eeCorps Environmental Educator - Catamount Institute

The eeCorps Environmental Educator position at Catamount Institute, Colorado Springs, involves supporting summer camp programming for youth aged 5-16, focusing on outdoor education and environmental literacy. Responsibilities include facilitating activities, collaborating with staff, tracking program progress, and attending required meetings and trainings. The role requires local travel and mentoring high school interns. This position is not remote, as it is based on-site in Colorado Springs.
Program Overview: Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.Service Site Overview: This position will be at Catamount Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. Catamount Institute achieves our mission to connect kids to the outdoors through outdoor education and adventure programming. We serve over 5,500 youth a year from PreK to young adults.Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps member serving with the eeCorps at Catamount Institute will primarily support summer camp programming with the potential for some field trips, weekend programming and community events. Catamount’s day camps serve 5-16 year olds exploring outdoor recreation, adventure, wildlife, history, environmental education, and more. Service members will gain experience in communication, collaboration, and mentorship alongside education staff.Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities): eeCorps members engage with their Host Site organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps’ and Catamount Institute’s goals. These duties include:Facilitate and lead summer camp programmingPrepare for and teach activities and lessons as assigned, including lesson review, learning background information, and supply acquisitionEffectively collaborate with Catamount Institute Staff to meet organizational goalsRegularly meet and collaborate with the Director of Environmental Education, the Director of Operations, the Executive Director, and all full-time and seasonal staff to reflect and improve programmingTrack progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measuresAttend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainingsComplete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlinesSome local travel required and occasional statewide travel possibleMarginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):Collaborate with Catamount Institute’s staff to evaluate and report on youth programsAssist with photography and video portfolioTransport students as needed in CI-supplied vehicles (15-passenger vans) if 24 years of age or older, a clean driving record is requiredMentor and support high school interns and volunteers Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: Ability to serve in outdoor settings in various weather conditions for long periodsCommitment to fostering a culture, in both programming and the workplace, that is respectful and welcoming to allWilling to engage with youth, community members, parents, and donors Qualifications:Experience working with school-aged childrenAdaptable and energetic, quick learner under new circumstancesAbility to communicate and collaborate effectivelyEthic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive changeAbility to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literateHigh school diploma or GED requiredAbility to pass criminal history checks requiredReliable transportation and proof of auto insurance requiredU.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status requiredTerm of Service: This is a quarter-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 450 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 5/16/25 and ends 8/15/25. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.Training and Support Provided: eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in environmental education programming, child development, group and behavior management, safety mitigation, conflict management, relevant laws, and teaching skills. Service members will attend a four-day long team summer camp training before the start of camp. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Billy Kinn, Director of Environmental Education at Catamount Institute, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2024-25 cohort of eeCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.Location and Service Conditions: The position will be based at Catamount Institute, 740 W Caramillo St Colorado Springs CO, 80907 and service will be performed at schools and other partner locations in and around the Pikes Peak Region.Equal Opportunity: Catamount Institute shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of equal opportunity to advance environmental education. CAEE welcomes everyone to the field of environmental education and the Alliance, including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.How to Apply: If you are interested in applying to this position, please prepare the following documents and submit them via the form found at https://bit.ly/eeCorpsApplication: 1) a resume, 2) a short cover letter outlining your interest in the program and commitment to national service, and 3) a list of three references.