The Education Coordinator VISTA will help develop curriculum and programs aimed at encouraging individuals and youth to recreate outside to benefit health and wellness while becoming stewards of their environment through birding and avian conservation. The VISTA will join our Education Committee to review and enhance current programs, while developing new opportunities to promote health and science education in local schools and for low-income and marginalized youth.
Lahontan Audubon Society (LAS) is an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, and a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, serving northern Nevada and the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area since 1972. Currently, LAS is actively growing its constituent base and has identified increased diversity in program participants as one of its key strategic goals. LASs focus is on conservation of birds through education, advocacy, and stewardship. By developing LASs capacity to offer education programs and increasing awareness of LAS in the community, the AmeriCorps VISTA member will improve access to environmental education programs in northwestern Nevada.
Position Description:
The Education Coordinator VISTA will increase LASs capacity to offer environmental education programs, focused on birds and their habitat, to local students. The VISTA will review LASs current educational programs and work with the Education Committee to not only align programs with Nevada State Academic Standards but to utilize outdoor spaces in a healthy active way. The VISTA will also work towards developing a comprehensive education program that will provide teachers and students with activities that support environmental education beyond an LAS program visit. 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. The VISTA will also research and apply for funding opportunities to support youth education programs for LAS.
LAS and Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our team represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities, and we strive to act with mutual respect, integrity, and care. We seek candidates whose personal and/or professional experiences have prepared them to share in our commitment to fostering connections and inclusion with diverse people both within our office and in the outdoors.
Service Location: Reno, NV
Timeline for Service: October 2022 - October 2023
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop curriculum to align with Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards;
Create a comprehensive education program that encourages building knowledge beyond LASs educational visits;
Collaborate with the Education Committee to continue to expand and improve current education programs;
Develop and maintain partnerships with school administrators and teachers;
Create and implement a marketing plan to engage new audiences in LASs education programs;
Recruit and train volunteers to teach and implement the updated curriculum;
Develop and implement a funding strategy to support educational programs.
Qualifications:
Commitment to the Lahontan Audubon Society mission and vision;
Bachelors degree and/or experience in education, or science related field;
High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
Strong communication skills;
Strong organizational skills;
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 with marketing and social media;
Reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language a plus.
AmeriCorps VISTA:
Lahontan Audubon Societys Education Coordinator VISTA is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and will serve within the AmeriCorps VISTA program. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time (32 hrs/wk) commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs visit americorps.gov.
Compensation:
In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a living allowance of approximately $17,600 pre-tax.
Health benefits during service.
Childcare opportunities (if applicable).
Qualified student loan deferment or forbearance.
Non-competitive eligibility for qualified government jobs the first year after completing service.
Upon completion of service, choice of Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of approximately $6,000 or post-service stipend of $1,800.
A relocation settling allowance of no less than $750 if you are moving more than 50 miles, and travel allowance based on mileage may also apply.
Professional development through monthly trainings, skills learned in service, experience in a non-profit environment.
LAS also offers flex time, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel, a casual dress code, a hybrid telework model, and a fun office environment working with other VISTAs serving the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject line Education Coordinator VISTA to Jennie Jones Scherbinski (). Applications are also accepted through my.americorps.gov.
Visit the LAS website Apply with Get.It or contact Jennie Jones Scherbinski () for more information.
Employment Type: Full-Time
