Each year, the Sierra Nevada Alliance places 20+ AmeriCorps members with partner conservation organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. During their terms of service, members restore and monitor impaired Sierra watersheds, educate local residents and visitors on environmental issues, and recruit and manage volunteers for a variety of programs. SNAP members gain skills and technical training, are mentored by outstanding environmental leaders, and provide a meaningful contribution to the communities of the Sierra Nevada.

To apply visit https://sierranevadaalliance.org/join-snap/

Service Commitment:

Service Commitment: November 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027. Members make an 11-month, full-time commitment to serve a nonprofit organization or public agency in the Sierra Nevada. OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Compensation and Benefits

Monthly stipend of $2,773 per month

$10,000 Education Award
Standard health and dental insurance
Up to 340 hours of technical, ecological, and skills-development training with a $500 stipend
Child Care Reimbursement Options

Full and additional position descriptions are available on our website:

https://sierranevadaalliance.org/snap-position-descriptions-2/ 

Positions Include:

Host Site: Outward Bound Adventures

Position Title: Outdoor & Environmental Education and Youth Leadership Program Coordinator

Organizational Background: Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) is a nonprofit outdoor and environmental education organization based in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1962, OBA is dedicated to outdoor education for youth and is a pioneer of Transformational Experiential Environmental Education (TEEE). OBA uses outdoor experiences to help young people deepen their understanding of the natural world, build community, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence through meaningful challenges. OBA's programs emphasize eco-literacy, cultural literacy, community building, leadership development, conservation careers, and stewardship ethics.

Organizational/Program Goals: OBA's goal is to use outdoor and environmental education to expand young people's access to nature, strengthen environmental literacy, and develop the next generation of outdoor and conservation leaders. OBA provides youth with opportunities to participate in outdoor experiences, learn about stewardship and conservation careers, practice leadership, and build the skills and confidence needed to become active stewards of their communities and the environment. Programs take place throughout the Los Angeles area and in the southern Sierra Nevada, including experiences based near Lone Pine and the Owens Valley. Through existing curriculum such as Path of Paya (paya means "water" in the Paiute language), participants explore how water moves from the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley to the Los Angeles area, learn about Paiute homelands and California Native history, examine the history and community impacts of water extraction, and connect watershed health with environmental and community well-being.

Member Service Plan Overview and Outcomes: Each of OBA's two Outdoor & Environmental Education and Youth Leadership AmeriCorps Members will serve under this same plan and provide increased year-round, program-wide capacity across all five OBA programs, with primary responsibility for trip coordination, trip facilitation, youth preparation, and environmental education. Throughout the service year, each Member will help prepare programs, recruit and prepare youth, support screening hikes and day hikes, assist with school-based curriculum and education, coordinate schedules and logistics, organize equipment and materials, communicate with staff and participants, and support transportation and field logistics. During trips, the Member will facilitate activities, support youth engagement and safety, assist with environmental education and outdoor learning, and help create positive and organized participant experiences. Subject to program schedules, readiness, and completion of required training, the Member may also support Sierra Nevada programming based near Lone Pine, including base-camp setup, curriculum preparation, field programming, and a multi-day backcountry experience. The Member will support youth leadership, conservation career exposure, stewardship, and outdoor/environmental education across OBA's programs rather than being assigned to a single program or serving primarily on one Sierra trip.

Things to Note: The Member will be based with Outward Bound Adventures in the urban city of Pasadena, California, and will travel to schools, parks, partner sites, outdoor recreation areas, and other program locations. OBA program hours vary, and the Member should expect a combination of indoor preparation, coordination work, travel, and outdoor field service. Occasional evenings, weekends, long days, and overnight camping will be required. OBA does not provide housing. A vehicle may be provided for required camping or OBA service travel; final transportation procedures should be confirmed during onboarding. Two AmeriCorps members will serve together, providing the service outlined in this MSP.

