This year long program will serve Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The program focus is environmental stewardship with an educational component of an environmental STEM curriculum and restoration. The program has 3 primary focus areas: 1.the implementation of the Grasses in Classes STEM curriculum, 2. restoration, beautification, maintenance and the development in our unique coastal dune lakes and 3. Environmental Field support to restore habitat for threatened and endangered species. In the first component members will implement a Grasses in Classes environmental STEM curriculum in contracted Okaloosa and Walton County elementary schools targeting third and fifth grade students. In the second component members will addressing projects including shoreline erosion, invasive plant removal, planting native plants, coastal dune lakes projects and oyster restoration projects. The program will focus efforts on engaging community involvement through service learning activities conducted at parks and public lands within the Choctawhatchee watershed district. Through these educational opportunities the program will educate and engage citizens in service projects to encourage environmental stewardship.
Service Activities
Implement a hands on environmental STEM curriculum as well as restoration of inland and shoreline acres
Community Need Addressed
Increase knowledge about our local estuary providing a hands on environmental science curriculum to 3rd and 5th grade students in two county school districts. Restoration of inland and shoreline through the development of artificial oyster reefs to invasive plant removal and field work in restoration for endangered species.
Position Outcomes
Students will demonstrate an increase in knowledge about their local estuary and become environmental stewards. Acres of in land and shoreline will be restored back to its natural state.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
CERT - Community Emergency Response Team Training and Certification
HeartSaver CPR/1st Aid/AED Training and Certification, UWF Master Naturalist Training, Aquatic Species Collection Certification, (Possible trainings/certifications - ATV , chainsaw, controlled burns)
Skills you will gain
Time management, CPR/1st Aid/AED, Public Speaking, Project management, event planning and implementation, dissemination of scientific information, conflict resolution strategies, disability sensitivity and awareness, elevator speeches-programmatic and personal, self awareness and confidence, environmental stewardship practices, emergency response team certification, networking
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
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, 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, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, 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, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, 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
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, 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