Environmental Educator

Bear Mountain State Park receives over a million visitors annually and roughly one in ten of these visitors, or 100,000, explore Trailside’s nature trail, animal exhibits, and museums. As an affordable destination within an hour drive of the New York metro region, Trailside serves a diverse audience, including many patrons from underserved communities. The facility is designed for a self-directed experience. Visitors are guided by directional signage through a sequence of exhibits, displays, and museums. However, this experience is greatly enhanced through direct engagement of the public by trained staff. These personal interactions and the ensuing exchange of information add tremendously to the Trailside experience. Working with and under the supervision of the Environmental Educator 1, the Environmental Educator is needed to expand our capacity for direct interactions with our diverse audience, to more fully realize our educational goals.

Through our orientation and training, the Trailside Museums and Zoo Environmental Educator will gain experience interacting with and educating our visiting public, becoming familiar with the principles and methods of interpretation and environmental education. You will gain experience using these new skills as an informal educator, guiding tours for schools and community groups, conducting topical presentations, leading weekend public programs and contributing to our special events. You will create activities, conduct lessons, assist with logistics and lead aspects of the summer day camp program. You will learn to plan and coordinate special events: Earth Day, Biodiversity Celebration and Boo at the Zoo. You will also assist Trailside staff and other interns with multimedia education, ongoing volunteer projects, restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and upkeep of the facilities.

Housing is included. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

• Must be 18 or older.
• Must have a driver’s license valid for 3 years. Must have own vehicle. 
• Physical qualifications:
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Must be able to shovel snow. 
  • Must be able to stand or be on your feet for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to walk or hike for extended periods of time.
  • If unable to meet the above physical qualifications, please notify in your application. Trailside Museums & Zoo can make reasonable accommodations.

To apply, contact Chris O'Sullivan

chris.osullivan@parks.ny.gov