Environmental Educator

SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.

Purpose of the Program:
The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. 

Community Needs that the Program Serves:
Because of the density of development, the New York City region has limited access to open space and natural resource areas. There is an increasing interest in accessing such resources by the general public and local schools. NYC public schools are under increasing pressure to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming. In wake of the pandemic, people have flocked to Parks. New patrons to our Parks increasingly need accessible educational resources that promote stewardship and safe recreation practices.

Values and Standards of the Program:
SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.  

AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist environmental educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating in-person programs and workshops. Lead interpretive hikes on forested trails. 
• Design environmental education content that motivates, inspires, and informs across a wide variety of digital platforms using a variety of media.
• Assist with the creation of program materials.  Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory. 
• Conduct research and perform field work to support environmental education programs, community science, and stewardship i.e. wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.
• Manage a farm plot and provide care and upkeep of resident chickens at the historic Gericke Farm to support programming.
• Assist with maple syrup production and education. 
• Engage in outreach to principals, teachers, and the public. Help to design and distribute marketing materials. Aid in volunteer recruitment and coordination. Represent NY State Parks at large events. 
• Assist with general Nature Interpretive Center upkeep including, but not limited to: designing and creating new exhibits, handling and caring for live animals, garden maintenance, greeting and interacting with visitors, and composting. 
• Travel to other State Parks throughout NYC to assist with special events.
• Spend at least one workday each month with the region’s Stewardship Team removing invasive species from Parks and conducting research.  
• Other duties as assigned by management based on the facilities’ operational needs.

How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The AmeriCorps members will conduct stewardship initiatives and educate the public about how to be better stewards of their environment. Members will also encourage passive recreation in the Parks by conducting outreach and providing information at the Nature Interpretive Center. Members will support our programs to enhance visitor experience.

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:

Goal 1: Write, prepare, conduct, and evaluate one new program or event at Clay Pit.

Goal 2: Create one exhibit to be installed in the Nature Interpretive Center. 

Goal 3: Design, plan, and implement one lasting impact project at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

Candidate Qualifications:

• Member MUST be able to lift 30 lbs
• Member MUST be willing to work outdoors year-round and in all weather conditions. 
• Member MUST be willing to handle and care for live animals. 
• Member MUST be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. 
• Member MUST have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with operating state vehicles
• At least two years of college experience in a relevant field

Skills:

• Member must be willing and able to speak publicly to audiences of all ages, from infants to adults.

Knowledge:

• A creative background in art, design, graphic arts, marketing, etc. is very helpful in this position
• Knowledge of local species and ecology; knowledge of environmental issues

How to apply:

Please apply at: https://www.thesca.org/serve/position/environmental-educator/po-00734596 

Expected Dates: January 17, 2023 to November 14, 2023
Site: Clay Pit Ponds State Park NYS OPRHP