Recruitment is taking place through the AmeriCorps Fellowship at the University of Arizona’s Graduate College and requires that all candidates either be US citizens or resident aliens (green card holders). A quarter-time position requires 450 hours of service and provides a living stipend of $2910 and a $1250 Segal Educational Award which can be utilized for tuition, fees, or repayment of student loans over a 7-year period. Please refer to the following link http://grad.arizona.edu/peacecorp/benefits for additional information.

Under the direction of the Arizona Project WET (APW) Director and Project Coordinator Americorps members will become water educators delivering the Sweetwater Wetland Water Festival, a field study for the 3rd grade Water Unit for local schools. The field experience held at Sweetwater Wetlands is hands-on, minds-on and reinforces water concepts taught in the classroom. The water educators also conduct in-classroom ground water presentations in all 3rd grade classes as well as some 6th grade classes. All training is provided.

Candidates should have a strong interest in inquiry-based water education. Basic knowledge of educational principles and methods should be enhanced with creativity and flexibility. Strong communication skills are a must, along with the ability to translate technical information into age-appropriate presentations. Applicants should be available to work during the school day at least two days a week. Training will begin mid-September.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Present pre-written water-related lessons at Sweetwater Wetlands Water Festivals in an engaging, inquiry-based manner.

• Conduct ground water flow model presentations in third and sixth grade classrooms.

• Set up, clean up, and help transport equipment for water presentations.

• Assist in managing the logistics of conducting Sweetwater Wetlands Water Festivals on a school day.

• Communicate appropriately with classroom teachers, other adults and students.

• Facilitate student discovery through hands-on, minds-on lessons.

• Incorporate local relevancy into teaching (e.g. Colorado River watershed, water quality, water conservation, and ecology of wetlands).

• Help promote literacy in our schools through water education opportunities.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent time manager

• Strong communicator

• Strong organization skills

• Ability to work with a team

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in any related field

• Experience in both formal and informal education programs for a variety of audiences

• Broad-based knowledge of water resources and water management in the state

• Strong personal commitment to the success of the program

To apply for the position, please email a cover letter and resume to Rachel Sandler at apwscheduling@gmail.com .