Position Title: Education and Conservation Specialist (Position Description PDF)

Position Service Site: Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

Service Time: September 1, 2026 – August 14, 2027 (1,700 Hour AmeriCorps Term, 50 Weeks, 35 Hours per Week)

Benefits: Living stipend total for the whole term = $23,000 ($460 per week). An Education Award of approximately $7,300 will be issued upon successful completion of service.

Health insurance is available through WisCorps for individuals in 1,700-hour positions who are not already covered.

Onsite housing is available for term duration, provided by the placement site. Meals provided when programming groups are using food services on site. Eligible round-trip mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

OVERVIEW: Upham Woods is a residential, year-round, outdoor learning center for youth and adults, operating under the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. Their mission is to provide an innovative outdoor experience that connects youth and adults with the research and educational resources of UW–Madison to improve the human-nature connection, support understanding of science, foster environmental stewardship, and engage communities. Upham Woods rests on 320 acres of forested land, including a 210-acre designated State Natural Area called Blackhawk Island. The facility is comprised of 14 buildings and offers programming, lodging, and meals for up to 140 people. The center offers environmental education and outdoor recreation programs, 4-H and other youth camps, professional development workshops, and conferences and retreats. Through their programs, Upham Woods aims to ignite curiosity, cultivate leadership, and create a lasting impact on the natural world and the communities they serve.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: The Education and Conservation Specialist serving at Upham Woods will lead environmental lessons and serve as a land steward of Blackhawk Island. They will aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all groups they encounter. The position schedule varies based on program needs. Default hours are 8am – 4:30pm.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Education

• Teach environmental and outdoor education programming to school and community groups and participate in public and/or community outreach both on and off-site.
• Lead programs for groups between 25 and 160 people.
• Care, training, and presentation of live animals including amphibians, reptiles and raptors.
• Support program design, development, implementation, and evaluation for grant funded and general programs to improve and expand program offerings to new and returning audiences.
• Help lead one overnight camp, which requires sleeping in a cabin and supervising children overnight for 3 nights.

Community Engagement

• Serve as liaison (main point of contact) for visiting groups including on call status*
• Maintain relationships with local community groups.
• After ~6 months, mentor new seasonal staff. Includes assisting with staff trainings on program and liaison duties.
• Opportunity to contribute to public facing communications, including but not limited to social media, newsletters, event marketing, and assistance with coordination for specific program events.
• Work with the Facilities and Support Services Manager to administer the Paddle Pass program during the summer months, recording and issuing Paddle Passes per program guidelines.

*On call status refers to liaison responsibilities extending overnight in case of emergency contact from a visiting group via cell phone. 

Conservation & Equipment Maintenance*

• Prepare necessary tools, safety equipment, and project materials for use on conservation project days.
• Evaluate and maintain existing Outpost Program camping equipment including tents, cooking equipment, canoes, paddles, and personal floatation devices.
• Maintain trail tools including Mcleods, shovels, saws, pickaxes, loppers, and rakes.
• Under supervision of the Facilities and Support Services Manager, perform trail work related tasks such as trail repair, new trail construction, and trail reroutes.
• Perform invasive plant species removal.
• Complete facility maintenance projects such as painting and minor cleaning as needed.

*These activities will primarily occur during the off-peak season, which occurs during the late fall, winter and early spring months.

HOUSING AND MEALS:

• Upham Woods provides onsite housing in our staff duplex. Room assignments can be an individual or shared bedroom, shared bathroom, and shared common areas (kitchen, living room, laundry facilities).  
• A kitchen stocked with appliances and cooking utensils is available for cooking and food storage onsite.
• Housing assignments are made and updated at the discretion of Upham Woods staff and are subject to change.
• A check-in/check-out procedure will be utilized for housing. Occupants may be charged for damages that exceed normal wear and tear to duplex facilities. 
• Meals will be provided at no cost to staff whenever a group is on site utilizing food service. Other meals are the responsibility of the WisCorps Individual Placement member.
• The housing area is located less than 5 miles from Wisconsin Dells, WI, which offers several amenities.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

• First Aid/CPR/AED (Basic Life Support), Low Ropes Certification (ACCT), Chainsaw Safety, and more as available
• Professional development offered through the UW-Madison Extension such as supporting youth mental health

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old
• A citizen of the United States, a United States national, or a legal permanent resident of the United States
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle is required for outreach program use throughout the service term
• Lifeguard certification is preferred
• Enthusiastic, creative and flexible in delivering programs, giving presentations and leading group activities
• Teaching license, college degree, and/or other education-related certifications are a plus
• Natural resource management certifications including chainsaw safety, pesticide application, etc. are a plus
• Ability to withstand the physical demands of work which involves performing duties in seasonal inclement weather, occasionally lifting up to 40 lbs, carrying, stooping, bending, and hiking across uneven terrain
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions
• Upon hire, a criminal background check will be conducted by both WisCorps and UW-Madison. Service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed