities are offered on Columbia NWR, free of charge, in a furnished 3 bedroom 1 bathroom modular home, including a private room, cable TV, telephone, programmable temperature control, fully equipped kitchen, and living room.

Responsibilities:

(to include, but not limited to):

1. Oversee, in coordination with the Central Basin Audubon Society, an environmental education program involving classroom programs and Refuge tours for elementary school children. (30%)
2. Coordinate and teach Flying Wild activities (or modifications) at the Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello, WA as well as attend organizational meetings and assist with general duties to ensure a successful Festival. (20%)
3. Provide Community Outreach learning stations at traditional events in Othello and surrounding communities. (15%)
4. Participate in a leadership capacity in events open to the general public and run by the Mid-Columbia River NWR Complex such as International Migratory Bird Day, Wood Duck Day, Hunter's Clean-Up Day, Greenwing Day, and teacher trainings. Assist in the planning and implementation of programs. (10%)
5. If schedules don't conflict with Columbia's Audubon Program, teach environmental education classes for McNary NWR Environmental Education Program in a Refuge setting. (5%)
6. When wildlife monitoring programs at the refuges in the Mid-Columbia River NWR Complex occur, and time permits, assist wildlife biologists to monitor wildlife, with the purpose of broadening exposure to the Refuge system and gathering materials for lesson planning. (10%)
7. Oversee, coordinate and teach at the "Hey Kids" children's camp (one week). (3%)
8. Contribute to Refuge projects such as sign planning, trail planning and construction, fencing, with other volunteers or during "all-employee" Refuge staff work events. (7%)
9. Complete a Community Action Project that is identified by the Intern, researched, and implemented during the term of service.
10. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
11. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
12. Wear a volunteer shirt (provided by the USFWS), and/or appropriate NWSA identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Qualifications:

Position Requirements:

1. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation. Must comply with NWSA Personal and Organizational Vehicle Use Policy detailed at the end of this position description.
2. Must attend a mandatory orientation in Trout Lake, WA from 2/7 to 2/11, quarterly Intern trainings in Trout Lake, WA (food and lodging provided for orientation and trainings), and monthly Intern meetings. Intern is responsible for transportation to and from all mandatory trainings and meetings, which may be up to several hours away from their project site.
3. Will be required to work some evenings and weekends.
4. Personal vehicle is required for this position.
5. An educational background in environmental education, natural resources and knowledge of ecological principles and environmental education techniques.
6. Ability to work independently, without direct supervision and be flexible in scheduling and change.
7. Ability to teach elementary to high school age children enthusiastically.
8. Ability to develop teaching materials from basic materials and incorporate local school/district standards of learning.
9. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint Presentations and able to use the internet effectively.
10. Ability to drive a four-wheel drive truck, SUV and/or hybrid vehicle.
11. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
12. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
13. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
14. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
15. Selection, placement and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Register and a national FBI fingerprint check.
16. Regular and reliable attendance.
17. Members are eligible to serve up to 4 terms of service and receive AmeriCorps Education awards for each term of service up to the value of 2 full time education awards only. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inform NWSA of any previous service in an AmeriCorps program, regardless of whether or not they completed the previous term(s) of service. NWSA is not liable for providing an Education Award to a member if they are not eligible under the Corporation for National and Community Service AmeriCorps guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Ability to identify principal birds and plants of the shrub-steppe environment or willingness to learn quickly.
2. Ability to enthusiastically teach elementary to high school age children in an outdoor setting, or as a guest in their classrooms.
3. Energy and ability to work with all ages, including seniors, effectively and with respect.
4. Website development computer skills (Adobe Illustrator, Dreamweaver).
5. Enjoys working with people, and does not object to getting muddy, wet, or wind-blown.
6. Knowledge of first aid and confidence to use it in emergencies.
7. Possesses a positive attitude towards hunting, and hunters and fishermen.

Compensation:

1. A total taxable living allowance of $11,800.
2. Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $5,350. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
3. Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
4. Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
5. Child care allowance for those who qualify.
6. Free housing is provided for this position.

Transportation Information:

1. Personal vehicle is required for this position and offers are contingent on your driving record and personal vehicle insurance coverage meeting the minimum requirements detailed at the end of this position description.
2. Organizational vehicle is available for service activities.
3. Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site.

Service Dates: February 7 - December 16, 2011

To Apply:

Step 1:

• Complete your application Online at the AmeriCorps website
• If you do not already have a username and password, you must Create A Profile 
• Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking "Applications" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu.
• To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy-MAC
• Select the position listing and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

Step 2:

Submit the additional materials listed at Mt. Adams Center.