The Environmental Resource Center (ERC) provides education and inspires action to cultivate a healthy environment in the Wood River Valley of Central Idaho.
PCEI AmeriCorps Program
PCEI provides leadership and professional experiences to AmeriCorps members by partnering with local organizations that address critical needs in the areas of Sustainable Community Planning and Conservation.
Position Summary: Help the ERC connect people to nature through education in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho! This 11-month AmeriCorps position, starting September 2018, offers an exciting opportunity for involvement with a wide array of environmental education programs and outreach initiatives. The PCEI AmeriCorps Program Associate will be involved in a variety of youth environmental education programs. This position will also facilitate some community outreach initiatives. The overall goal is to raise environmental awareness, promote a more sustainable community, and engage community members in hands-on environmental education activities and awareness initiatives that promote a greater connection to the natural world.
Essential functions shall include, but not be limited to:
• Primarily assists with the implementation, facilitation, and evaluation of ERC youth programs, including:
o In-school programs
o After-school programs
o Overnight summer camps
o Year-round community collaborative programs with partner organizations
• Periodically assists with implementation, facilitation, and evaluation of community outreach initiatives surrounding pesticide, herbicide, and synthetic fertilizer alternatives, dog waste reduction at trailheads, recycling and waste reduction education, and connecting people to nature.
• Assists in maintaining the ERC’s program supplies and equipment.
• Assists in all communications including electronic monthly newsletters, promotional materials, website and social media, and press releases.
• Participates in shared office duties (e.g. greeting visitors, answering calls, and cleaning the office).
• Acts as a positive representative of the ERC while communicating with the community via phone, email, or in person, both on and off-site.
• Works in and promotes a positive staff culture with a team-player approach.
• Completes and submits all necessary PCEI AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Attends and completes all PCEI AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
• Wears PCEI and ERC uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Performs other program-related duties assigned by ERC staff.
Position Requirements:
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• Knowledge, experience, and a passion for environmental education is important.
• Previous field ecology program/camp experience and teaching background a plus.
• Ability to use current computer technologies, including Microsoft programs, WordPress, Gmail, Constant Contact, and social media platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience and comfort in public speaking.
• Ability to handle pressure in a professional manner and manage multiple projects/deadlines efficiently.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment that, at times, demands flexibility and requires clear communication and immediate resolution of conflict.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.
• Willingness to conduct programs and lead groups in outdoor settings for several hours and in inclement weather, as well as work some weekends and odd hours to fulfill job requirements, particularly during high season.
• Passion for the mission and goals of the ERC and a personal commitment to environmentally-friendly actions.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which you are applying.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through PCEI.
• Members are required to obtain CPR/1st Aid during their service; however, WFAs or WFRs are also a plus.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
Member Benefits Include:
• A taxable, monthly living allowance ($13,732 paid over the term of service).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $5920. 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 school. 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.
• Basic medical insurance for those who qualify.
• 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.
Transportation and Housing Information:
• Personal car is a plus.
• Affordable housing may be available.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to:
Alisa McGowan, ERC Program Director
The Environmental Resource Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.