Individual Placement - Educator

Student Conservation Association•Town of Esopus, NY

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Individual Placement - Educator serves as an SCA AmeriCorps member at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson, New York. The member researches, develops, promotes, and delivers outdoor education and recreation programs for public and school audiences. They seek new audiences, create and distribute promotional materials, assess and update programs, and lead public activities such as year-round hikes. The role also includes educating visitors about trail use and serving as a trail steward during busy periods. The member works with park staff and volunteers to assess and maintain footpaths, make trail improvements and structural repairs, and develop trail-related educational materials. They participate in SCA trainings, service projects, evaluation, and reporting, and may assist with conservation stewardship work such as native species surveys and invasive species mapping and removal. The position also staffs the Minnewaska Visitor Center, assisting patrons, answering phones, staffing the information desk, providing information about the park and Leave No Trace, and maintaining displays. General duties may include organizing education areas, cleaning, and picking up litter. The position is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours; public transportation and reliable cell service may be unavailable. Work schedules and projects may change on short notice, and work takes place outdoors in varied weather and potentially hazardous natural environments. The position runs from January 25, 2027, through November 19, 2027, and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. The member receives a living allowance of $500 per week and a housing allowance of $1,000 per month to arrange their own housing. A personal vehicle is required for personal travel, and driving an OPRHP vehicle is required for work.

Requirements

At least two years of college experience in a relevant field.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid driver's license; a personal vehicle is required for personal travel.
Ability to pass a background check and undergo the National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks.
Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
Passion for connecting people with nature.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
Submit weekly or biweekly timesheets and required output and narrative reports.
To drive an OPRHP vehicle: provide a state driver’s abstract, pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training, and hold a current valid license for the vehicle operated.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in education, environmental studies, or a related field.
Familiarity with the flora and fauna of New York State.
Specialized education training such as Project WET or Project WILD.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, promote, deliver, assess, and update outdoor education programs about the natural and social history of the site.
Create and distribute promotional materials and seek new audiences for education programs, including schools, libraries, preschools, veterans, and people with mobility or cognitive impairments.
Lead year-round public recreation programs, such as hikes, and provide trail stewardship and visitor education on busy days.
Work with park staff and volunteers to assess footpaths and make needed trail improvements, including structural repairs such as clearing water bars and building turnpikes.
Develop trail education tools, such as signs and descriptions of hike routes, and assist with supervising NYNJ Trail Conference Trail Stewards alongside the supervisor.
Participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, project evaluation, and reporting.
Assist with conservation stewardship projects, including Broom Crowberry surveys and invasive species mapping and removal.
Staff the Minnewaska Visitor Center, assist patrons, answer phones, staff the information desk, and provide information about Leave No Trace, park history, directions, and park policies.
Maintain Visitor Center displays and assist with modest cleaning and maintenance.
Complete general duties such as organizing education areas and picking up litter in the Park Preserve.
Submit timesheets and required weekly output and narrative reports.
Attend required training and professional development activities.

Benefits

Living allowance of $500 per week.
Housing allowance of $1,000 per month.
Health insurance.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation and training.
Risk management training.
Sexual harassment and workplace drug abuse training.
Mental Health First Aid training.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR training.
Project WILD and Project AQUATIC training.
New York State Outdoor Educator Association conferences and events.
Hudson River Ecology training.
Leave No Trace Level 1 training.
Professional development and job readiness support.
Service events, including Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, and A Day in the Life of the Hudson River.