Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist

Position Summary:

Come live and work on the beautiful shore of West Lake Okoboji in Milford, IA! Iowa Lakeside Lab is seeking an environmental education & outreach AmeriCorps member to develop and deliver education programs to audiences of all ages. This member will work with Lakeside staff, local teachers and partner organizations to promote environmental literacy in our community. Members will further develop their communication and interpretive skills, lesson plan development skills, and teaching skills, as well as be exposed to career opportunities in environmental education and related fields. Plus housing and some meals are provided! This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

The Environmental Education & Outreach AmeriCorps member’s primary responsibility is to develop and deliver Lakeside Lab’s environmental education programs. These programs include summer camps, family programs, outreach events, field trips and more. The Environmental Education & Outreach AmeriCorps member will show leadership, professionalism, and a passion for the outdoors. They must enjoy working with children and the general public and have a strong interest in natural sciences and a desire to share it with others. 

This position is 12 months (1,700 hours) with a tentative start date of October 1st, 2024.

Position/Site Specific Member Service Activities:

• Implement environmental education programs for 800+ learners of all ages, including science/nature camps for PreK – 10th grade, field trips, family and adult programs, volunteer programs and other outreach events.
• Advance the Leader-in-Training program for high school aged students.
• Work with local partners to continue providing a Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) in Dickinson County.
• Develop hands-on PreK-12 grade science curriculum to be used during field trips and other program events.
• Create connections with individuals, volunteers, and organizations in the community for program and outreach enhancement.
• Foster an appreciation and sense of stewardship for the environment in others.
• Produce educational materials such as posters, handouts, games and other educational supplies.
• Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities.
• Incorporate and implement service-learning events for youth participants or other outreach on MLK Day of Service, Global Youth Service Day, and one other National Day of Service selected by the member.
• Required attendance at AmeriCorps 4-H Life After AmeriCorps (time TBD)

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• Passion for outdoor learning experiences and connecting people of all ages to nature.
• Confidence in public speaking with learners of all ages.
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally.
• Ability to prepare basic lesson plans and educational materials.
• Familiarity with best science practices.
• Willingness to research and learn about the natural history of the area and ability to identify the native plants and animals of the area.
• General knowledge of outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and orienteering.
• Ability to operate computers and audiovisual equipment necessary for program delivery.
• CPR and First Aid certification, will train if not current

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have or will obtain diploma/GED
• Must be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• Must pass a national service criminal history check prior to the first day of service
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident

Benefits:

• Education Award received upon successful completion of term of service ($7,395).
• Housing provided, including meals during summer months
• Health care, if applicable
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans

ABOUT IOWA LAKESIDE LABORATORY AND REGENTS RESOURCE CENTER

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Regents Resource Center (Lakeside) is a biological field station of Iowa’s state universities and has provided summer classes and research opportunities to college students since 1909. Lakeside also offers a variety of summer and year-round environmental education programs for learners of all ages. Located on 147 acres on the shores of Lake West Okoboji in the Iowa Great Lakes region, Lakeside also serves as a nature preserve and historic district. Lakeside also operates the Bovbjerg Water Chemistry Lab, a nationally certified water quality lab, in conjunction with the State Hygienic Lab of Iowa. For further information visit www.iowalakesidelab.org or call 712-337-3669 Ext. 7.