Summer Naturalist Educator
Summary
This AmeriCorps member will assist with the development and implementation of the Student Stewards Summer Camp, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) camp for economically disadvantaged students.
Position Description
The STEAM Camp Educator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of
the team for this young non-profit organization. This AmeriCorps member will assist with
the development and implementation of the Student Stewards Summer Camp, a
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) camp for
economically disadvantaged students. Campers engage in hands-on community
science research with a goal of improved academic engagement and better preparation
for educational success, field trips, and of course copious amounts of fun! In addition to
the development and planning of camp curriculum and activities, the duties of the Camp
Educator include maintaining program materials, set-up and clean-up for the daily
activities, and managing field trips. This position will also help support various Student
Stewards Programs including our Junior Naturalists program.
Timeline for Service: May 2023 - August 2023
Mission:
The mission of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) is to support the parks
departments operating in Truckee Meadows, including Reno, Sparks, and Washoe
County. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for
citizen engagement. TMPF is an independent, nonprofit organization that began
operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and
wellness and developing peoples’ appreciation for the natural and cultural history found
in local parks.
Member Schedule & Service Location:
Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm (camp season shifts between 8:00 am-5:30pm), some
weekends and evenings for special programs and events.
Reno, NV
Primary Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
● Develop fun and engaging STEAM based curriculum for outdoor settings.
● Facilitate Student Stewards summer break camp to include:
○ Plan and implement STEAM based lessons and activities.
○ Prepare materials for the day/week to allow more time for organized fun
○ Lead and inspire the imaginations and curiosities of small groups of
campers with STEAM based activities
○ Safely facilitate weekly outings into the community and beyond. Field trips!
○ Other duties as assigned by the Camp Manager.
● Facilitate the Student Stewards Program
● Facilitate Jr. Naturalists weekend program (one Saturday a month)
● Attend team meetings and teambuilders. We're a group that loves activities, so
it's common to find us playing a game of frisbee, musical chairs, river floating,
potlucks, and basically any other activity we can think of(always open to new
ideas).
Secondary Responsibilities:
● Facilitate other interpretive programs such as Truckee Meadows Trails
Challenge and Discover Your Parks walks
● Community outreach for the Student Stewards Program
● Opportunities to assist with activities at Rosewood Nature Study Area
Qualifications
Qualifications:
● Passionate commitment to TMPF’s mission and vision;
● Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field, or currently attending
college;
● Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
● Exceptional writing skills;
● Strong communication skills;
● Strong organizational skills;
● High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
● Experience working with students, teachers, and volunteers;
● Preferred: strong understanding of education standards and experience in
curriculum development;
● Preferred: experience teaching in formal or informal settings;
● Preferred: experience working at or managing summer camp programs;
● Preferred: Reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
● Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or be an out-of-
school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a
program described in §2522.110(b)(3) or (g);
● Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; OR not have dropped out of
elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must
agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education
award; OR obtain a waiver from the Corporation of the requirements in paragraphs
(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by
the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high
school diploma or its equivalent; or be enrolled in an institution of higher education
on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);
● Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
● Successfully pass the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) and
National Sex Offender Program Registry check.
Compensation and Benefits
In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of
$8,000, and will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,718.25 upon
successful completion of service. Training and professional development will be
provided.
AmeriCorps looks GREAT on your resume. It basically combines volunteering and
professional experience into one big star on the resume - it shows dedication to serving
your community, adaptability, and that you have the skills to help an organization thrive!
A year of service with AmeriCorps is an investment in your future and has helped many
staff at the Parks Foundation get to where we are today because, fun fact, the majority
of us also served with AmeriCorps!
To apply:
Send cover letter and resume to Camp Manager, Ashley Butler at
Visit the TMPF website, www.tmparksfoundation.org or email/call Ashley at (775) 360-
6068 for more information.