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Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Ogden Nature Center (ONC) is a nonprofit nature education center and nature preserve. Our mission is to unite people with nature and nurture appreciation and stewardship of the environment. In collaboration with Utah Conservation Corps (UCC), we are recruiting an AmeriCorps Environmental Educator and Animal Caretaker Individual Placement for a term of service running approximately July-December 2026, serving approximately 40 hours per week. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience and practice a wide range of skills including environmental education, curriculum development, animal care and handling, and community event engagement. The Individual Placement (IP) will spend approximately 30% of the placement period working with the ONC Animal Manager to assist with and learn about the care of all our animal ambassadors. They will also learn how to handle these animals for use in educational programming. The other 70% will be used to support the education and outreach team at ONC. The IP will lead outreach programs, develop materials for programming, and lead different educational programs including on/off site programs, community programs, and field trips. The position will be supervised by the Education Director.
PRIMARY DUTIES
(80 %
DIRECT SERVICES
) Develop, plan, and support events related to environmental stewardship or environmental education. Develop a data tracking plan and collect and report AmeriCorps impact data timely and accurately. Collaborate with the Animal Manager to offer consistent and quality care to our animal ambassadors. Assist the Animal Manager in maintaining healthy and safe enclosures for the animal ambassadors. Learn to handle all our animal ambassadors and attend programs around the community with them to educate people about native wildlife, endangered species, and other environmental/conservation and STEM related topics. Record keeping, monitoring, and report writing. Assist with summer camps, homeschool, preschool, community programs, outreach, and school field trips. Onsite School Programs - Conduct environmental education programs for school children; assist in the development of curriculum, activities, and exhibits. Offsite School Programs - Collaborate with the outreach team to lead science programming to first-grade students throughout the state of Utah. Summer Camps - Assist in camp planning and implementation. Community Education - assist with community program development and implementation and strengthen community awareness. Assist with the planning and organizing of special events. Provide programs for all members of the community
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
(20% maximum time served can be member development and training) Attend required USERVE Volunteer Management sessions. Attend required USERVE Member Gatherings and Active Engagement Retreats. Complete required UCC Orientation Modules. Complete required USERVE On3 Learning Modules. Data collection, validation, and report training. Training on classroom management and environmental education. First Aid/CPR. One or more educational conferences that train in best practices and environmental education. Training in curriculum writing and other topics provided by Ogden Nature Center. Animal Handling training including reptiles, invertebrates, small mammals, and raptors.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
AmeriCorps Requirements (all below required) : Be a United States citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Be at least 18 years of age. Eligible to serve in an AmeriCorps State/National term. Please note that AmeriCorps rules limit the number of education awards an individual may earn. No member may earn more than the aggregate value of two (2) full-time education awards. It is a requirement to obtain a high school diploma or GED before one is eligible to use the Education Award. Candidates must submit to and pass a background check. Full-day schedules will include a 30-minute lunch break that does NOT count toward term of service hours.
Position Specific Requirements :
College degree or in process of completing preferred, science or education field ideal. Must be able to perform strenuous outdoor work under all weather conditions. Articulate and an excellent writer. Computer proficient (Word, Excel, email). Dependable and consistent. Comfortable working around and with birds of prey, snakes, spiders, and other animals. A valid driver's license and good driving record. Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work. A positive and professional manner, able to collaborate with a team. Interested in pursuing a career in conservation, environmental education, animal care, or similar.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This AmeriCorps member will receive the following benefits: $10,800.00 living allowance divided and paid in even bimonthly (TWICE per month) disbursements throughout the term of service.
Note:
this is taxable income. $3,697.50 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award available to members after successful service term. Federal, student loan forbearance and, workers compensation for all members. Opportunity to develop job skills in environmental education and nonprofit fields. Discounts at the Nest Gift Shop. Possible on-site subsidized housing is offered, if available. Housing is a shared living space with two other Ogden Nature Center employees. Private furnished bedroom in a large farmhouse. The lease term runs the length of the AmeriCorps program.
HOW TO APPLY
Research shows that candidates often don't apply for positions if they don't feel they meet all the position qualifications and skillsets. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested! Submit your application materials (resume, cover letter, and at least two professional references) here: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6X03gF6
