Seasonal Nature Museum Assistant Coordinator

TITLE:  Park & Recreation Aide 4/Nature Museum Assistant Coordinator

LOCATION:  Regional Nature Museums, Harriman State Park, New York (Tiorati, Stahahe, Kanawauke, Twin Lakes)

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:  Temporary/Seasonal. Start Date: June 1, 2026, End date: August 27, 2026

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  Under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Nature Museums, the employee will serve as one of two co-directors at a nature museum in Harriman State Park, while also providing program support and assistance to the coordinator. Nature Museum duties: design, maintain, and interpret living and static exhibits for a small nature museum; collect and care for native reptiles, amphibians, and fish under the direction of zookeeping personnel from Trailside Museums & Zoo; conduct museum tours and nature programs for children of all ages. 

Assistant coordinator duties: as assigned by the Museum Coordinator, the employee will serve as a resource to the other museum staff by providing exhibit feedback, education programming assistance, and overall support where needed. Will assist the coordinator in pre-season set-up and planning, as well as post-season cleanup. 

The employee will maintain a safe and welcoming environment; establish and cultivate a collaborative and respectful relationship with the Regional Staff and Coordinator; perform light facility maintenance; and dress appropriately, report to work punctually and work diligently. Employee will receive training in outdoor education. Duties may be performed in different areas of a very large park. Knowledge of video production and creative abilities are a plus. 

OPERATING NEEDS:  A current college student or graduate in environmental science/studies, natural history, science education, outdoor/environmental education, ecology or related field. Experience in nature center or nature education may be substituted for the above. Applicant should have experience with animal care and/or education. Experience with outdoor education, museum/nature center work is preferred. Working knowledge of flora and fauna, ability to work with youth of diverse backgrounds, and ability to handle and collect small animals. Applicants must possess a strong work ethic, be flexible and eager to try new adventures. Applicants must be willing to work and live in an area with limited telephone communication and internet, and be an independent, productive and responsible individual. Candidates must be physically able to perform medium physical labor and work with staff in a collaborative environment. Applicants must be at least 19 years of age; have a valid driver's license and be available to work weekends and holidays. Transportation within the park is the responsibility of the applicant. Work-related mileage within the park will be reimbursed.

To Apply: Complete a NY State OPRHP Employment Application (available in all park offices or online at Palisades Region (ny.gov)). Submit electronically along with your resume and cover letter, including three work/professional references with addresses, phone numbers and/or email addresses to Ryan Gerbehy at Ryan.Gerbehy@parks.ny.gov Applications are reviewed as received.