Engage and educate community members and students in the BUGS urban agriculture ecosystem! 

Position Title: Environmental Education Instructor
Project Sponsor: Boise Urban Garden School

Service Description/Position Summary: 
In this position, the AmeriCorps Member will develop and deliver environmental education lessons and community events/programs to Treasure Valley students and community members of all ages at local schools and at our urban garden site. They will also assist with organizational details and logistics involved in delivering these programs.  The AmeriCorps Member will assist with garden tasks and production, and support garden to table culinary education.  Additionally, they will recruit and coordinate volunteers to assist with special events and help with special projects. 

Member Activities/Duties: 
In this position, the AmeriCorps Member will be an integral part of the BUGS educational staff, participating in all the various programming BUGS provides including educating multi-age audiences through lessons, classes, field trips, and community programs. The Member may develop new curriculum; modify and improve existing lessons, and tailor lessons and presentations to different audiences. The Member will represent BUGS at Community Outreach Events – examples include, but are not limited to: school STEM nights, City of Boise events, farmer’s markets and AmeriCorps events. This position includes assisting in the recruitment, supervision and training of volunteers, as well as providing education at school break camps, summer camps and special programs. Special programs may include farm-to-table culinary classes, nutrition education, and elementary school garden programs. Additionally, The Member will provide garden support with outside garden tasks such as planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and other garden-related duties.  The Member will be expected to perform some administrative duties related to scheduling and program delivery using tools that will include Microsoft Office, email, Powerpoint, etc. They will be expected to positively and courteously respond to phone and in person inquiries while in service.

Requirements:

● Must be at least 19 years of age. 
● Must be U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. 
● Must possess high school diploma or equivalent or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
● Must be fluent in English.
● Must be able to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying. 
● Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through PCEI. 
● Must complete and submit PCEI AmeriCorps paperwork/reports in a timely manner. 
● Must commit to and attend and complete all PCEI AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings, national service days, and the Serve Idaho Conference.
● Must wear AmeriCorps uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events. 
● This program is available to all, without discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Member Qualifications and/or Preferred Skills:

● Minimum one year experience teaching children; interest in and enthusiasm for working with youth and adults. 
● Experience with environmental education, or STEM content knowledge preferred. 
● Communicate with clarity and conciseness to individuals and groups; convey respect, assistance and resourcefulness in a friendly manner; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations. 
●Maintain a flexible schedule; maintain prompt and regular attendance.
●Complete assignments in a timely fashion and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation. 
● All applicants must be able to successfully pass City of Boise background check processes which include reference checks and criminal history checks. 
● Pass City of Boise online Defensive Driver Training. Member will need to be able to drive a City vehicle. 
● Member will be required to complete a First Aid and CPR certification course.

Member Benefits Include:

● A taxable, monthly living allowance up to $22,200 distributed as 22 payments of approximately $1,009 each for an 11-month/1700-hour term.
● Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award in the amount of $7,395 that can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
● Loan forbearance - after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable.
● Basic medical insurance for those who qualify.
● Childcare allowance for those who qualify.
● Mental Health Program (Member Assistance Program) – access to virtual counseling sessions and mental health resources. 
● Access to a Member Emergency Financial Assistance fund for medical, housing, transportation issues.
● Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.

Project Location and/or Transportation Needs: Boise Urban Garden School 2995 N Five Mile Rd Boise, ID 83713

Dates of Service: Full-time: 11 months, between September 2026 and August 2027 (These dates are TBD). Member will average between 35-40 hours per week, with a schedule to be determined by the site supervisor.

The Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute AmeriCorps program and member position is contingent upon continued AmeriCorps grant funding.