Job Description: Nature At The Confluence is seeking a self-motivated, curious, kind, and open-minded individual to assist in executing a summer of outdoor education and connection. The member is part of a three person staff team that provides programs for schools, clubs, families, and adults and stewards a five-acre prairie, two miles of nature trails, and a vegetable garden, with the help of volunteers. This position is ideal for a person whose professional experiences and aspirations align with the work of non-profit environmental education and can offer skills that compliment our two permanent staff members.

AmeriCorps Compensation: This opportunity is funded by AmeriCorps and the California Volunteers Fund- Climate Action Corps programs. To serve in AmeriCorps, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States and be 18 years of age or older. The member will receive a living stipend of $10,608, as well as an education award of $2,817 upon completion of the 450 hours of service. Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Fourth of July are paid holidays that count toward the 450 hours.

Scheduling: Hours may vary per week and are flexible with an average of 35 hours per week over 13 weeks. Approximate start and end dates are May 19th to August 15th. The work schedule is flexible and may vary week to week to accommodate evening and weekend programming. Typical work hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday. Programs will pause July 1-6 to allow for an optional staff break.

Responsibilities: The member will assist the Executive Director and Stewardship & Facilities Assistant with daily programs and upkeep of the nature center. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Tasks include and are not limited to:

● Welcome and engage visitors of all ages
● Plan and lead educational programs for children and adults
● Prairie stewardship, such as planting and invasive plant removal
● Maintenance of vegetable garden
● Trail maintenance, grounds keeping, and facility cleaning
● Administrative tasks as needed
● Based on the intern’s interests and skills, they may become involved with researching nature based topics, writing blogs, executing social media, and/or curriculum design.

Requirements:

● Understanding of and passion for Nature At The Confluence’s mission
● Ability to communicate clearly in English (written and verbal)
● Ability to work comfortably with children and adults

● Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
● Strong passion for the outdoors and willingness to get dirty
● Ability to use power tools such as a string trimmer and lift up to 40 lbs.
● Ability to assist with the setup and breakdown of events
● Must successfully complete a pre-employment, post-offer background check

Preferred Qualifications:

● Post-secondary degree in a relevant field and/or full-time employment experience
● Demonstrated ability to work well with people, be well organized, communicate clearly, and work both independently and as part of a team
● Knowledge of Midwest flora, fauna, and ecosystems
● Volunteer or work experience in formal or informal education
● Volunteer or work experience in community gardening
● Volunteer or work experience in land restoration activities including invasive species
control, native seed collecting and processing, and/or native plantings.
● Volunteer or work experience with herbicide and/or pesticide application