Environmental Education Instructor – Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS)

Engage and educate community members and students in the BUGS urban agriculture ecosystem!

Position Title: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR

Project Sponsor: BOISE URBAN GARDEN SCHOOL (BUGS)

POSITION SUMMARY: In this position, the AmeriCorps member will develop and deliver environmental education lessons and community programs to Treasure Valley students and community members of all ages. They will also assist with organizational details and logistics involved in delivering these programs. Additionally, they will recruit and coordinate volunteers to assist with special events and help with special projects.

DUTIES OF THE POSITION: In this position, the AmeriCorps member will educate multi-age audiences through lessons, community programs and presentations. They will develop new curriculum; modify and improve existing lessons, and tailor lessons and presentations to different audiences. The member will represent BUGS at Community Outreach Events – examples include, but are not limited to: STEM nights, City of Boise events, farmer’s markets, and AmeriCorps events. This position includes assisting in the recruitment, supervision and training of volunteers, as well as organizing and leading summer camps and special programs. Special programs may include farm-to-table culinary classes, nutrition education, and elementary school garden programs. The member will be expected to perform some administrative duties related to scheduling and program delivery using tools that will include Microsoft Office, email, Powerpoint, etc. They will be expected to positively and courteously respond to phone and in person inquiries while in service.

REQUIREMENTS:

● Must be at least 17 years of age.
● Must be U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
● Must possess high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
● Must be fluent in English.
● Must be able to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
● Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through PCEI.
● Must complete and submit all necessary PCEI AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
● Must commit to and attend and complete all PCEI AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
● Must wear AmeriCorps uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
● AmeriCorps members can enroll in multiple terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards. You can also serve additional terms but will not receive an additional education award.

MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERRED SKILLS:

● Minimum one year experience teaching children; interest in and enthusiasm for working with youth and adults.
● Experience with environmental education, or STEM content knowledge preferred.
● Communicate with clarity and conciseness to individuals and groups; convey respect, assistance and resourcefulness in a friendly manner; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations.
● Maintain a flexible schedule; maintain prompt and regular attendance.
● Complete assignments in a timely fashion and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
● All applicants must be able to successfully pass City of Boise background check processes which include reference checks and criminal history checks.
● Pass City of Boise online Defensive Driver Training. Member will need to be able to drive a City vehicle.
● Member will be required to complete a First Aid and CPR certification course provided by the city.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

● A taxable, monthly living allowance totaling $22,000.00 for a 12-month/1700-hour term.
● Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive aneducation award in the amount of $7,395 that can be used to repay qualified student loans or 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.
● Loan forbearance – after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable.
● Basic medical insurance for those who qualify.
● Childcare allowance for those who qualify.
● Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.
● Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all activities in full accessible settings.

PROJECT LOCATION: Boise Urban Garden School 2995 N Five Mile Rd Boise, ID 83713

DATES OF SERVICE: Full-time: 12 months, between September 2024 and August 2025. (These dates are TBD).

Enrollment for this position is contingent upon continued funding from AmeriCorps.