AmeriCorps Environmental Educator

Summary

Ready to make a difference? Join EELCorps as an AmeriCorps member and spend a year inspiring and educating Kentucky's next generation of environmental stewards. Serve with one of our amazing site partners, gain hands-on experience, receive professional development, earn a living allowance, and qualify for a Segal Education Award. If you're passionate about education and creating lasting impact, your service journey starts here. Apply today and become the changemaker your community needs!

Position Description

As an Environmental Education Leadership Corps (EELCorps) AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, you'll spend a year making a meaningful impact on communities across Kentucky by inspiring environmental stewardship through hands-on education. Serving with one of our partner organizations- including state and local parks, zoos, nature centers, nonprofits, universities, and local government agencies- you'll design and deliver engaging environmental education programs that connect people of all ages with the natural world.

Throughout your service, you'll build valuable skills in environmental education, public speaking, program facilitation, community engagement, and leadership while working alongside experienced professionals in the field. Together, EELCorps Volunteers will help thousands of Kentuckians increase their environmental knowledge and inspire lasting action to protect Kentucky's natural resources.

If you're passionate about education, conservation, and making a difference, EELCorps offers an opportunity to grow your career while leaving a lasting impact on the communities you serve.

Visit KEEC.KY.GOV/EELC to learn more and apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. 

This position includes a 1700 hour commitment for the term of service.

EELCorps Volunteers serve with organizations across Kentucky, including these in Louisville or the Louisville region:

• The Berry Center- New Castle, KY
• Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve- Goshen, KY
• Jefferson Memorial Forest- Louisville, KY
• Louisville Nature Center- Louisville, KY
• Louisville Zoo- Louisville, KY
• The Parklands of Floyds Fork- Louisville, KY
• Second Chances Wildlife- Mount Washington, KY

Please note: Not every site partner organization will have an opening each year. Current openings and available positions are listed in the EELCorps application. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred service site(s) as part of the application process.

Qualifications

Per AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, AmeriCorps Volunteers must: 

• Be 17 years or older (no upper age limit)
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or hold Lawful Permanent Resident Alien status
• Be able and willing to undergo and pass a National Service Criminal History Check 

The ideal EELCorps Environmental Educator will have the following: 

• A willingness to lead in-person or virtual lessons, activities, or programs,
• A positive and encouraging attitude,
• A willingness to learn and implement best practices in EE and related fields,
• Some background in environmental or outdoor education (preferred, but not required)

Benefits

All EELCorps members receive a living allowance among other benefits. Please find full benefit information at keec.ky.gov/eelc A summary of full-time benefits can be viewed below.

• Living Allowance- $21,500
• Segal Education Award- $7,395
• Professional Environmental Educator Certification at no-cost to the Volunteer
• Health Insurance at $0 premium to the Volunteer
• Potential child-care eligibility
• Access to the Volunteer Assistance Program