Summary:

The Community Programs Educator will implement and support community educational programs and events.

Mission:

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation protects and enhances our communities' livability through public engagement, education, and the sustainability of our parks, trails, and open spaces. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for community engagement. The Parks Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing peoples’ appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks.

Position Description:

The Community Programs Educator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the team for this non-profit organization. This person will primarily implement and support community educational programs and events, such as interpretive hikes, phenology tracking, and collaborating with Truckee Meadows Park Foundation’s Student Stewards Program. These programs serve to provide educational and health-based programming to students and families.

Member Schedule & Service Location:

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm, some weekends and evenings for special programs and events.

Reno, NV

Timeline for Service: Jun 2023-August 2023

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the family-oriented Truckee Meadows Trails Challenge (TMTC) hikes and Discover Your Park (DYP) walks;
• Create guides and interpretive based lessons for TMTC and DYP programs;
• Lead weekly Dementia Friendly Nature Walks and implement phenology tracking for each walk;
• Become trained in thematic interpretation by NAI certified guides;
• Facilitate community education programs and events;
• Develop monthly educational newsletters for TMTC participants;
• Upload weekly and monthly registrations for guided hike programs;
• Facilitate the Parks Foundation’s Winter Walk Series;
• Develop and implement STEAM and recreational camp programming for the Student Stewards Summer Camp and school break camps.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate other Parks Foundation interpretative programs and events;

• Develop and implement programming for the Parks Foundation’s Junior Naturalist program;

• Research and write park histories and biodiversity submissions for the Parks Project;

• Community outreach for Parks Foundation programs;

• Create new adult education programs and events.

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to the Parks Foundation’s mission and vision;
• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field;
• 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: 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.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

Prefer Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award.

Term of Service & Time Requirements:

Member's term of service begins in June 2023 and will be completed by August 19th, 2023. This is a minimum term AmeriCorps member position. Members must complete 310 hours of service.

Statement on Supplementation, duplication, or displacement of staff:

This position does not duplicate work of previous or existing employees or volunteers, supplant the hiring of workers, or include service of duties that have been performed or were performed by a current employee, an employee who recently resigned or was discharged, an employee subject to a reduction in force, or an employee who is on leave.

Service Environment Description and Inclusive Member Position Description Statement:

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The above functions may be completed with or without reasonable accommodations. No persons involved with the program will discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or disability. This position has recurring access to vulnerable populations.

Host Site Agency Mission:

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation protects and enhances our communities' livability through public engagement, education, and the sustainability of our parks, trails, and open spaces. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for community engagement. The Parks Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness, and developing people’s appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks, trails, and open spaces.

Program Mission:

Programs operating under the Parks Foundation are designed to heighten environmental consciousness and preservation in youth, help economically underserved students find academic success, and provide engaging and meaningful outdoor experiences for some of the most vulnerable families in the Reno-Sparks area.

Additional Guidelines or Expectations:

AmeriCorps members are required to wear at least one piece of AmeriCorps gear (AmeriCorps button), provided by the Parks Foundation, when serving during their term of service. When the member is facilitating a program, they should wear the t-shirt their site supervisor provides them with the AmeriCorps button pinned on this shirt. AmeriCorps members must participate in a minimum of three National Days of Service during their term of service and may participate in additional service projects. The AmeriCorps member must disclose all criminal convictions during application process and undergo National Service Criminal History Check and have no statutory exclusionary offenses to AmeriCorps service reported. The AmeriCorps member must be at least 17 years of age, and a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Member Benefits:

In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $5,333, loan forbearance on qualifying loans, and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,374.60 upon successful completion of service. Training and professional development will be provided.

Evaluation and Reporting:

Members will receive a mid-term and end-of-term performance evaluation from their site-supervisor and the AmeriCorps Program Director. Members will submit their biweekly Member Service Logs (timesheets) to their supervisor to be approved. Members are also responsible for reporting performance measures to their site supervisor and AmeriCorps Program Director every month during their term of service.

To apply:

Apply by filling out a brief application formfor this position or send cover letter and resume to Student Stewards Program Director, Devin Genovese at devin@tmparksfoundation.org.

Visit the TMPF website, www.tmparksfoundation.orgor email/call Devin at (775) 360-6068 for more information.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary

Pay: $17.20 per hour

Benefits:

• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Work Location: In person