Ute Garden and Naturescape Assistant

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Stipend: This is a unique and rare opportunity to work and learn under both categories of activities for AmeriCorps members - Direct Service and Capacity Building - for the Ute Indian Museum (UIM) in Montrose, Colorado. As a K2H Civic Futures Mentor, this 900 hour part time, full year volunteer positions receive a living stipend of $7,000 and an education award of ~$3,000 upon successful completion of the program.

The Ute Garden Assistant supports the Museum’s mission by facilitating special learning experiences for our Native Plant Garden and our nationally registered historic site. The restored Ute Garden provides Hands-on History locations for visitors to learn ethnobotany and provides tribal education and coursework opportunities. The Ute Garden Assistant will learn ethnobotany and grounds management skills while helping the Ute Garden to build sustainability and educational resources. This role will also assist in the development of our new Naturescape park and outdoor education center. The Ute Garden Assistant will help develop the educational literature that will be on panels throughout the park as well as help develop and deliver the education program for our historic preservation dig site.

Must enjoy outdoor work in sun and shade while learning about native plants, be able to lift at least 50 pounds, and handle a wheelbarrow. Activities include weeding native plant garden, watering and alerting staff if irrigation system is not working, general raking, cleanup of area daily, and acting as a docent for people who visit the garden. Naturescape duties will include researching archaeological theory and practice and development of the educational plan for the Naturescape park.

This position is 900 hours, part-time, between 18-30 hours per week with flexible scheduling.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Maintenance Director, Garden team, and full-time Museum staff
• Inventory plants and determine which should be replaced and which need more intensive care
• Help the Ute Garden team establish and implement a care and maintenance schedule
• Plant and install native plants
• Help develop garden and Naturescape programing and tours
• Working with our partners, help develop and write the educational panels to be found throughout the Naturescape Park
• Develop educational resources to promote the garden and build sustainability
• Work with garden centers to grow and order native species for the sustainability of the Ute Garden and continued propagation of native species

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to communicate with and engage campers aged K-6 th
• Experience delivering programs to adults and children
• Interest in or experience with archaeology
• Must be able to be on their feet for up to 6 hours at a time, walk distances of up to one mile over varying terrains, be able to lift 50 pounds
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure with a positive attitude and creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to work outside in heat

900 hour part time, full year positions receive a living stipend of $7,000 and an education award of ~$3,000 upon successful completion of the program.