Hudson Valley Corps - Estuary Research Reserve Educator

Student Conservation Association•Staatsburg, NY

About The Position

In-house evaluation of attendees at some Hudson River Research Reserve educational programs indicates general lack of prior knowledge of Hudson River Estuary tidal marsh functions and understanding of services they provide to local communities. A preliminary look at the results of a pilot evaluation of school groups attending Hudson River Research Reserve education programs also indicates lack of prior knowledge of the function and services of the Hudson River Estuary. As development pressures increase in the Hudson Valley, environmental literacy and stewardship will become increasingly important to protect the integrity of the Hudson River Estuary and these habitats. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), of which the Hudson River Research Reserve is a member, has identified public education and K-12 (kindergarten through high school) education as program areas of National Focus.

Requirements

While a fleet car is available for field work and other work-related duties, this position does require personal commuting to DEC facilities in both New Paltz, NY and Staatsburg, NY. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record of 3+ years is required.
Candidates should be able to handle outdoor physical work in a range of working environments.
Familiarity and interest with the Hudson River Valley
Creative and scientific writing skills
Comfortable speaking with large groups of people
Fish and macro invertebrate identification skills
Approachable and helpful attitude to the general public
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Nice To Haves

Presentation and graphic design skills are desirable.
Knowledge of common invasive species in the Hudson Valley
BA/BS, with course work in education, natural resources, or environmental studies preferred; At a minimum, members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.
Experience teaching in classroom and outdoor settings

Responsibilities

Assist with in-person Hudson Estuary education programs and canoe programs at Norrie Point Environmental Center (50%)
Develop education content and curriculum for programs (10%)
Assist with Reserve stewardship and research projects as needed, including the community-science eel project, microplastics monitoring, SAV habitat mapping (20%)
Attend (virtually or in-person) training and development functions as available (5%)
Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (15%)

Benefits

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2025: $3,697.50; 2026 Amount TBD
Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week, and Free housing provided, or $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC
Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
SCA Risk Management
Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
Mental Health First Aid Training
Wilderness First Aid & CPR
Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
Environmental Leadership Institute
New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
Hudson River Ecology
Leave No Trace Level I Certification
Professional Development & Job Readiness
Defensive Drive Training