NEEF VISTA - Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE) and the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) is seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA member to coordinate their phenological monitoring program, Seasonal Change: Monitoring the NYC Environment for Climate Change. The goal of the proposed program is to activate and empower local youth as stewards and 21st century problem solvers. Through implementation of the Greening STEM model, students will participate in citizen science and engage with resource management issues. Though GATE is one of the most visited parks in the country, access to the park is inequitable across socio-economic and racial lines. The proposed program will allow GATE and JBRPC to build on existing efforts to close this gap by bringing underserved students from three CCLC sites into the park and empowering them to engage with the park as a living laboratory. By investigating the impacts of phenological change with park staff, carrying out several in-park investigations, collaboratively analyzing data, and constructing possible solutions, students will practice several critical STEM skills. Their contributions will leave a lasting impact on the park by collecting and analyzing critical data that can help inform future management decisions. GATE and JBRPC will continue partnerships with three 21stCCLC sites and serve a range of grade levels, including fourth and fifth graders at PS 38, Middle School students and high school students at Brooklyn Collegiate. PS 38 is a CCLC-funded community school, serving majority BIPOC and Hispanic students. Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory High School serves majority BIPOC students, and close to 90% of the students are economically disadvantaged. VISTA will work closely with the education supervisory park ranger at GATE, the education team at JBRPC, and 21stCCLC partners to research, develop and implement program plans that align with Next Generation Science Standards, Greening STEM principles, and relevant resource concerns significant to GATE.

Member Duties

Develop and implement programming for NPS-21stCCLC Grant Program and other Gateway National Recreation Area programs.
Work with staff in the preparation and submission of grant proposals to secure future funding to continue program beyond the initial grant as needed. Work to obtain in-kind program support.
Work on digital community engagement efforts to keep community members informed on program activities and accomplishments. Development(s) with project partners and the local community.
Serve as liaison with NPS unit while conducting outreach to 21st CCLC programs and local K-12 schools and student groups (after-school programs, out-of-school programs, clubs, etc.).
Gather ideas and opportunities for growth.
Track Performance Measures and submit quarterly and final progress reports inclusive of qualitative and quantitative data for all areas of work.

Program Benefits: Childcare assistance if eligible, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend, Health Coverage*, Training, Relocation Allowance, Living Allowance, Housing Assistance. Professional Development.

For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare

Terms: Permits attendance at school during off hours, Permits working at another job during off hours, Car recommended.

Service Areas: Education, Environment.

Skills: Education, Environment.

Required Skills: Required Experience

In order to ensure the health and safety of the communities that Conservation Legacy serves, as well as to meet federal requirements for government contractors, all participants and staff of Conservation Legacy programs must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning their service term. This requirement applies to all staff and participants regardless of location, position, or remote work status.

How to apply:

Please apply on the Conservation Legacy website here: Stewards VISTA: NEEF - Gateway National Recreation Area - Brooklyn, NY - Conservation Legacy (silkroad.com)

You MUST submit an application on my.americorps.gov in order to be offered an AmeriCorps position. The position on the AmeriCorps website can be found here: Stewards VISTA: NEEF - Gateway National Recreation Area (my.americorps.gov)

If you have any questions, please contact JM Aurednik, Program Coordinator at Stewards, at jmaurednik@conservationlegacy.org or the Education team at Gateway National Recreation Area at Gate_Education@nps.gov.