Agriculture and Natural Science RamCorps Member

Colorado State University•Cortez, CO

15d•$14

About The Position

The AmeriCorps position in Montezuma County will support both youth and adult programming throughout Montezuma County. This member will work closely with the 4-H youth development specialist on a native plant garden installation project and education at local charter schools related to native plants, wildlife, natural resources (including fire ecology) and support a series of agricultural education workshops including animal husbandry for youth as an afterschool program. The AmeriCorps position will work closely with the Montezuma County Director/Ag Specialist to support agricultural educational workshops for adults, and support the updating of a local resource guide for land managers. This member may also support coordination of county wide programs on cooking and nutrition, taught by community members in English and Spanish, which connect our community with knowledge related to how food is produced locally. This is a half-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 900 hours during the year (approximately 20 hours/week). The position begins February 2026 and ends December 2026. The Montezuma County Extension office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30pm but this position will require work during hours in the afternoon/early evening or on occasional Saturdays to support youth education outside of schedule school hours or to allow for adult programming outside of normal working hours to best meet community needs. Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% (or 180 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by Emily Lockard, Extension County Director and Ag Specialist; and Tierney Wilson, Extension County Specialist, 4-H Youth Development as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, [email protected]. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other. This position is based at the Montezuma County CSU Extension office at 103 N Chestnut St., Cortez, CO 81321 and will involve service at local charter schools and libraries. Position will involve occasional days of service outdoors and/or in a school or community building. Applicants must be able to lift 50 lbs., bend over, grasp hand tools and spend time in outdoor environments. AmeriCorps members are required to wear AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 20-hour work week). Members who have confidence in the following skill areas will thrive in this position: Excellent organizational and time management. Computer skills: familiarity with MS Office 365, especially Outlook and SharePoint, and Zoom. Ability to learn and retain complex information with accuracy and to follow procedures consistently and with attention to detail. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Dedication to community service. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with minimal supervision. Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in extreme weather conditions. Desire to teach and plan curriculum for students.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Demonstrated experience working with and teaching learners of all ages and abilities, including school-aged youth and adult stakeholders in agriculture based on submitted application materials.
Prior experience coordinating gardening activities, community building, educational outreach, and/or fieldwork in agricultural production.

Nice To Haves

Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in extreme weather conditions.
Previous experience in education, youth development, community outreach, STEM or other related fields.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with minimal supervision based on submitted application materials.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and deliver in-school and after school educational trainings.
Plan community programming through computer work (emails, designing flyers), phone calls, gathering supplies, and collaboratively designing educational programs for learners of varying backgrounds in ecology, gardening, agriculture, natural resources, and nutrition.
Attend community gatherings outside of office hours to host meetings.
Directly engage with and support school garden and Master Gardener projects.

Benefits

A living allowance of approximately $556.36 for half-time members per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $12,240 for the term of service.
Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
An education award of $3,697.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.
It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.
Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.
Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.
Non-tangible benefits including extensive making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.
Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
Gain experience working with and teaching youth.
Gain experience engaging with school gardens and skills related to successful native plant establishment.