Member Schedule & Service Location:

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm, some weekends and evenings for special programs and events.

Reno, NV

Member Position Summary:

The Arboretum Educator, an AmeriCorps Member, will be an essential member of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum team. This person will be responsible for managing, implementing, and assisting the horticulturist with the May Arboretum Environmental educational programs such as their “Backpack” program and “Journey Through the Great Basin”. This includes connecting and maintaining relationships with Washoe County School District teachers and other groups for field trips This AmeriCorps member will also develop teacher and volunteer training workshops to enhance the program in the classroom. The Educator will also create new programs, brochures, flyers, and environmental tour guides for the Arboretum and will train volunteers and docents.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain and improve existing public programs with an emphasis on early childhood education;
• Work closely with the Arboretum horticulturist to assist in teaching and leading public programs and tours;
• Coordinate and train volunteers for educational programs;
• Reach out to the Washoe County School District, community, garden clubs, and other organizations and create relationships for field trips and volunteer service opportunities.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Provide annual program impact and status report to Horticulture Manager;
• Create needs assessment and survey tools;
• Develop brochures, flyers, and environmental tour guides for the Arboretum;
• Assist in social media and website design;
• Perform minimum arboretum preservation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Exceptional writing skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• High degree of initiative and spirit of service.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award. It would be useful if members have a Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field.

Term of Service & Time Requirements:

Member’s term of service begins in September, 2021 and will be completed by August 12th, 2022. This is a full time AmeriCorps member position. Members must complete 1720 hours of service.

Statement on Supplementation, duplication, or displacement of staff:

This position does not duplicate work of previous or existing employees or volunteers, supplant the hiring of workers, or include service of duties that have been performed or were performed by a current employee, an employee who recently resigned or was discharged, an employee subject to a reduction in force, or an employee who is on leave.

Service Environment Description and Inclusive Member Position Description Statement:

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The above functions may be completed with or without reasonable accommodations. No persons involved with the program will discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or disability. This position has recurring access to vulnerable populations.

Host Site Agency Mission:

The mission of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) is to support the parks departments operating in Truckee Meadows, including Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County parks. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for citizen engagement. TMPF is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing people’s appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks. 

Program Mission:

The Student Stewards Program engages K-12 students in park-based, citizen science projects that encourage higher learning in science subjects.

Additional Guidelines or Expectations:

AmeriCorps members are required to wear at least one piece of AmeriCorps gear (AmeriCorps button), provided by the Parks Foundation, when serving during their term of service. When the member is facilitating a program, they should wear the t-shirt their site supervisor provides them with the AmeriCorps button pinned on this shirt. AmeriCorps members must participate in a minimum of three National Days of Service during their term of service and may participate in additional service projects. The AmeriCorps member must disclose all criminal convictions during the application process and undergo National Service Criminal History Check and have no statutory exclusionary offenses to AmeriCorps service reported. The AmeriCorps member must be at least 17 years of age, and a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Member Benefits:

In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $15,100/year, health benefits during their service, and will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,345.00.  

Evaluation and Reporting:

Members will receive a mid-term and end-of-term performance evaluation from their site-supervisor and the AmeriCorps Program Director. Members will submit their biweekly Member Service Logs (timesheets) to their supervisor to be approved. Members are also responsible for reporting performance measures to their site supervisor and AmeriCorps Program Director every month during their term of service.