Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist AmeriCorps 4-H Member-Iowa Lakeside Laboratory

AmeriCorps 4-H Member – Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Three-Quarter-Time)Living Allowance

$14,300 paid in equal semi-monthly installments

Education Award

$5,176.50 upon successful completion of the service term

On-site housing is also available for the AmeriCorps member.

Internship credit may be available through your academic program; check with your advisor.

Location

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory – Milford, Iowa

1838 Highway 86
Milford, IA 51351

Term of Service

Start date: As soon as a qualified member is identified – August 31, 2027

Three-Quarter-Time – 1,200 hours

Program

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory in partnership with AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach/ISU Extension

Position Summary

Spend a year serving youth, exploring the outdoors, and gaining hands-on environmental education experience on the shores of beautiful Lake Okoboji!

The Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist AmeriCorps position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental education, STEM programming, youth development, community outreach, and summer programming.

Working alongside the Education Coordinator at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, the AmeriCorps member will help deliver engaging, hands-on educational experiences for youth while supporting the development of new programs and expanding access to environmental education throughout the community.

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory's youth education programs have grown rapidly in recent years, with increasing demand for school field trips, homeschool programs, summer camps, community programs, and hands-on learning experiences. The AmeriCorps member will help the education team meet this growing need while maintaining high-quality programming.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in community-focused service to strengthen organizations, expand access to resources, and support youth and families across Iowa. AmeriCorps 4-H members serve in partnership with local programs to deliver high-quality, research-based activities that make a measurable impact.

About the Program

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory provides opportunities for youth and community members to explore, investigate, and connect with the natural world through hands-on learning. The program combines environmental education and STEM with Positive Youth Development and the 4-H learn-by-doing philosophy.

The AmeriCorps member will play an important role in expanding the reach of Iowa Lakeside Laboratory's educational programs, particularly through school programming, homeschool activities, summer camps, community outreach, and partnerships with local schools and organizations.

Key Service Activities

• Deliver hands-on environmental education and STEM programs through school field trips, homeschool programs, summer camps, family workshops, and community outreach events.
• Develop standards-aligned curriculum and educational resources for PreK–12 youth.
• Recruit, mentor, and support youth leaders and volunteers through the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program and other volunteer opportunities.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders to expand access to environmental education programming.
• Support summer day camps and community education programs.
• Assist with developing and adapting educational programming to meet the needs of youth, schools, families, and community partners.

Service Schedule

Youth programming occurs year-round, with the busiest season running from May through August.

During the school year, programming primarily includes K–12 field trips, classroom programs, School of the Wild programming, homeschool and no-school-day camps, and occasional community outreach events.

Summer programming includes day camps and community education programs.

The member will generally serve:

• Monday–Thursday during the school year
• Monday–Friday during the summer
• Typical service hours are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Occasional evening and weekend service may be required, approximately once every month or two. The member should also expect to participate in one or two overnight youth camps during the summer.

Eligibility Requirements

• At least 17 years old
• High school diploma or GED (or in progress)
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Must pass a national service criminal history check

AmeriCorps Member Benefits

• $14,300 living allowance for the 1,200-hour service term
• $5,176.50 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the term
• On-site housing available
• Student loan forbearance and interest repayment for eligible loans
• Childcare assistance, if eligible
• Professional development, training, and statewide networking opportunities
• Potential opportunity to receive academic internship credit, subject to approval by the member's academic program

Performance Expectations

Members must complete required AmeriCorps 4-H trainings, submit bi-monthly timesheets, complete monthly reports, and participate in scheduled check-ins with program staff. Mid-term and end-of-term evaluations are required.

Members are expected to actively participate in youth programming, educational activities, outreach efforts, summer programming, and other service activities outlined in their Member Position Description.

Why This Role Is Unique

This is an amazing opportunity to live and serve right on Lake Okoboji while gaining valuable professional experience in environmental education, STEM, youth development, and outdoor learning. With on-site housing available, the member can fully experience the unique natural setting of Iowa Lakeside Laboratory while serving youth and the surrounding community.

The position is especially suited for someone interested in education, environmental science, natural resources, biology, outdoor recreation, youth development, STEM education, or related fields. The member will gain practical experience working directly with youth, developing educational resources, leading programs, supporting volunteers, and building community partnerships.

During the summer, the experience comes alive through day camps, community education programs, outdoor learning, and youth activities. Throughout the year, the member will help connect young people with the natural world through hands-on exploration and discovery.

This position offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people while living and working in one of Iowa's unique outdoor environments.

Pay: $14,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Work Location: In person

Salary : $5,177