This position is with Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, located in Linville, NC. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation mission statement: "Inspiring conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand, and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain." 

Education and Interpretation Department mission statement: "Fostering stewardship of the natural world by helping guests connect with the nature at Grandfather Mountain."

THIS 2022-2023 AMERICORPS POSITION WILL HAVE A START DATE (FOR NEW FULL-TIME 11 MONTH MEMBERS) OF SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2022, AND AN END DATE OF JULY 31ST 2023.

Please make sure you upload all of the required documents -  Resume, Cover Letter, State or Federal ID, College Transcripts, Birth Certificate (if US Passport not uploaded). If required documents are not uploaded at time of application, any offer for employment will be withheld until they are provided. All AmeriCorps Members must submit to having a National Sex Offender, State of Residence (if state is different than NC), State of NC, and Federal FBI Background check conducted. Any applicant denying to submit to these checks will be automatically disqualified as per federal regulations.

FOR THE 2022-2023 SERVICE YEAR, RESILIENCE CORPS NC OFFERS A LIVING STIPEND OF $19,859 FOR 11 MONTHS, HEALTH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREMIUMS, CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES (INDIVIDUAL TRAININGS, ENROLLMENT IN NC ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, AND CONFERENCES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NC COMMISSION ON VOLUNTEERISM). MEMBERS ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO SIGN UP FOR SNAP BENEFITS. PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM WILL RECEIVE A SEGAL EDUCATION AWARD OF $6,495 FROM THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRUST. 

CTNC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE BECAUSE OF RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, DISABILITY, SEXUAL PREFERENCE OR FAMILIAL STATUS.

CTNC SEEKS TO ENGAGE APPLICANTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES, PARTICULARLY OF ASIAN, BLACK, HISPANIC, MULTI-RACIAL, AND NATIVE AMERICAN BACKGROUND, IN CONSERVATION CAREERS. CONNECTING MORE DIVERSE APPLICANTS TO AN EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY HAS LED TO GREATER EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION OF ALL PEOPLE IN CONSERVATION.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

This Resilience Corps NC AmeriCorps Service Member will assist the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation in providing a wide variety of environmental education outreach programs in Avery and surrounding counties. The AmeriCorps Member will help facilitate partnerships and coordinate programs to develop new ways to engage youth and the community through environmental literacy and stewardship.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

•  Assist in creating and implementing lesson plans for diverse audiences for both on-site and off-site uses.
• Teach environmental education outreach classes for all ages, but especially elementary and middle school students, with a primary focus in Title 1 schools.
• Transport materials and educational animals for programming using company vehicles.
• Participate in outreach events to recruit new participates; i.e.: outreach events, school board meetings, and conferences.
•  Assist in building new partnerships with diverse community organizations, schools, and businesses to maximize environmental stewardship opportunities.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records of education programs and number of participates.
• Administer program evaluations and maintain record of received evaluations.
• Assist with on-site education programs as assigned; including, but not limited to, school programs, camps, and community programs.
• Assist in the development and evaluation of new education programs.
• Present interpretive programs such as interpretive talks and interpretive tables.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of special events.
• Serves as a frontline representative of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation by modeling and teaching conservation of the natural world.
• Assist in citizen science projects; weather observations, bird surveys, etc.
• Assist in park operations; including, but not limited to, taking appropriate action in emergency situations, crowd assistance, and litter management

QUALIFICATIONS

• An undergraduate degree in environmental education, wildlife biology, education, or related field preferred.
• Experience with lesson planning and teaching required.
• Prior handling of small reptiles (i.e. snakes) and experience in informal education is highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, and the ability to deal effectively with the public.
• Ability to be flexible as programs change from school groups to family groups, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative team.
• Flexibility of hours: some evenings and weekends are required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Comfortable speaking in public to small groups and large groups indoors and outdoors. Ability to navigate across uneven or wet natural terrain up to 2 miles. Ability to lift 50 lbs.

PREFERRED SCHEDULE

Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00-5:00 (8 hour workdays). Flexibility in this schedule will be required as some weekend work and different hours may be needed based around programming needs. 

WHAT IS AMERICORPS?

AmeriCorps is a bridge builder, a force multiplier, a way to connect individuals and organizations to support their communities in tackling challenges. AmeriCorps programs across the country address a variety of community needs like education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, disaster response, and veteran & military family services.

WHAT DOES RESILIENCE CORPS NC DO?

CTNC’s AmeriCorps program, Resilience Corps NC, seeks to address our state’s changing climate by expanding access to environmental education, increasing eco-literacy, promoting disaster resiliency, and utilizing communities to identify and address climate-related issues.

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR A POSITION WITH RESILIENCE CORPS NC?

Our program is a great opportunity for:

-Recent graduates looking to build experience and a strong professional network

-Established professionals seeking a career change

-Passionate conservationists wanting to give back to their community

WHAT BENEFITS DO RESILIENCE CORPS MEMBERS RECEIVE?

-Living stipend, paid twice monthly

-Education award (upon completion of service)

-Healthcare premium reimbursement

-Childcare assistance

-SNAP eligibility