Naturalists will deliver and assist with planning and coordination of all Nevada Outdoor School educational programs including in-classroom lessons, summer camps, special events, field trips and Outdoor Ethics. On average, the Naturalists will teach eight classes per week and reach 500 students each month. Naturalists will also provide input into the development of kindergarten through sixth grade lesson plans that align with the national and state benchmarks and standards.
Service Activities
Provide local and rural schools in Humboldt and Elko counties with 45 minute to 1 hour inquiry-science
lessons based on school district and NOS curriculum tied to National standards, deliver Outdoor Ethics programming to schools and at
special events, plan and facilitate successful summer camp programs, plan and teach all activities for weekend volunteer stewardship
projects, gather/obtain and keep tidy all necessary educational supplies.
Enter participant numbers into database and help to compile monthly direct results reporting, assist with
development and utilize needs assessment tools and/or evaluations, promote Nevada Outdoor School's educational program through
various forms of media - via media, assist in recruiting volunteers for educational programs as required, assist in recruiting youth for
elective programs, attend training, seminars and/or conferences related to service objectives and career development, participate in
NOS community and special events.
Community Need Addressed
Students in elementary and middle schools in Humboldt and Elko counties do not have access to science, inquiry based lessons. Also,
today many young people have not developed an appreciation for the outdoors, nor do they have knowledge of Outdoor Ethics and
conserving the environment. It is important that those principles are taught at an early age and that students are given opportunities to
get outside and learn. AmeriCorps members will teach inquiry-based science and environmental lessons in elementary school
classrooms in Humboldt, Pershing and Elko counties during the school year. The lessons last 40 minutes and are taught from
September through March, 4 times per week in different classrooms. Field trips are conducted during the Fall and Spring in all 3
counties and in Lander County. Field trips are 2-6 hours in duration. Summer camps are conducted in Humboldt and Elko counties and
are 3-6 days in duration and usually last for 7 hours per day with a one or two night camp out. By providing hands on, inquiry-based
science lessons, naturalist will reach and deliver environmental education to a large number of students and utilize a pre/post survey to
determine that students have an increased knowledge of environmental stewardship. Over the short term, it is expected that students
will have a greater understanding of natural sciences and interconnections of natural systems and a greater appreciation of the
natural world. It is also expected that there will be increased participation in science, outdoor and environmental activities.
Position Outcomes
Students will have greater understanding of natural sciences and interconnections of natural systems. Greater appreciation of the natural world.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
Communicate and work with a diverse population, experience working with children, public speaking/media, plan and develop programs and projects.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise
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
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization