MK Nature Center – Assistant Wildlife Educator

Share Your Passion for Wildlife and Nature with others at MK Nature Center!

Project Sponsor: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Morrison Knudsen Nature Center

Service Description/Position Summary: Participate as a member of the MK Nature Center team in providing environmental education to facility visitors as well as outreach activities to engage other audiences.  Work with volunteers and student interns on projects benefiting nature center habitat and wildlife.  Develop topics for and coordinate staffing of education tables on-site for interaction by visitors.  Assist staff with social media, including Instagram stories and other online learning opportunities.  Conduct outreach on behalf of the nature center at various community events as well as offer online learning to classes on request.  Provide customer service to a wide range of visitors.

Member Activities/Duties: Our member will provide customer service; develop new environmental education programs; teach environmental education programs individually and with a team; represent the MK Nature Center at outreach events; engage with volunteers for education programs and habitat improvement projects; develop and produce Instagram stories for educational purposes; assist with the care and handling of education animals, specifically a non-releasable peregrine falcon; provide assistance with routine nature center duties; perform administrative work (time sheets, email, reports, etc.); participate as part of the 2024 Master Naturalist Program cohort.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 19 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.
• Current college student or college graduate with a background in environmental or biological sciences.
• Must be fluent in English. Some knowledge of Spanish is helpful.
• 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 PCEI uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Must have a cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• 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/or Required/Preferred Skills:

• Valid Driver’s License
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification beneficial, but not required
• Experience working with children is beneficial
• Current college student or graduate with a background in environmental or biological sciences, wildlife biology, or environmental education.

Member Benefits Include:

• A taxable, monthly living allowance of $10,200 paid over the 5.5 monthterm of service.
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $3,447.50. The education award 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.)
• 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.

Dates of Service:  5.5-month/900-hour contract: March 2023 through August 2023