Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative
Norman Bird Sanctuary AmeriCorps Service Description

Title: AmeriCorps Member -Environmental Education
Service Site: Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, RI
Service Year: June – December 2008
Reports To: AmeriCorps Program Director & NBS Director of Education


Outline: The Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative AmeriCorps Program is hiring full-time members providing environmental education to local city schools. The Environmental Collaborative is an association of three environmental organizations, Save The Bay, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and Roger Williams Park and Zoo. The members placed at each site create and implement a variety of experiential education programs all over RI


Requirements of NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY members:
• Commitment to National Service
• Ability to work individually as well as in a team
• Ability to function in a professional environment, demonstrating responsibility, creative problem solving, and good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with children and a strong interest in environmental education
• Ability to work with and relate to diverse group of colleagues within AmeriCorps, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and the community
• Comfortable working outdoors in adverse conditions (heat, rain, cold, etc) and ability to hike trails of varying difficulty
• Available to serve June - December, approximately 40 hrs/week in order to complete 900 hours of service

Responsibilities of NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY members:
• Assist with development of new school and public education programs
• Develop curriculum and design teaching materials
• Assist with construction of outdoor teaching elements and creation of interactive exhibits
• Lead environmental education programs, including community family nights, school programs, and weekend “Teaming with Nature,” “EcoExplorers,” “Junior Naturalists,” and “Scientist for a Day” programs
• Help recruit and create training materials for volunteers
• Assist with the care of non-releasable wildlife, including red-tailed hawks and a variety of mammals, herps, and invertebrates

Benefits:
• $5,876 Living Allowance (considered taxable income)
• $2,362.50 Education Award (upon completion of 900 hrs service)
• Student Loan Forbearance & Paid interest on qualified student loans for term of service
• Individual Health Care
• Child Care Allowance (if eligible)

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to Catherine Arning, Director of Education, at carning@normanbirdsanctuary.org (email preferred) or via postal mail, at 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, RI 02842.