New York Corps - Educator

Student Conservation Association • Town of Ulysses, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Educator serves with Finger Lakes State Parks, NYS OPRHP, helping enhance visitor experiences through education and interpretation at multiple state parks and historic sites. Programs may explain how gorge parks formed, natural resource challenges and stewardship efforts, site history, park rules, and local hazards. The role is based in Trumansburg, New York, and includes public interaction in front-country settings where emergency services may be delayed and cell phone reception or public transportation may be limited or unavailable.

The service term runs from January 25, 2027, to November 24, 2027, with 40 hours per week and a 1,700-hour AmeriCorps requirement. Shared housing is provided at Taughannock Falls State Park. Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance and a $7,395 education award upon successful completion; members may be eligible for health insurance, childcare assistance, and qualifying student-loan forbearance and interest payments. Training includes orientation, risk management, Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Leave No Trace, canoe training, interpretive guide training, and professional development. Host-site training in education and interpretation is also provided.

The position requires driving SCA and NY OPRHP motor vehicles and meeting their licensing, experience, training, and motor vehicle record requirements. Work schedules and projects may change on short notice. Work may occur outdoors in severe or variable weather, heat, cold, and natural or environmental hazards.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks.
• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated.
• For SCA driving, have at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience and be at least 21 years old.
• Pass required NY OPRHP driver training and SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
• Pass a Motor Vehicle Record check upon hire or re-hire and annually thereafter.
• Submit timesheets via SCA’s timekeeping system and required output reports.

Nice To Haves

• Passion and enthusiasm for sharing the natural world with others.
• Computer skills.
• Comfort with public speaking.
• Ability to work well in small groups and independently, including remotely and without direct supervision.
• Comfort working outdoors and walking five miles or more per day.
• Personal vehicle for non-work-related travel is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver educational programs that enhance visitor experiences, including for visitors who cannot physically hike gorge trails.
• Lead gorge tours at Watkins Glen and tours and programs at Taughannock Falls, Robert H. Treman, and Buttermilk Falls State Parks.
• Research and deliver programs highlighting the history of parks and historic sites, including Newtown Battlefield State Park.
• Research and format presentations with solid content that can be used by multiple educators and teaching styles.
• Work with FORCES on projects and initiatives such as hemlock woolly adelgid surveys, mapping, trail work, and volunteer coordination.
• Help staff regional events such as the Cayuga Lake Triathlon, I Love My Park Day, the Summer Concert Series, and Silent Movie Under the Stars.
• Submit timesheets and required weekly output reports, and contribute to required narrative reporting.
• Complete mid-term and end-of-term evaluations with the site supervisor.
• Drive SCA and NY OPRHP motor vehicles as required.

Benefits

• Shared housing provided at Taughannock Falls State Park.
• $500 weekly living allowance.
• $7,395 AmeriCorps education award upon successful 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, including Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, interpretive skills, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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