AmeriCorps NWF Environmental Steward

This year long program will serve Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The program focus is environmental stewardship with an educational component of an environmental STEM curriculum and restoration. The program has 3 primary focus areas: 1.the implementation of the Grasses in Classes STEM curriculum, 2. restoration, beautification, maintenance and the development in our unique coastal dune lakes and 3. Environmental Field support to restore habitat for threatened and endangered species. In the first component members will implement a Grasses in Classes environmental STEM curriculum in contracted Okaloosa and Walton County elementary schools targeting third and fifth grade students. In the second component members will addressing projects including shoreline erosion, invasive plant removal, planting native plants, coastal dune lakes projects and oyster restoration projects. The program will focus efforts on engaging community involvement through service learning activities conducted at parks and public lands within the Choctawhatchee watershed district. Through these educational opportunities the program will educate and engage citizens in service projects to encourage environmental stewardship. 12 full-time members will work collaboratively within each of the participating schools to implement the contextual STEM environmental curriculum - Grasses in Classes. Members will also participate in the field completing environmental projects in our communities (as identified above). All members will work to help engage the partnering schools and the public by providing hands-on educational opportunities to teach families and children the importance of caring about their environment and to encourage environmental stewardship.

Member Duties : 12 full-time members will work collaboratively with participating schools to implement the contextual STEM environmental curriculum - Grasses in Classes. Members have many opportunities to engage in service learning in the area of environmental education and stewardship. Members will work out in the field completing environmental projects in our communities. All members will work to help engage the partnering schools and the public by providing hands-on educational opportunities to teach families and children the importance of caring about their environment and to encourage environmental stewardship. Environmental stewardship projects complimentary to the Grasses in Classes program will address the health of the watershed. Within the schools members are trained in curriculum development and implementation. Members have a heighten awareness of the need to maintain and reclaim a healthy ecosystem through restoration and re-nourishment projects.

Program Benefits : Living Allowance , Training , Yearly Living Stipend Increased: $18,000 , Housing (3 houses are available to rent a room through rental agency - 3 bedroom, 2 bath in The Veranda's, Freeport, FL - Each member independently responsible for lease terms and conditions per leasing agent., Health Coverage , Education award upon successful completion of service , Childcare assistance if eligible , Stipend .

Permits working at another job during off hours , Uniforms provided and required , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours . Service Areas :

Environment , Education , Community Outreach , Disaster Relief . Skills :

This year long program will serve Okaloosa and Walton Counties. It will partner with Okaloosa and Walton County schools and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA). The program focus is environmental stewardship with an educational component of an environmental STEM curriculum. The focus is twofold: 1.the implementation of the Grasses in Classes STEM curriculum and 2. restoration, beautification, maintenance and the development. In the first component members will implement a Grasses in Classes environmental STEM curriculum in contracted Okaloosa and Walton County elementary schools targeting third and fifth grade students. In the second component members will addressing projects including shoreline erosion, invasive plant removal, planting native plants, coastal dune projects, trail development and oyster restoration projects. The program will focus efforts on engaging community involvement through service learning activities conducted at parks and public lands within the Choctawhatchee watershed district. Through these educational opportunities the program will educate and engage citizens in service projects to encourage environmental stewardship.

15 full-time members will work collaboratively with CBA within each of the participating schools to implement the contextual STEM environmental curriculum - Grasses in Classes. Members will also partner with CBA in the field completing environmental projects in our communities (as identified above). All members will work to help engage the partnering schools and the public by providing hands-on educational opportunities to teach families and children the importance of caring about their environment and to encourage environmental stewardship.

This grant will host a total of 15 full-time members.

Positions Available

12 Full-time: 1720 hours - (August 17, 2022 - July 31, 2023)

Benefits