Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities): eeCorps members engage with their Host Site organization to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps and Thorne’s goals. These duties include:

• Facilitate in-school, after school, field trip, and summer camp programs (COVID Note: Thorne runs predominantly in-person programs with childcare ratios smaller than required. The program format of in-person or virtual is made in partnership with local health officials and school districts.)
• Assist in the development and implementation of community programs to inspire families to spend more time outside together
• Provide direct service to school aged, low-income and Latinx populations of Boulder, Lafayette, CO, and surrounding area
• Develop curriculum for and support the production of nature-based Synchronous (real time/interactive) and Asynchronous (pre-recorded) digital content
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
• Attend all eeCorps AmeriCorps trainings and orientations
• Complete all eeCorps required National Days of Service projects
• Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
• Some local and out of town travel required

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities): Additional tasks include:

• Assist School Programs Coordinator with supply management as needed or time permits
• Assist Marketing Director with social media and marketing campaigns
• Maintain and foster personal nature connection and participate in group nature connection modalities
• Participate in Thorne Nature Experience special events and outreach activities

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: Participant should anticipate:

• Educators willing to self-reflect, and change and adapt strategies in order to best support diverse populations of school age children
• Extended time outdoors in various weather conditions
• Strenuous physical activity with up to 30 lbs of supplies transported short distances

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with school age children in an informal and outdoor setting
• Strong communication skills with adults and children
• Some knowledge of Colorado ecology and natural science; desire to learn more
• Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate especially MS Office suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Google Drive
• Digital communication skills a plus (content writing, video editing, photoshop, etc)
• High School Diploma or GED required, college graduate preferred
• Ability to pass criminal history check (required)
• Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance
• S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
• Spanish speaking candidates desired
• Experience relating to and communicating with diverse audiences, especially Mexican American participants and families preferred

Term of Service – Time Commitment: This is a Full Time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 40 hours/week.) The position begins August 23, 2021 and ends July 29, 2022. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Member must serve on Days of Service that take place on certain national holidays throughout the year.

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 Paul Humes at Thorne Nature Experience, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2021-22 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 based at Thorne Nature Experience at Sombrero Marsh, 1466 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80303, and may involve service at other locations in Boulder County. Position is direct service, and will involve frequent days outdoors and/or in a school and/or community building.

Benefits: Full Time eeCorps members receive:

• A bimonthly living allowance of $695.66. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed twice per month by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• Health insurance for full-time members, if eligible
• Child care assistance for full-time members, if eligible
• An education award of $6,345 upon successful completion of term of service. It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service
• Option to obtain CAEE’s nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification; ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils
• Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:

Inclusiveness Statement: Thorne believes that, to remain relevant as an organization and ensure access to joyful, hands-on, place-based Environmental Education experiences for all youth, its programs, leadership, and participants must reflect the range of diversity, culture, and unique differences in our community.

Anti-Discrimination Statement: Thorne Nature Experience is an equal opportunity organization.  Thorne Nature Experience does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender variance or expression, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  This Anti-Discrimination Policy applies to, but is not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of Board Members, selection of vendors, and provision of services.

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. CAEE defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone to the field of environmental education and the Alliance, including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.