Montana State Parks AmeriCorps, 900 Hour, Team Leader

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Montana State Parks works to ensure that a new generation of young people will be invested in the stewardship of Montana’s natural and outdoor recreational resources. This position will help strengthen educational programming which is essential to developing connections between state park resources and students.

This position also serves as a team leader with an emphasis focused on member support through teambuilding, mentorship, and project coordination.

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members perform capacity building activities. Their service revolves around the program goals listed below in order to ensure that they do not displace workers or take part in any prohibited or unallowable activities as outlined in AmeriCorps regulations.Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members will likely participate in activities that involve recurring contact with vulnerable populations.

Member will contribute to the following program goals:

• Improve park land

• Expand educational and interpretive programs

• Increase volunteer capacity*

• Enhance outreach and awareness of state parks

• Participate in service activities including National Days of Service**

• Respond to disasters, when called upon to do so by the program

Specific Position Responsibilities:

Education Program Component

• Work with park managers to indentify additional appropriate topics and themes for science study in state parks that align with state curriculum standards.

• Develop a list of potential curriculum that could be developed for state parks.

• Develop 2 to 3 curriculum based pilot programs in partnership with park managers.

• Develop STEM based education trunk materials for use in state parks.

Park Land Improvement

• Coordinate with the Helena area park manager to plan and implement projects which will improve the condition of at least 5 acres.

• Contribute to the development of programmatic weed infestation data collection by AmeriCorps members.

• Provide project planning and implementation support to other AmeriCorps members on a variety of park improvement projects

Team Leader Component

• Provide leadership and support for members.

• Lead and facilitate team service projects.

• Provide information and resources on best practices.

• Plan, lead, and evaluate member development activities and training sessions.

• Design and conduct monthly team meeting in collaboration with program coordinator.

• Conduct monthly one-on-one meetings with members.

• Facilitate connections between members.

Community Outreach Component

• Develop and deliver a public program which is targeted toward at-risk populations that will encourage participation in outdoor activity and provide information on the health benefits of being outside and engaging in outdoor recreational activity.

• Participate in the delivery of two outdoor skills development events for children and families; The Capital Campout at a park or parks to be determined and the Outdoor Fest at Spring Meadow Lake State Park.

• Plan, recruit volunteers for, and implement at least 2 land improvement projects with the Helena Area State Parks Manager.

• Perform other AmeriCorps-related duties, as assigned.

Benefits:

• Living allowance of $6,555.00 ($285/week) over 23 week term of service. If selected to complete a subsequent 300 hour term of service, a living allowance of $2,280.00 ($285/week) will be provided.

• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $2887.50 will be awarded for successful completion of the 900 Hour Term. If eligible for the 300 hour term, this term will be awarded an education award of $1222.22. These awards can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training and resources, or to repay qualified student loans. Members aged 55 and over may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild or foster child.

• Eligible for deferment on qualified student loans

• Certified Interpretive Guide training

• Experience and training working in the fields of outdoor recreation, parks management, interpretive services, education, community outreach, and volunteer management

• Opportunity to live, work and be part of the team amid the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Montana State Parks