eeCorps AmeriCorps Environmental Educator at Catamount Institute

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 located primarily at Catamount Institute in Colorado Springs, CO, with some programs in Woodland Park, CO, at our Mountain Campus and Aspen Valley Ranch. Catamount Institute connects over 5,000 youth to the outdoors through education and adventure-focused outdoor programming. Our programs serve ages 2-18 year olds in the Pikes Peak Region through a wide variety of programming options like summer camps, after-school clubs, homeschool programs, outreach events, and more.

Service Position Summary:

The AmeriCorps member serving with the eeCorps at Catamount Institute will have an opportunity to support programs including field trips, after-school clubs, multi-week in-school experiences, homeschool enrichment programs, summer camps, community events/programs, weekend events, teen leadership experiences, and more. Lesson plan development, communication, and collaboration with education staff are required to prepare for all programs. 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 our year-round environmental education programs in collaboration with our education team (camps, homeschool enrichment programs, after-school programs, in-school programs, field trips, and more) Effectively collaborate and meet with Catamount Institute staff to meet organizational goals Develop and improve program resources including lesson plans, activities, and materials Collaborate with Catamount Institute's staff to evaluate and report on youth programs Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program's performance measures Attend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainings Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities): Regularly meet with the Lead Environmental Educator, Environmental Education Program Coordinator, Director of Environmental Education, and the Executive Director to review organizational and programmatic goals Assist with photography and videography portfolio Prepare marketing plans, flyers, and newsletters for existing programs, which include timelines and contacts Attend training and seminars as directed to maintain or attain relevant knowledge and certifications needed to support the educational department Attend tabling events

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

Ability to serve in an outdoor setting in various weather conditions (heat, cold, snow, rain, sun, wind, etc.) for long periods, up to 8 hours (occasionally overnight) Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in education and the workplace Willing to engage with youth, community members, schools, and donors Maneuver supplies weighing up to 40 pounds in and out of vehicles, on and off of shelves, up and down stairs, and over uneven terrain at program sites Regularly required to walk, stand, and engage with youth for extended periods. May also stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit on the ground as part of instruction Sensory demands include visual supervision and auditory response in indoor and outdoor spaces May be exposed to insect bites, allergens, uneven terrain, and cleaning materials Emotional resilience and a calm, professional demeanor are required in dynamic youth program settings Use of a computer and other office equipment is required for lesson planning, communication, and program tracking If 26 years or older, willingness to drive 15-passenger vans for program participants

Qualifications:

Passion for Catamount Institute's mission to connect kids to the outdoors Experience working with school-aged children and/or experience in natural resources or a related field Adaptable and energetic, excited to learn new skills Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively Experience working outdoors Clean driving record and willing to drive 15-passenger vans and/or activity bus (if over 26 years old) Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change for youth in our community Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate High school diploma or GED required At least 17 years old at start of service Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required Must pass National Service Criminal History Checks (NSOPW, State, and FBI) U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident status required

Term of Service :

This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 9/1/26 and ends 8/15/27. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm. The schedule for June and July is 8:15am-4:45pm for our summer camp programming. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Training and Support Provided:

eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Catamount Institute's Director of Environmental Education, Tom Schermerhorn ( schermerhorn@catamountinstitute.org ), as well as by Erin Dreps (americorps@caee.org), eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2026-27 cohort of eeCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions:

This position is primarily based at Catamount Institute's three locations listed below and our partner location, Aspen Valley Ranch. Programs also occur offsite at schools, local parks, museums, and more. Catamount Institute Westside Community Center Location (where our main offices are located): 1616 W Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Catamount Institute Sondermann Park Location (primary location for Colorado Springs programs): 740 West Caramillo Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Catamount Institute Mountain Campus Location:

3168 County Road 28, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Aspen Valley Ranch:

1150 County Road 231, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Benefits:

Biweekly (two times per month) living allowance of $956.52. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member's bank account. Health insurance Child care assistance, if eligible An education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of term of service. It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member. Loan f orbearance for eligible student loans . Mileage reimbursement for eeCorps-required travel. Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need. Ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils; option to obtain CAEE's nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed for applications, interviews, and service. How to

Apply:

To apply, please complete the application form at https://tinyurl.com/eeCorpsApply26-27 , and be prepared to 1) upload a resume, 2) upload a list of three references, and 3) answer short-answer questions related to the position. Applicants may also choose to submit an optional cover letter.

Note:

Position will be filled pending grant award.