Service Position Summary: The SOIL Lab Education Facilitator will be an integral part of the SOIL Lab's effort to expand our educational programming through local school districts and community members. Because their service involves projects that are new, evolving/expanding, and highly innovative, the member will have a voice in the future of the projects, while also being supported along the way. At present, the outdoor community garden is the site for all education activities at the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab. Given our climate and the k-12 schools schedule in Durango, an outdoor space can only accommodate educational activities 4-6 months out of the year. In our first year of operation, we have provided educational experiences to over 2000 students and community members. With the goal of expanding our education program offerings, we are currently building a 42' geodesic grow dome greenhouse. This will provide an additional 1400 square feet of year-round climate-controlled growing and education space. We are seeking to incorporate an Education Facilitator to contribute their energy, knowledge, talent, and skills toward expanding upon our existing garden education programming by incorporating a new education facility, the Grow Dome.

A significant portion of the member's time will be spent designing and building out the interior of a large geodesic dome greenhouse to be used for prek-college and community education year-round. This greenhouse will introduce opportunities for year-round education here at the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab. Upon completion of the greenhouse structure construction (anticipated to be August 2024, prior to this position starting), the SOIL Lab Education Facilitator will grow the SOIL Lab's educational impact by joining us in providing educational experiences for students ranging from preschool through college who come to the community garden and greenhouse for field trips. Lastly, this member will have opportunities to expand community outreach and special events introducing our new Grow Dome and the expanded educational programming to students and community members at large; thus furthering SOIL Lab's mission to bring people together around health and sustainability. Note that this outreach and special event effort is intended to inform community members of opportunities to meaningfully engage with our programing and will not include this position contributing to any direct effort towards fundraising or grant writing.

Duties and Responsibilities: Team UP AmeriCorps members serve directly at their Host Site organization to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities through direct and indirect service.

Duties include: Education facility design - The SOIL Lab Education Facilitator will conduct research and site visits to collect and report on best practices related to operating Pre-K through college, and community education programs within geodesic grow domes and indoor growing facilities. They will synthesize their findings into suggested plans/layouts for the interior layout of our grow dome.

On-site educational event planning - Outside of school district field trips, our site frequently hosts free community education events and workshops. The Education Facilitator will support planning and executing these events in the community garden and expanding them into the soon to be introduced, grow dome.

Community education outreach activities - The SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab also participates in off-site educational events and activities throughout the year in our community. This participation is focused on bringing a small part of our education efforts to community events ("tasting tables" featuring fresh garden harvests, traveling earthworms that help community members learn about soil health, etc). This is an additional effort we are looking for this position to expand upon in the interest of sharing opportunities for education and engagement with as many community members as possible.

Educational leader for field trips - The Education Facilitator will also support preK-college field trips and student visits as a small group activity leader. Introducing another leader to our small group activities on field trips and student visits will allow us to increase our capacity limit on field trips. -Track host site and AmeriCorps data -Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings, cohort connection days, and Days of Service

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a position Ability to serve independently, take initiative, and be motivated by the projects they are doing Compassion and awareness: self-awareness, awareness of cultural differences, social differences and understanding of implicit bias Strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion

Desired Qualifications: Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate High School Graduate required (GED accepted,) college graduate or equivalent work experience preferred Ability to pass criminal history check Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required

Term of Service - Time Commitment: This is a Three-Quarter time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours during the year (approximately 40 hours/week.) The position begins September 9, 2024 and ends May 31, 2025. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Benefits: A living allowance of approx. $1,000/per pay period (twice per