The AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Educator will be responsible for identifying and delivering research-based curriculum to youth in their county and community which incorporates youth life skill
development educational content in their natural environments. This member will work in a team
setting to expand current youth environmental education programs to new audiences in the community or county they serve.
Service Activities
Specific service activities are dependent upon the Host Organization and local community. Examples of service activities are listed below:
- Design and facilitate monthly programs and curriculum that incorporate STEM educational standards with the natural environment.
- Create and present environmental education outreach programs to the public weekly to increase environmental awareness and sustainable living consciousness.
- Partner with local school districts, county conservation districts, and IDNR managers to implement a minimum of three day camps and two out-of-school youth programs.
- Plan and present programs to develop and encourage healthy lifestyles and outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching and other opportunities.
- Partner with school districts and classrooms to develop and implement field trip environmental education lessons (weekly April – May, September – October)
- Incorporate and implement service-learning events for youth participants on MLK Day of Service and Global Youth Service Day, and one other National Day of Service selected by the member.
- Participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps and/or
Iowa 4-H Youth Development.
Community Need Addressed
Increase out-of-school educational opportunities for youth in the community.
Position Outcomes
Youth participants develop positive and meaningful life skills.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Professional Development Fund which allows members to determine their own professional development opportunities, Positive Youth Development training, CPR/First Aid Training (or Disaster Response Training if CPR is completed), Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, Leadership Experience, Strong Connection to Alumni Network, Worker's Compensation, Included in Iowa State University's Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and financial planning resources.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid
Skills you will gain
Organization, Project Management, Non-formal Education and Teaching Experience, Volunteer Management, Data Collection, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Adaptability, Collaboration, Accountability, Interpersonal Skills
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment