Park Educator (Park and Recreation Aide 5)

Job Description

• Seasonal employee will help plan, prepare, teach and evaluate public and private in-person environmental education and stewardship programs, under the direction of permanent education staff. There will be a focus on early childhood education.

• Employee will provide excellent customer service to patrons by answering questions and disseminating information.

• Employee will prepare program material; materials will be kept organized; employee will help transport program materials to and from regional sites.

• Employee will perform field work to support environmental education programs and park stewardship which may include both participating and leading volunteers in community science programs, weeding, clean-ups, and invasive species removals.

• Employee will help educators develop social media content, design temporary exhibits, and create other content as needed.

• Employee will assist with operations and horticulture work 1-2 days a week, such as: removes trash, cleans facilities, patrols park, remove weeds, provide patrons with information about park.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one year of professional experience, preferably in the field of environmental education; or one year of college study with a specialization in natural science, natural resources, or environmental education

• High school diploma required; a bachelor’s degree in the fields mentioned above is preferred but not required

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license

• Experience working with children ages 0-10 a plus

Operational Needs

• Applicants must be willing to work outdoors and in all weather conditions

• Applicants must be available to work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays. The schedule will usually be Tuesday – Saturday but may be shifted for special events.

• Applicants must be willing to handle and care for live animals including fish and invertebrates.

• Applicants must have excellent communication skills and be willing and able to speak publicly to diverse audiences.

• Applicants must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

• Applicants must enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds.

• Applicants must have experience in or demonstrate willingness to learn the following programs: Facebook, Instagram, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Canva, G Suite, Microsoft Office (specifically Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams).

• Applicants must be willing to travel to NYS Parks throughout the NYC Region and the 5 Boroughs.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send a resume and employment Part 1 application to NYCEE@parks.ny.gov the subject line “2023 Park Educator”. Applications may also be mailed to: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, 163 West 125th Street – 17th Floor, New York, New York 10027

ATTN: Personnel. It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and agency operating needs.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide their current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.