Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA

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Summary:

The Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA serves primarily to develop healthy living components to the Student Stewards Program, which uses public parks as learning laboratories where students engage in hands-on citizen science.

Position Description:

The Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA will be an essential member of the team for this young non-profit organization. This person will primarily serve to develop a physical education component to the Student Stewards program. The Student Stewards Program uses public parks within walking distance of under-served schools as learning laboratories. Students engage in hands-on citizen science research with a goal of improved academic engagement and better preparation for educational success. This will include maintaining relationships with Washoe County schools administration and teachers, developing and fine-tuning curriculum, and training volunteers through workshops and training days. This VISTA will also develop a standardized physical education component for the summer camp and rebrand the camp as "active" to promote physical activity as being important across the community. This VISTA will also expand the health related components of other TMPF programs, including the Junior Naturalist program.

The mission of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) is to support the parks departments operating in Truckee Meadows, including Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County parks. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for citizen engagement. TMPF is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing people’s appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks.

Service Location: Reno, NV

Timeline for Service: August 05, 2019 - August 04, 2020

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop the Student Stewards citizen science curriculum to incorporate physical education while aligning with Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards;
• Maintain partnerships with school administrators and teachers;
• Develop school break camp curriculum with a standardized physical education component for spring and summer;
• Develop and implement a marketing plan for rebranding spring and summer break camps as "active";
• Train volunteers to teach and implement the Student Stewards Program;

• Continue to develop, maintain, and expand the Junior Naturalists program.

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to TMPF’s mission and vision;
• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a health related field;
• 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;
• Experience working with students, teachers, and volunteers;
• Preferred: strong understanding of education standards and experience in curriculum development;
• 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.

AmeriCorps VISTA:

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation’s Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA position is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and will serve within the AmeriCorps VISTA program. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs visit americorps.gov .

Compensation:

In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance of $12,311, 10 sick days, 10 personal days, and health benefits during their service. VISTA members also have the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,920 or post-service stipend of $1,800 after completing their service. A relocation travel allowance of no less than $750 may also apply if you are moving. TMPF also offers flex time, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel, monthly professional development opportunities, a casual dress code, and a fun office environment!

To Apply:

Create a MyAmeriCorps account here and apply for the "Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA" position.

Applications are also accepted by emailing a cover letter and resume to Christian Villagomez at christian@tmparksfoundation.org . Deadline for applications is July 12, 2019.

Visit the TMPF website, www.tmparksfoundation.org or email/call Christian at 775.410.1702 for more information.