This is a 13-week seasonal position with shared housing. Typically, our staff consist of current college students or recent graduates looking for some of their first work experience in outdoor/environmental education. Once our 8 staff arrive we have a week of basic animal husbandry and education training. We then collect native fish, reptiles and amphibians to populate our museums, The museum educators are responsible for caring for these critters, with support from me, the Assistant Coordinator, and the zookeeping staff from Trailside Museums & Zoo. Our aim is that these critters and the close encounters the summer campers have with them through our programs will build connections for the campers to more fully appreciate and care about the natural world around them.

Summary

TITLE: Park & Recreation Aide 3/Nature Museum Educator

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

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Temporary/Seasonal. Start Date: June 15, 2026, End date: August 21, 2026

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The employee will be one of two co-directors at a nature museum in Harriman State Park, under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Regional Museums. They will design, maintain, and interpret living and static exhibits for the 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 summer campers and some public; maintain a safe and welcoming environment; establish and cultivate a collaborative and respectful relationship with the other 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 program planning 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 a nature center or nature education may be substituted for the above. Working knowledge of local 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, 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.

Compensation Information

HIRING RATE: $18.19/hour, 40 hours/week, schedule varies and may include evenings, weekends & holidays. Free housing in a rustic cabin to share with another nature museum educator. Responsible for your own meals, transportation, laundry & housekeeping. Internet and cell phone capabilities are limited.

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Seasonal Nature Museum Educator