Environmental Educator – AmeriCorps

Become an amazing environmental educator by serving at one of the premier nature centers in New England!  You’ll learn how to handle and educate using ambassador raptors, present programs to thousands of people from around the world, gain skills and experience in using proper education techniques when teaching to school children, and build on your organizational skills while helping coordinate our education special events.  Join us for an exciting year educating people from all walks of life!

This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps).  The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach to creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape.  VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land and energy conservation organizations around the state.

VINS Mission: Motivating Individuals and Communities to Care for the Environment through Education, Research and Avian Wildlife Rehabilitation

Position Goals:  VINS Environmental Educators deliver live raptor and Vermont natural history programs at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont and through our Outreach program to other sites around the region.

Essential Functions:

• Present educational programs, many of which involve live animals (mainly raptors), to audiences of all ages (e.g., on-site daily programs, school tours, camps, and outreaches such as resort programs, fairs, public relations events).
• Help with care, cleaning, training and handling of raptors and reptiles used in programs.
• Assist with the organization and facilitation of special onsite educational events.
• Support the education staff to schedule and develop new programs as appropriate.
• Train and support volunteers in the care of resident birds.
• Train and support volunteers in the appropriate handling of education raptors.
• Help design, fabricate and install new education exhibits.
• Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps
• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days, Events, and Program Initiatives.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities.

Secondary Functions:

• Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required.
• Serve with other departments at VINS to both bring added content to public programs and facilitate opportunities for cross-promotion of programs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in public speaking and environmental education preferred.
• Degree in education or environmental sciences, working towards a degree or have equivalent education experience.
• General knowledge of raptors and New England natural history (or willingness and initiative to learn).
• Comfortable using AV equipment (including PA systems).
• Strong organizational skills and service ethic.
• Ability to serve independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Previous animal-handling experience, especially raptors, preferred.
• Current first aid and CPR certification (VINS may be able to assist in scheduling a training).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to travel using company vehicles;
• Ability to serve weekends and evenings;
• Be US citizen or have permanent resident status;
• Be at least 18 years of age upon entering the Pre-Service Orientation or 17 years of age with verified parental permission;
• Be a high school graduate, have a GED certificate, or be willing to work towards a GED as part of the service-term. A member cannot have dropped out of high school to join AmeriCorps.
• Has not been convicted of murder or sexual assault and is willing to undergo an National Service Criminal History Check;
• Be committed to the VHCB AmeriCorps program’s ethic of service, appreciation of diversity, and personal and professional development of its participants;
• Have the ability and enthusiasm to drive to, attend, and participate in all required trainings and events, and be prepared to drive up to 2-3 hours each way.
• Available to regularly serve 40 hours per week

Additional Information:

This position features lots of time outdoors, and in general requires serving on Saturday and Sunday. Members can expect to serve a five day week and have a non-traditional weekend (Tues-Wed or Thurs-Fri). Some travel off-site is required, in company vehicles, and can involve a few early days and/or late nights, never to exceed an 8 hour shift.

Position begins September 9th, 2024 and ends August 8th, 2025.

This position is Full Time: Requires 1,720 hours for an average of 40 hours per week for 47 weeks. Member will receive a living allowance of $30,000 (pre-tax) for the service term. Member will receive an education award of $7,395 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of service. 

Other benefits include health insurance, federal school loan forbearance, and various training and networking opportunities.