Individual Placement - Educator-Naturalist

Student Conservation Association • Nelsonville, NY

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Educator-Naturalist supports the National Audubon Society’s mission by connecting people with nature through conservation action, community building, and conservation stewardship. Based at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Cold Spring, New York, the role also supports education, stewardship, monitoring, and conservation projects at other Hudson Valley Sanctuaries, including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.

Working with Audubon education and conservation staff, the Educator-Naturalist delivers mission-driven education and community engagement programs. The position supports classroom-based education, sanctuary field experiences, volunteer programs, and regional initiatives such as the Youth Climate Summit. Programs engage students, educators, and community members in bird conservation, habitat restoration, marsh ecology, forest and grassland health, and the Hudson River watershed, helping participants understand environmental challenges and become stewards of wildlife and habitats.

The role supports day-to-day operations at Constitution Marsh and serves as an ambassador for Audubon’s conservation mission. Through visitor engagement, educational exhibits, interpretive programming, and public outreach, the Educator-Naturalist helps create engaging experiences for visitors and encourages participation in conservation. Conservation and stewardship work may include habitat restoration, invasive species management, wildlife and vegetation monitoring, ecological research, trail maintenance, and volunteer activities.

The position provides hands-on experience and practical skills in conservation education, habitat management, ecological monitoring, restoration, and nonprofit operations. Corps members serve approximately 40 hours per week for 10 months and participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings, service projects, evaluation, and reporting. The schedule is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from January through March, then Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-April through November. Holidays and occasional evenings are required, and daily schedules may vary. The position is scheduled from January 25, 2027, through November 19, 2027.

Free housing is provided in an on-site, shared two-bedroom apartment. Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance, a full-time AmeriCorps education award of $7,395 upon successful completion, and eligibility for free health insurance, childcare assistance, and qualifying federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment. Allowances are subject to applicable taxes.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer is made.
• A personal vehicle is required.
• Must have experience canoeing or kayaking.
• To drive an SCA motor vehicle, must have a current, valid driver’s license for the vehicle operated, at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience, and be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass an MVR check upon hire or rehire and annually thereafter.
• Must complete and pass SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
• Must be able to work in changing or ambiguous schedules and projects and interact positively with people of varying perspectives.
• Must be able to work in natural environments and in inclement or severe weather, and encounter natural and environmental hazards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver mission-driven education programs for schools, community groups, families, and the public.
• Develop and implement classroom lessons, field experiences, and conservation education programs focused on bird conservation, habitat stewardship, marsh ecology, and the Hudson River watershed.
• Support regional initiatives and special events, including the Youth Climate Summit, public canoe trips, guided hikes, and community outreach programs.
• Assist with curriculum development, lesson planning, program preparation, and evaluation.
• Engage audiences in conservation action through education, stewardship opportunities, and Community Science initiatives.
• Support public outreach through social media, educational materials, and special events.
• Support daily operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary.
• Welcome and engage visitors by interpreting the natural and cultural resources of Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
• Provide information about Audubon programs, its sanctuary network, conservation initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.
• Maintain educational exhibits, program materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with facility organization, housekeeping, and light maintenance to support safe and accessible visitor experiences.
• Assist with habitat restoration, invasive species management, and stewardship projects across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.
• Participate in wildlife monitoring and ecological research, including bird surveys, vegetation monitoring, and other conservation projects.
• Assist with trail maintenance, grounds upkeep, and habitat management activities that support biodiversity and public access.
• Support volunteer stewardship and Community Science events.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners to advance conservation outcomes for birds, wildlife, and their habitats.
• Participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, project evaluation, and reporting.
• Submit timesheets through SCA’s timekeeping system and provide required weekly output and narrative reports.

Benefits

• Free on-site shared housing.
• $500 weekly living allowance.
• Full-time AmeriCorps education award of $7,395 upon successful program completion.
• Eligible for free health insurance.
• Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps.
• Eligible for federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment for qualifying loans.
• Training opportunities in AmeriCorps and SCA procedures, risk management, mental health first aid, wilderness first aid and CPR, environmental education, environmental leadership, Hudson River ecology, Leave No Trace, and professional development and job readiness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED