The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Title of Service Assignment:
Environmental Educator/Horticultural Assistant (3 full-time, 1700 hrs.)
*Assignment begins Jan. 2010*
¬ Name of organization: The Arboretum at Flagstaff
¬ Location of organization: Four miles south of Route 66 in west Flagstaff
¬ Website of organization: www.thearb.org
The Arboretum is a 200-acre botanical garden, research center and environmental education organization dedicated to educating the public about the Colorado Plateau.
AmeriCorps Service Assignment Description:
1. School Group Education: The AmeriCorps member will be trained to lead grade specific environmental education programs for pre-school through high school aged visitors.
2. Greenhouse Duties: The AmeriCorps member will learn about the daily operations of a greenhouse as well as how to propagate and care for native plants.
3. Gardening: The member will work along side the Director of Horticulture to maintain cultivated gardens. Tasks will include pruning, weeding, watering, planting, maintaining trails, etc.
4. Public Education: The AmeriCorps member will be trained in interpretive techniques for leading drop-in visitors of all ages on tours of the gardens.
5. Special Events Programming: The AmeriCorps members will help design and implement educational activities for large public events hosted at The Arboretum and off-site.
6. Special Summer Programs: The member assist with children’s summer programs focusing on environmental education at The Arboretum
AmeriCorps Member Qualifications:
1. A reliable vehicle is necessary. (The Arboretum is located four miles down a dirt road.)
2. Willing to do labor intensive tasks such as weeding, digging and lifting/moving plants.
3. Experience in public speaking or education (willing to speak to large groups).
4. Capable of working independently on tasks routine for greenhouse management.
5. Listens to directions, asks questions and has a strong work ethic.
6. Interested in learning about plants endemic to the Colorado Plateau.
7. Experience working with children is helpful.
8. Available to work at least one weekend day per week.