Key activities include:

• Coordinate and prepare year-round OBA trips, courses, school-based activities, screening hikes, day hikes, and youth preparation across all five OBA programs.
• Assist with trip schedules, itineraries, logistics, participant information, equipment, materials, transportation, and communications.
• Facilitate OBA trips and outdoor learning experiences with youth, including potential Sierra Nevada programming based near Lone Pine after completion of required training.
• Support youth engagement, group management, leadership development, watershed and environmental education, stewardship, and culturally responsive programming during trips and courses.
• Assist with course coordination, including program-wide coordination and South Los Angeles area programming when needed.
• Assist staff with pre-trip preparation, checklists, site information, and day-of logistics.
• Support post-trip documentation, reflection, and follow-up.
• Assist with all five programs: Youth Advisory Council, Environmental Studies Expeditions, Diverse Outdoor Leaders Institute, Teach Me to Camp, and other OBA programs as assigned.
• Support conservation career exposure, watershed health education, stewardship, and outdoor/environmental education as part of trip and course delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in outdoor/environmental education, youth development, conservation, outdoor leadership, trip coordination, or related fields.
• Ability to hike several miles carrying equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Ability to serve long days in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to serve independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to serve occasional weekends and non-standard hours.
• Ability to complete consecutive multi-day field trips with overnight stays.
• Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and willingness to drive for approved service activities when required
• Ability to serve outdoors in variable weather and participate in physically active outdoor programs
• Willingness to complete required youth-serving, safety, and program trainings
• Ability to serve independently and as part of a team
• Reliable, professional, adaptable, and able to follow directions and safety procedures
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creative, resourceful, and willing to take initiative
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to use common computer and online collaboration tools, including Google Workspace

Desired Qualifications:

Outdoor/Environmental Education and Youth Leadership

• Background or coursework in environmental science, education, outdoor recreation, conservation, youth development, event/program coordination, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth in urban, educational, recreational, or community-based settings is preferred.
• Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and ability to engage respectfully with youth, families, staff, and community partners is desirable but not required.
• Experience participating in outdoor recreation, camping, environmental stewardship, or conservation activities.
• Interest in conservation careers, environmental education, outdoor leadership, or program coordination.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate group activities and follow program protocols.
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative.
• Interest in environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace principles.
• Comfortable working outdoor and field settings.
• Experience or interest in leadership development.
• Experience with volunteer engagement, event support, trip logistics, course coordination, community outreach, or culturally responsive youth programming.
• Interest in developing a career in conservation, environmental education, outdoor leadership, youth development, or nonprofit program coordination.
• Experience with Google Workspace or similar computer applications.
• Ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with youth, families, staff, and community partners.

Education and Outreach

• Background in science, environmental education, education, youth development, or related experience
• Experience with formal or informal education program development, delivery, or administration
• Ability to present educational programs to youth and, when appropriate, adult audiences
• Public speaking, outreach, or group facilitation skills
• Ability to serve with youth, community members, conservation groups, and partner organizations
• Experience organizing events or activities
• Skills facilitating and/or participating in group meetings
• Ability to lay out service tasks, identify resources, focus, and complete tasks on time
• Self-motivated and takes initiative
• Strong writing skills
• Independent, highly motivated, and able to meet deadlines with appropriate supervision
• Passion for the natural environment and youth development
• Proficiency using computers and the Internet
• Ability to travel to OBA program sites
• Physical ability to participate in outdoor programs and field activities

Site-Specific Training Provided:

• OBA program orientation, fair and culturally responsive youth-serving practices, and community engagement
• Trip coordination, logistics, scheduling, preparation, and documentation
• Trip facilitation, youth engagement, group management, outdoor/environmental education, watershed-health curriculum, and activity development
• Youth leadership development, conservation career education, stewardship, and Leave No Trace practices
• Course coordination, volunteer/participant support, communication, program-wide coordination, and required preparation for any assigned Sierra Nevada or backcountry activities

The full position descriptions for this and other positions are available on our website: www.sierranevadaalliance.org

Questions? Find answers in our SNAP pages at sierranevadaalliance.org 

The application period is open until positions are filled!

Program information: More information about the program can be found at sierranevadaalliance.org/join-snap. Full position descriptions are available at: https://sierranevadaalliance.org/snap-position-descriptions-2/

Application Instructions are available at: sierranevadaalliance.org/join-snap.

Application period open until positions are filled!

Job Types: Temporary, Contract, Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance