Program Overview: Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.

Service Site Overview: This position will be located at CSU Spur in Denver, CO. CSU Spur integrates education, public outreach, and research/scholarship, providing lifelong experiential learning in familiar and new ways, expanding educational access, connecting with industry and community, and launching careers that grapple with the biggest challenges of our time.

Service Position Summary: The individual in this role will support the development, creation, and delivery of environmental and water education programming in our teaching lab, interactive stream table, backyard space, river pathway, and out in the community for prek-12th grade and multigenerational audiences. This individual will also support educational programming across the CSU Spur campus, but will have a focus on creating innovative programming around environmental education, water conservation, river ecosystems, and ecology. This is a learning role, intended for someone within the first 5 years as an environmental educator.

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

• Gain knowledge and experience in water science education through intentional training throughout the service term
• Become an effective education facilitator. This will include being trained on and utilizing inquiry-based education, classroom management skills, interpretation skills, use of technology, etc.
• Support delivery of programming for PreK-12th grade formal school and multigenerational audiences at CSU Spur
• Develop, deliver, train, and evaluate STEM and water focused programming with an emphasis on environmental education and water science (Programming developed can include classroom lessons, demonstrations and public engagement experiences, and virtual and community outreach programs)
• Collaborate with other AmeriCorps Service members to take ownership over water-based projects such as activating the teaching lab for 2nd Saturdays, caring for the rainbow trout and other live organisms, stream table programming, etc.
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
• Attend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainings
• Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
• Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Engage students and multigenerational visitors through exhibit interpretation, including interpreting demonstrations, and scientific research happening throughout the buildings at CSU Spur
• Maintain classroom spaces, materials, and educational facilities, including the Trout in the Classroom aquarium
• Collaborate with CSU Spur’s Education team to ensure programmatic details are organized
• Serve as an ambassador to volunteers by providing guidance as appropriate

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: 

• Ability to utilize interpretation techniques to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations
• Adapt to unexpected situations
• Ability to engage with the public for extended periods of time (accommodations can be made)
• Live veterinary procedures are occurring regularly at CSU Spur.  Comfort around blood and bodily fluids preferred.
• Flexibility and an openness to learn and try new ideas and experiences is highly encouraged
• Excitement to meet and engage with community members including educators, school groups, volunteers, and multigenerational audiences
• Able to maneuver and carry boxes to load outreach materials into and out of a vehicle
• Ability to work both in an urban environment and in natural settings
• Commitment to equity in education

Qualifications:

• 2 years’ experience working with children, families, and multigenerational audiences, which may include working in schools, informal education, or customer service
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking or public demonstrations
• Available to serve a diverse weekly schedule, including evenings, weekdays, and weekends
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Ability to communicate with program constituents in both Spanish and English is preferred
• 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
• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to pass criminal history checks required
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). The position begins 9/2/25 and ends 8/15/26. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

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 Stefan Karg, CSU Spur Water Science Education Coordinator, as well as by Erin Dreps, eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2025-26 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 CSU Spur, 4817 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80216, and service may be performed at local schools and partner locations in the Denver Metro Area.

Benefits:

• Biweekly (two times per month) living allowance of $956.52. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• Housing may be available (single occupancy room on site. No pets are allowed in the living facility. Onsite parking may not be included and may be the responsibility of the member (approximately $50/month).
• Health insurance
• Child care assistance, if eligible
• An education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of term of service.
• It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Mileage reimbursement for eeCorps-required travel.
• Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
• Ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils; option to obtain CAEE’s nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: CSU Spur shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.

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.

NOTE: Position will be filled pending grant award.