Gain valuable experience teaching kids about nature!

Position Title: Outdoor Science Educator
Project Sponsor: Moscow Adventure Club, Moscow School District

Service Description/Position Summary:
The Outdoor Science Educator will develop and/or gather nature-based lessons and activities targeting K-5th graders. The position will run for at least 450 hours over a period of 9 months, encompassing both afterschool days, and limited full days during the school year. The lessons developed by the member will be a combination of science exploration, arts and crafts, and games focused on the natural environment. Nature-based activities will fill approximately two to three hours per week during the afterschool program and three to five hours during school year full days. Most of the remaining hours will be spent supervising students in recreation and STEAM activities, as well as maintaining the school site. The member will be involved in planning and leading outdoor science field trips during school year full days.

Member Activities/Duties: 
The AmeriCorps member will plan and lead nature-based activities to fill two to three hours per week during the afterschool program and three to five hours during school year full days. The member will be involved in planning and leading outdoor science field trips during school year full day. During times when the member is not planning or leading nature-based activities, they will supervise students participating in science, technology, engineering, art, math, and recreation activities. The member will also assist with activity cleanup and site maintenance (cleaning tables, sweeping, and mopping).

Requirements: 

• Must be at least 17 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 all necessary PCEI AmeriCorps paperwork and 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. 
• Must have a cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance and dependability. 
• 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.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of biology, geology, and/or natural resources
• Experience working with kindergarten through fifth grade children

Member Benefits Include:

• A taxable living allowance totaling $5,772 distributed over the 9-month term as 18 payments of approximately $320 each (paid 2x/month is approx. $640/month).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members earn an education award in the amount of $1,956.35 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.)
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities. 
• Access to a Member Emergency Financial Assistance fund for medical, housing, transportation emergencies.

Project Location and/or Transportation Needs: Moscow, ID. Members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the project location.

Dates of Service: 9 months, part-time hours between September 2026 and June 2027, (These dates are TBD). Member will average 15 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.