Community Program Educator

The primary role of this position is commitment to the following tasks and responsibilities to help The Nature Place make connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both.

Time Requirements:
Typical schedule includes Tuesday – Saturday daytime hours, some evening hours.

AmeriCorps service term – Dec 14th, 2025 – August 21st, 2026 (1200 hrs/36 weeks)

This is an AmeriCorps Position (What is AmeriCorps?).

AmeriCorps Provides Additional Benefits:

• AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay for current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
• Professional networking opportunities, mentorship, and experience to help grow your career
• Make a difference in the community
• Be a part of a dedicated service team
• Opportunity for loan forbearance on qualified student loans
• Free access to Employee Assistance Program includes phone/text/video call counselor service and other resources
• Health insurance option (1 year/1700 hr positions only, who are not already covered)
• You may be eligible for AmeriCorps child care public assistance
• Access to on-site food pantry and laundry facilities

Site Overview

The Nature Place (TNP) is a nature-focused community center open to the public, located in beautiful Myrick Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. We offer nature education programs and community events for all ages and our unique space is available to visit during open hours or to rent for special events and meetings. The Nature Place is your space, year-round, rain or shine.

Responsibilities

Programming

• Assist with planning, scheduling, teaching and general supervision of existing programs for all ages of community members
• Work with community partners on collaborative programs
• Research, design, and implement new programs for different age groups
• Teach programs with live animals
• Represent The Nature Place at community booths and events
• Complete program and event evaluations
• Collaborate with fellow AmeriCorps members from other teams to implement TNP’s mission through a variety of programs
• Keep detailed records of program types and attendance numbers for grant purposes

Program Marketing

• Assist in distribution of publicity for upcoming events, programs, and volunteer opportunities
• Author blog posts for use on website and in newsletter.

The Nature Place Operations

• Interact with the public as a community resource during open hours, sharing your knowledge, experience and insight about The Nature Place and surrounding natural areas
• Engage visitors to meet their needs, interests or curiosity about The Nature Place and advance the mission of The Nature Place
• Conduct tours of The Nature Place
• Assist with facility-related needs for community programs and The Nature Place operations
• Ensure that The Nature Place and Community Program policies and safety procedures are followed

Capstone Project

• 1700 & 1200 hour AmeriCorps Members will have the opportunity to develop a significant program series or select a project that will leave a lasting contribution within their program area, the department, or the organization.