24-25 Full-Term Interpretive Trail Guide
Summary
The Interpretive Trail Guide (Community Programs Educator) will implement and support community educational programs and events.
Position Description
Position Description:
The Interpretive Trail Guide (Community Programs Educator), an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the team for this non-profit organization. This person will primarily implement and support community educational programs and events, such as interpretive hikes, phenology tracking, and collaborating with Truckee Meadows Park Foundation’s Student Stewards Program. These programs serve to provide educational and health-based programming to students and families.
Member Schedule & Service Location:
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm, some weekends and evenings for special programs and events.
Reno, NV
Timeline for Service: September 2024 - August 2025
Mission:
Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation protects and enhances our communities' livability through public engagement, education, and the sustainability of our parks, trails, and open spaces. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for community engagement. The Parks Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing peoples’ appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks.
Service Environment Description and Inclusive Member Position Description Statement:
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The above functions may be completed with or without reasonable accommodations. No persons involved with the program will discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or disability. This position has recurring access to vulnerable populations.
Program Mission:
Programs operating under the Parks Foundation are designed to heighten environmental consciousness and preservation in youth, help economically underserved students find academic success, and provide engaging and meaningful outdoor experiences for some of the most vulnerable families in the Reno-Sparks area.
Primary Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
Lead and develop the family-oriented Truckee Meadows Trails Challenge (TMTC) hikes and Discover Your Park (DYP) series programs;
Create guides and interpretive based lessons for TMTC and DYP programs;
Lead weekly Walk With Me programs and implement phenology tracking for each walk;
Become trained in thematic interpretation by NAI certified guides;
Facilitate community education programs and events;
Develop monthly educational newsletters for TMTC participants;
Upload weekly and monthly registrations for guided hike programs;
Facilitate the Parks Foundation’s Winter Walk Series;
Develop and implement STEAM and recreational camp programming for the Student Stewards Summer Camp and school break camps.
Secondary Responsibilities:
● Facilitate other Parks Foundation interpretative programs and events;
● Develop and implement programming for the Parks Foundation’s Junior Naturalist program;
● Research and write park histories and biodiversity submissions for the Parks Project;
● Community outreach for Parks Foundation programs;
● Create new adult education programs and events.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Passionate commitment to the Parks Foundation’s mission and vision;
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
Exceptional writing skills;
Strong communication skills;
Strong organizational skills;
High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field;
Preferred: experience working with students, teachers, and/or volunteers;
Preferred: experience teaching in formal or informal settings;
Preferred: experience working at or managing summer camp programs;
Preferred: reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language.
Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:
Prefer Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award.
Additional Guidelines or Expectations:
AmeriCorps members are required to wear at least one piece of AmeriCorps gear (AmeriCorps button), provided by the Parks Foundation, when serving during their term of service. When the member is facilitating a program, they should wear the t-shirt their site supervisor provides them with the AmeriCorps button pinned on this shirt. AmeriCorps members must participate in a minimum of three National Days of Service during their term of service and may participate in additional service projects. The AmeriCorps member must disclose all criminal convictions during application process and undergo National Service Criminal History Check and have no statutory exclusionary offenses to AmeriCorps service reported. The AmeriCorps member must be at least 17 years of age, and a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Compensation and Benefits
Member Benefits:
In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $25,000 for the term, loan forbearance and interest payments on qualifying loans, training, and will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 upon successful completion of service.
To apply:
To apply:
Send cover letter and resume to Vice President of Education, Devin Genoese at devin@tmparksfoundation.org or complete this application form