Job Summary:

The AmeriCorps Environmental Educator serves as a member of Merry Lea's Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) team, helping design and deliver high-quality environmental education experiences for preschool and school-aged children, families, adults, and community members. Members work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and students to teach programs, prepare materials, support program logistics, and contribute to curriculum development and evaluation.

Members may also have an emphasis area that provides additional opportunities for leadership and professional growth.

Essential Functions:

• Environmental Education & Program Delivery 
• Teach environmental education programs for preschool, K–12, and public audiences at Merry Lea and off-site locations.
• Serve as program coordinator on assigned program days.
• Provide excellent customer service to participants, teachers, volunteers, and community partners.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and preparation of program materials and learning spaces.
• Support seasonal preparation and maintenance of educational facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Apply principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in program delivery.
• Curriculum Development & Evaluation 
• Participate in review and evaluation of educational programs.
• Assist with development and revision of curriculum and educational resources.
• Research and implement best practices in environmental and outdoor education.
• Contribute ideas for improving program quality and participant experiences.
• Team Support & Professional Development
• Assist with training and mentoring volunteers, undergraduate students, and new educators.
• Participate in weekly EEO team meetings and AmeriCorps trainings.
• Complete required AmeriCorps timesheets, reports, and service documentation.
• Adhere to all AmeriCorps and Merry Lea policies and guidelines.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands: 

• Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling. 
• Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions. 

Position Emphasis Areas- Members may focus on one or more of the following areas in addition to standard program delivery:

• Early Childhood Environmental Education- Support our Nature PreK, PROWL (after school program), and other early childhood programs while researching and implementing best practices in outdoor early learning.  Ideal for someone interested in early childhood education and child development. 
• Curriculum & Educational Resources- Develop lessons, educational materials, and program resources while supporting curriculum review and evaluation efforts.  Ideal for someone interested in education, curriculum design, and program evaluation. 
• Animal Care- Assist with care of education animals including reptiles.  Ideal for someone interested in wildlife, animal care, and hands-on environmental education.   
• Program Operations & Logistics- Coordinate program materials, equipment, inventory systems, and logistical support for field trips and public programs.  Ideal for someone who enjoys organization, project management, and behind the scenes support.  
• Merry Lea Teaching Farm- Summer 2027. Supports agroecological programs, uses hand tools and motorized equipment for maintaining farm spaces, and assists with pasture restoration, orchard care, and gardens. Ideal for someone interested in hands-on sustainable agriculture education, land stewardship, and working outdoors.
• Natural Resource Management- Summer 2027. Supports stewardship programs and performs ecological restoration activities in a variety of natural areas (wetlands, woodlands, grasslands) to enhance habitat quality for NE Indiana native species. Ideal for someone seeking experience in ecological restoration and stewardship. 

Work Environment and Environmental Conditions:  

Moderate environmental conditions for the most part, but does include significant work  outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather, exposure to pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, biting insects and other elements that are part of an intentionally natural environment. Position includes travel on foot to remote natural areas without  pathways and in wet or snowy conditions.  

Work includes periodic weekend and evening responsibilities.  

Positions start September 1, 2026 with a preference for a 9 or 12 month commitment.  Onsite housing available.  Benefits include clothing allowance, professional development opportunities, bi-monthly living stipend & education award upon completion of service.