Regional 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:
 

• Assisting environmental educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating in-person programs and workshops.
• Planning and designing environmental education content that motivates, inspires, and informs across a wide variety of digital platforms using a variety of media.
• Assisting with the development and transportation of program materials.  Keeping materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory. 
• Conducting research and performing field work to support environmental education programs, including participation in community science and stewardship projects.
• Engaging in outreach to the public.  Helping to design and distribute marketing materials.
• Assisting with general upkeep of facilities, including but not limited to: designing and creating new exhibits and handling live animals.
• Spending 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 operational needs of regional parks and facilities.

How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The AmeriCorps members will conduct community science 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 to patrons, helping support our programs and enhance visitor experience.

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:

Goal 1: Write, prepare, conduct, and evaluate at least one new program or event for at least one of our regional parks.

Goal 2: Create at least one exhibit for our gallery window at Gantry Plaza State Park or weekly create a social media post for the Marsha P Johnson State Park Instagram & Facebook.

Goal 3: Design, plan, and implement one lasting impact project at a State Park of your choice in the NYC Region.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Member MUST enjoy working with children
• Member MUST be able to work independently and self-inspire
• Member MUST be willing to work a varied schedule
• Member MUST be willing to regularly spend up to 4 hours traveling in a day between sites
• Member MUST be willing to work outdoors year-round and in all weather conditions
• 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 the 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/regional-environmental-educator/po-00734595 

Expected Dates: January 17, 2023 to November 14, 2023
Site: New York City