Position Title: Conservation Education Fellow VISTA 

Organization: Great Peninsula Conservancy 

Program: Land Labs 

Service Location: Bremerton, Washington 

Timeline for Service: *Start Date TBD (32 hours per week)

Teaser:

Great Peninsula Conservancy seeks an environmental educator with creative vision. Design outdoor education that supports conservation, stewardship, and community engagement in west Puget Sound!  

Program Description:

Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting the natural habitats, rural landscapes, and open spaces of the Great Peninsula region of west Puget Sound, Washington. GPC’s important work is accomplished through conservation, stewardship, and community engagement.

The GPC Land Labs program utilizes local protected lands to enhance the quality of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in local schools. Hands-on science projects support the vision of the Washington State Environmental and Sustainability Literacy Plan and meet the requirements of Washington State Science and Learning Standards (WSSLS). The program engages students directly in big picture environmental concerns affecting their local communities and opens students’ eyes to professional opportunities in the environmental science field. The Land Labs program will help prepare students from low-income families and underachieving schools for success in post-secondary education and careers in STEM.

Member Duties:

The Conservation Education Fellow VISTA will play an integral role in the design and development of education opportunities for Great Peninsula Conservancy and the Land Labs program. The VISTA member will write standards-based curriculum; foster relationships with schools, community members, and stakeholders; train outdoor educators; and evaluate lessons for the Land Labs program. Under the guidance of the Community Engagement Coordinator, the VISTA member will create education and outreach opportunities that are consistent with GPC’s identity as a community-oriented conservation authority and reflect GPC’s values of engagement, responsiveness, partnership, and respect.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design Land Labs curriculum that aligns with Washington State Science Learning Standards;
• Build sustainable relationships with local schools and community partners;
• Design and implement educator training workshops; 
• Organize education and outreach opportunities for GPC members; 
• Collaborate with a diverse team;
• Evaluate, enhance, and expand the Land Labs program; and
• Increase the organizational capacity of Great Peninsula Conservancy.

Qualifications: 

• Passion for Great Peninsula Conservancy’s mission and vision;
• Strong writing skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• High degree of initiative and spirit of service; 
• Preferred: strong understanding of education standards and curriculum development;
• Preferred: experience working in outdoor environments;
• Preferred: experience teaching adult and/or youth learners;and
• Preferred: valid driver’s license and personal vehicle.

AmeriCorps VISTA: 

This GPC VISTA position is funded by the Corporations for National and Community Service and will serve within the AmeriCorps VISTA program. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time (32-hour work week) commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs visit americorps.gov. 

Compensation:

In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance of $957.46 (effective September 8th, 2024), health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving an AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 (current through September 30th, 2024) or post-service stipend of $1,800 after completing their service. A relocation travel and settling-in allowance may also apply if they are moving. In addition to AmeriCorps’ standard benefits, GPC provides VISTA members with a housing stipend of $4,000, reimbursement of work-related outdoor gear purchases up to $250, reimbursement of professional development and training opportunities up to $300, and coverage of costs for the member to obtain Wilderness First Aid certification.