RamCorps Member Chaffee County -H and Natural Resource Program Assistant

Position: RamCorps Member Chaffee County 4-H and Natural Resource Program Assistant
Location: Salida

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Job Description ## Position Summary This Ameri Corps Member will be based in Salida, Colorado at the Chaffee County Extension Office and will play a vital role in supporting 4-H positive youth development programs and fostering hands-on learning opportunities for local youth. The Member will assist with various 4-H programs, including County Fair livestock shows, project judging, Meat Quality Assurance training, animal knowledge testing, horse levels testing, and other educational activities.

We are seeking applicants who are enthusiastic, creative, and passionate about positive youth development and community engagement. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, organized, and skilled at collaborating with diverse groups of people. Applicants who demonstrate strong communication, program development, and evaluation skills, as well as a commitment to youth empowerment, are highly encouraged to apply.## Term of Service / Time Commitment This is a quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 450 hours during the term (approximately 20 hours/week).

The position begins April 2026 and ends August 2026. The Chaffee County Extension office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30pm but this position will require work during hours in the afternoon/early evening or on occasional Saturdays to support youth education outside of schedule school hours or to allow for adult programming outside of normal working hours to best meet community needs.##

Location and Service Conditions The position is based in Salida, Colorado and will involve frequent days of computer/office work at the County Office with time spent engaging with community members ies will revolve around community engagement, data collection, and data analysis.

Ameri Corps members are required to wear Ameri Corps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all Ameri Corps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).## Training and Support Provided
* Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more.
* Up to 20% (or 90 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings.
* Members will be supervised and supported by Rebecca Sheriff Chrestensen, Chaffee/Lake County 4-H Specialist, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, Ram Corps Program Manager, melinda.macpherson. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.
* Members should participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by Ameri Corps, CSU Extension, and/or partner organizations.
* Additional training opportunities may be provided by the Chaffee County Extension Staff for members to gain skills necessary to complete service responsibilities.## Program Benefits
* A living allowance of approximately $556.36 for quarter-time members per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $6,120 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
* An education award of $1,956.35 earned upon successful completion of term of service.
* It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an Ameri Corps member.
* Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.
* Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.
* Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.
* Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.
* Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
* Other certifications, experience, etc.## Full Consideration Date3/27/2026## Description of Work…