Homewaters/Islandwood - Homewaters Program Specialist
7/7/2012
Job Description
AmeriCorps Volunteer position at Homewaters in Seattle
Position - Homewaters Program Specialist
About Homewaters
Homewaters Project is a program of IslandWood that serves Seattle area school children and citizens in their communities. Homewaters works in close collaboration with Seattle Public Schools to provide programs that tie directly to science units being taught in elementary schools. Through guided, hands-on field investigations, Homewaters helps students to discover the interdependence of people and nature in the heart of their city. The three outreach programs provided by Homewaters are funded by grants and provided free of charge to the schools.
For more information about Homewaters visit our website www.islandwood.org/homewaters
Position Overview
Homewaters is an Islandwood program that serves Seattle area school children. Through guided, hands-on field investigations, Homewaters creates an engaged citizenry by connecting people to nature and each other in the context of their home communities. Homewaters provides students and their teachers with free outdoor experiential learning opportunities about ecosystems, water, and watersheds within walking distance of their classroom. Students conduct hands-on science investigations in schoolyards, nearby natural areas, and Thornton Creek in North Seattle. Programs tie directly to Seattle School District's science kits and Washington State's Science Standards. As a result, Homewaters programs increase student understanding of the local environment, heightens their interest in science, and helps them recognize their own power to make a positive difference.
In the coming year, Homewaters will be reaching out to deliver its programs to more schools throughout the Seattle Area. Homewaters will also be expanding its Thornton Creek Land and Water program to additional streams in other parts of the city. The AmeriCorps member will be an integral part of recruiting, registering, supporting, evaluating, and teaching programs throughout the city. We are seeking an experienced educator who will enjoy coordinating closely with teachers and helping our program grow. The service member must have a vehicle to travel to sites throughout the city (mileage will be reimbursed)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Detail-oriented, organized, flexible
- High-level teaching / communication skills
- Knowledge of best practices in environmental and sustainability education
- Comfort with and interest in gaining more experience in the formal education system
- Experience communicating with classroom teachers
- Experience with upper elementary grade students through middle school students in field and project-based programming.
- Comfort with technology and Microsoft Office products.
- Drivers license and regular access to a vehicle to visit schools and sites throughout the Greater Seattle area
- Be prepared to lift kits of 20-30 pounds
- Walk on uneven outdoor terrain
Service location may also be at Seattle schools, local parks, and/or at the IslandWood headquarters on Bainbridge Island as needed. Homewaters program, recruitment, and teacher professional development trainings may be in the evening (usually 4:30-7:30). Additional events could occur on occasional weekends. The weekly schedule will be adjusted as needed to maintain a 40 hour week.
2012-13 AmeriCorps Individual Placement
Eligibility Requirements and Compensation
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements
Selected member(s) should demonstrate the skills and commitment required to successfully serve in the position, serve 40 hours a week and meet the 1700 minimum hour requirement for a full-time term of service. At a minimum, the following criteria required by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) must be met:
- Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident (must submit proof as defined by CNCS regulation)
- Be 18-25 years of age at the start date of their service
- Members in tutoring positions must have a high school diploma or GED at time of enrollment
- Pass required criminal background checks
- Not be listed on the National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR)
Documentation for the above must be obtained and verified before a candidate is offered an AmeriCorps position. For more information refer to the enrollment instructions on the Washington Service Corps website.
What do Washington Service Corps members receive for their service?
- Living stipend of $1,125 per month provided by Washington Service Corps (before taxes)
- Training and experience
- Subsidized childcare provided by GAP Solutions Inc. (if qualified)
- Health Insurance (member only)
- Student loan forbearance (on qualifying loans)
- $5,550 Education Award provided by National Service Trust (upon successful completion of service term)
The position terms begins September 1, 2012 and ends July 15, 2013
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to cathys@islandwood.org
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