Community Science Educator

Position ID: PO-00736284

Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024

AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist environmental educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating programs and workshops i.e. leading interpretive hikes on gravel trails and facilitate fishing clinics.
2. Design environmental education content that motivates, inspires, and informs people about this urban green space, specifically focusing on long-term community science projects and stewardship. 
3. Develop content for a variety of media across various digital platforms.
4. Assist with the creation of program materials.  Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory.
5. Conduct research and perform field work to support environmental education programs, community science, and stewardship i.e. wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.
6. Maintain, and in some cases develop, data bases that track ecological data and community science efforts at the park. 
7. Engage in outreach to the public.  Help to design and distribute marketing materials.
8. Assist with general upkeep of facilities. i.e. office space, EE classrooms.
9. Spend at least one workday each month with the region’s Stewardship Team removing invasive species from Parks and conducting research.
10. Travel to other State Parks throughout NYC to assist with special events.
11. Other duties as assigned by management based on the operational needs of regional parks and facilities.

How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:

The AmeriCorps members will conduct community science initiatives and educate the public about how to be better stewards of their environment.  Members will also encourage passive recreation in the Parks by conducting outreach and providing information, helping support our programs and enhance visitor experience. 

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:

Goal 1: Write, prepare, conduct, and evaluate one new program or event at SCSP. (In-person)

Goal 2: Plan and create one environmental education exhibit or program material for distribution. (handout)

Goal 3: Design, plan, and implement one lasting community science initiative OR stewardship project at Shirley Chisholm State Park.

Candidate Qualifications:     

• Member MUST be able to lift 30 lbs.
• Member MUST be willing to work outdoors year-round and in all weather conditions. 
• Member MUST be able to work independently and in a team.
• Member MUST be willing to work a varied schedule (days and times).
• Member MUST be willing to regularly spend up to 4 hours traveling in a day between sites
• Member MUST be willing to handle and care for live animals. 
• Member MUST have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with operating state vehicles.
• Member MUST be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve.
• At least two years of college experience in a relevant field

Skills: 

• Member should be adaptable to creating virtual or outdoor programming.
• Member must be willing and able to speak publicly to audiences of all ages, from early childhood to adults.

Knowledge: 

• Member should possess basic knowledge of Microsoft programs, social media, and creating digital content using other platforms
• Knowledge of basic ecology, of local flora and fauna species, and environmental issues.

Training: No training necessary.