Agriculture and Natural Science RamCorps Member

Colorado State University•Cortez, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The AmeriCorps position in Montezuma County will support both youth and adult programming throughout Montezuma County. This member will work closely with the 4-H youth development specialist on a native plant garden installation project and education at local charter schools related to native plants, wildlife, natural resources (including fire ecology) and support a series of agricultural education workshops including animal husbandry for youth as an afterschool program. The AmeriCorps position will work closely with the Montezuma County Director/Ag Specialist to support agricultural educational workshops for adults, and support the updating of a local resource guide for land managers. This member may also support coordination of county wide programs on cooking and nutrition, taught by community members in English and Spanish, which connect our community with knowledge related to how food is produced locally.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Demonstrated experience working with and teaching learners of all ages and abilities, including school-aged youth and adult stakeholders in agriculture based on submitted application materials.
Prior experience coordinating gardening activities, community building, educational outreach, and/or fieldwork in agricultural production.

Nice To Haves

Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in extreme weather conditions.
Previous experience in education, youth development, community outreach, STEM or other related fields.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with minimal supervision based on submitted application materials.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and deliver in-school and after school educational trainings.
Plan community programming through computer work (emails, designing flyers), phone calls, gathering supplies, and collaboratively designing educational programs for learners of varying backgrounds in ecology, gardening, agriculture, natural resources, and nutrition.
Attend community gatherings outside of office hours to host meetings.
Directly engage with and support school garden and Master Gardener projects.

Benefits

A living allowance of approximately $556.36 for half-time members per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $12,240 for the term of service.
Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
An education award of $3,697.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.
It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.
Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.
Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.
Non-tangible benefits including extensive making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.
Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
Gain experience working with and teaching youth.
Gain experience engaging with school gardens and skills related to successful native plant establishment.