Position summary
The Education Assistant will be located at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in Bayview, Wash., which is one of 29 Reserves throughout the country. The Assistant will gain a broad range of experience in educational settings that engage K-12 and public audiences in the field and through programs offered at the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center.
Position responsibilities
The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday. Primary duty is presenting Padilla Bay’s estuary education program to school and community groups but the Assistant will also have some duties in the Operations and Research departments. Responsibilities include:
• Assisting professional educators with implementation of existing programs for school field trips, families and other youth groups;
• Facilitating and/or developing special environmental education projects for target audiences;
• Helping organize a professional conference for environmental educators;
• Developing and maintaining educational materials, exhibits and aquaria;
• Outreach to Spanish speaking families (as skills allow);
• Assisting Padilla Bay research scientists with their projects in the field and laboratory.
Qualifications
• Applicants must be between the age of 18-25 on their first day of service (age restrictions are based on legislative mandate, and do not apply to Gulf War Era II Veterans, dependents, or active duty reservists, or those with a mental or sensory disability).
• Per legislative mandate, priority will be given to Washington state residents.
• Applicants must be eligible for AmeriCorps, and able to submit documentation of one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. Learn more about AmeriCorps eligibility on the WCC website.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants with a background in environmental education, environmental or marine science, and working with children.
Schedule
This is an 11-month AmeriCorps position starting October 5, 2020, and ending September 12, 2021. Members are expected to serve 40 hours over four or five days each week.
WCC AmeriCorps member benefits
Members serving 11 months will receive a $1,100 biweekly living stipend, in addition to the AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,195) upon successful completion of term. Basic health insurance and qualified loan forbearance is available. As AmeriCorps members, IPs participate in WCC’s high quality training program featuring professionally taught, career-transferable courses. Read more about training opportunities and a full list of benefits on the WCC website.
Application process
Please complete both required steps:
1. Submit WCC online application accessible from the WCC website (select this IP position on application).
a. Note: The WCC online application includes space to enter references; please enter three references when prompted. The reference section will also prompt returning WCC members to enter their prior WCC Supervisor and Coordinator as references.
2. Submit the following application materials to Susan Wood (Padilla Bay Education Coordinator) at swood@padillabay.gov:
a. cover letter indicating interest in the position and relevance to career goals,
b. resume with contact information, educational background, and work experience
About WCC and AmeriCorps
Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is an AmeriCorps program that creates future leaders through community involvement and mentorship. The program supports more than 350 members and experienced staff statewide who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to local and national disasters.
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security. Learn more on the WCC website.