Environmental Educator AmeriCorps Service Member
Description:
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) is seeking full-time Environmental Education AmeriCorps Service Members to serve an 8.5 month term beginning September 2026. AmeriCorps, sometimes described as the domestic Peace Corps, involves young adults and adults in a year of service targeted towards important social outcomes. The service member will be responsible for completing 1200 service hours assisting the Environmental Education Team by providing environmental outreach and education to youth in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia in both formal and informal settings.
AmeriCorps service is neither employment nor volunteering; it is a unique, paid National Service opportunity similar to the Peace Corps. AmeriCorps programs take multiple approaches to improving lives, fostering civic engagement, and addressing critical community needs through direct service. The official AmeriCorps motto is “Get Things Done.” More information about AmeriCorps is available at https://www.americorps.gov.
What our current & past Americorps Service Members say about this position:
“As a PVAS AmeriCorps, I was able to learn real skills that were invaluable to my career path. I learned how to confidently teach children about the environment, while also learning skills that can carry over into any job in the environmental field, like plant and animal identification. PVAS is also staffed by such kind people who provided me with great support. I am so thankful for this experience and would highly recommend this position to anyone with interest in education or the outdoors.”
“My time as an Environmental Educator has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much about nature and gotten to play an important role in introducing the wonder of the outdoors to the next generation.”
“The staff are so kind and thoughtful. They’re accommodating and look out for their team. Truly peaceful work space.”
“My AmeriCorps experience with PVAS was the perfect transition from academia into environmental education and nonprofit work- a pivotal decision that eventually led to my forming an organization to help landowners coexist with beavers. I simply would not be where I am today without the mentorship (and friendship!) of the wonderful folks at PVAS.”
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Participate fully in all trainings provided by PVAS and AmeriCorps, including an in-person training requiring travel to Marlinton, WV from September 16 to September 18. Mileage reimbursement and lodging will be provided.
- Contribute to a safe, friendly and inclusive working and learning environment.
- Collaborate with the rest of the education team to plan and prepare for upcoming education programs, including preparing the supplies and spaces needed for activities.
- Clean up all spaces and clean/restock/repair equipment after use. Store all cleaned and organized items in appropriate locations.
- Facilitate education programs for youth ages 2-18, including but not limited to the following:
- 4th Grade Watershed Program: 5 in-school lessons and a field trip to a nearby stream for 4th-grade classrooms. Learn more about our Watershed program
- Other School Programs: Other lessons and field trips for Pre-K to 6th grade. Learn more about our other school programs
- Other: Other education programs as opportunities arise
- Serve as role model for students, campers and peers: use positive behavior guidance strategies and display maturity, responsibility, flexibility, enthusiasm, and sound judgment.
- Conduct required program evaluations.
- Drive a vehicle or arrange for personal transportation to a variety of program sites in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. Mileage reimbursement will be available for qualifying trips. Educators will also be responsible for transporting program supplies with them.
- Actively and positively contribute to PVAS staff and AmeriCorps meetings.
- Communicate with all visitors, program participants, volunteers, colleagues, and partners in a timely, positive, and professional manner.
- Compose social media posts and write content for our newsletters.
- And any other duties needed to support the mission of the Potomac Valley Audubon Society: We are people dedicated to preserving, restoring and enjoying the natural world through education and action.
Please note that while not required, AmeriCorps Environmental Educator Service Members are occasionally given the opportunity and support to develop or assist in the development of new or modified programs that support the mission of the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. AmeriCorps service with PVAS is an opportunity for service members to let their creativity shine and to develop themselves professionally!
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years of age
- U.S. Citizen
- High school graduate/GED (Bachelor’s Degree in the environmental or education field preferred)
- Working knowledge of science, mostly related to watershed and natural history.
- Able to serve roughly 35 hours a week Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and/or evening service.
- Have reliable transportation, a valid license and good driving record. This position requires occasionally driving up to 45 minutes to area schools or one of our nature preserves. Mileage to sites other than the main office will be reimbursed.
- Interest in community service and commitment to getting things done in your community.
- Have patience and skills to teach/counsel up to 25 children at a time. Prior experience working with children is a plus.
- Basic knowledge of computers and software including Google Docs, Drive, Calendar, Slides and Sheets.
- Communicate effectively in person, by phone and in writing.
- Excellent people skills
- Organized, self-starting, highly motivated and creative.
- Able to lift and carry 40 lbs over uneven ground for a minimum distance of 50ft.
- Able to hike at least two miles over moderate terrain at a brisk pace (4mph) while carrying program gear such as First Aid Kits and water.
- Able to be outside for long periods of time in a variety of weather conditions.
Details & Benefits:
- All AmeriCorps must sign a contract committing to eight and a half months of service. Start date is September 16, 2026 and end date is May 30, 2027. All positions are full-time with an average of 35 service hours per week.
- Living stipend: $886.96, (pre-tax) twice monthly
- A Segal Education Award of $5,176.50 at successful completion of service (1200 hours during the term). This award can be used to pay down existing student debt, or for future educational expenses. AmeriCorps Members will have 7 years to use this award.
- Any AmeriCorps member completing this term of service may be eligible for 2 semesters of tuition waiver at participating West Virginia colleges, universities and trade schools. Multiple terms can be combined.
- Health care can be provided if the member does not qualify for Medicaid.
- Child Care Assistance is also available if needed.
- Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
To Apply:
- Complete an online application.
- Candidates must also apply to and be approved by AmeriCorps. Details of that process will be shared once PVAS approves the applicant through resume review and interview. A sample of the application packet and reference forms will be provided upon request. All AmeriCorps members will undergo a fingerprint background check and a national sex offender check.
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are welcome and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Further, PVAS acknowledges that it is unlawful to retaliate against any person who, or organization that, files a complaint about such discrimination.