The Sustainability Institute at Penn State is hiring an AmeriCorps for 2018-19. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent grad who wants to launch a career in sustainability. Interviews for this position will begin July 15th, so apply soon!
The Sustainability Experience Center (SEC) is a 9 acre site at the edge of campus that comprises the Morning Star Solar House, an electric vehicle charging station, windmill, a plant-based water purification system, a community garden, and a research forest. The site will be the eventual permanent home of the Penn State Student Farm. These assets are used to educate students of all ages and the general public about sustainability issues related to food, energy and water.
The AmeriCorps volunteer will assist with building capacity in support of our goals to 1) increase access to the assets of the Sustainability Experience Center Site for Penn State faculty and students, to K-12 educators and their students, and to the general public and 2) educate individuals about the food, energy and water sustainability. Under the supervision of the SI Assistant Director for Outreach and Engagement, the AmeriCorps volunteer will develop guided tours, programs and activities for a variety of audiences. This could entail developing a training manual, training student volunteers to give tours, developing outreach materials, creating a calendar of events, and maintaining records of the number and type of visitors. The AmeriCorps volunteer will be part of a larger team at Penn State working to add new amenities and transition the Student Farm to the site. In this capacity, the AmeriCorps volunteer may assist with the organization and facilitation of stakeholder meetings and engage in the site planning process.
AmeriCorps responsibilities include:
1. Collaborate with Penn State faculty to develop one or more curriculum modules based on SEC assets and increase student exposure to the SEC.
2. Collaborate with Community Partners such as area school districts to increase use of the SEC by area teachers and k-12 students.
3. Coordinate with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and area non-profits to develop programs for the public.
4. Research, develop and conduct education and outreach activities on food, energy and water sustainability.
5. Schedule and lead tours at the SEC.
6. Develop a training manual for student volunteers and docents.
7. Maintain records of the number and types of visitors to the SEC.
8. Collect feedback/data to evaluate programs and activities.
9. Assist with coordination of site development and planning meetings.
10. Complete projects that help to develop and sustain the SEC.
Qualifications:
1. Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
2. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
3. Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
4. Interest in and knowledgeable about sustainability concepts.
5. Experience with developing and delivering educational activities.
6. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Position Location: Penn State University, State College, PA
Service Term: 1700 hours from August 22, 2018 – August 9, 2019 (35-40 hours per week)
AmeriCorps Stipend: $654 paid biweekly, and a $5920 education award upon completion of service. Please see http://www.pmsc.org/become-a-member/ for additional information about AmeriCorps service.
Office space provided at University Park Campus.
To apply: Submit resume, cover letter and three references with the subject line 2018-19 SEC AmeriCorps Application to Diana Malcom, dbw102@psu.edu.