Individual Placement - Educator

Student Conservation Association•Kerhonkson, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The SCA AmeriCorps Educator serves at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson, New York, working alongside conservation professionals to provide outdoor education, recreation programming, trail stewardship, and conservation support. The position serves diverse public audiences, including school groups, and seeks to reach additional audiences such as local libraries, preschools, veterans, and people with mobility or cognitive impairments. The member researches, develops, delivers, assesses, and updates education programs about the site's natural and social history, and creates and distributes promotional materials. The member also leads year-round public recreation programs such as hikes and may provide trail stewardship and education on busy days. The role includes assessing and improving park footpaths with staff and volunteers, performing structural trail repairs, developing trail-related educational materials, and helping supervise NYNJ Trail Conference Trail Stewards. Conservation fieldwork may include surveying Broom Crowberry and mapping or removing invasive species. The member also assists visitors at the Minnewaska Visitor Center by answering questions and phones, staffing the information desk, explaining Leave No Trace and park policies, and maintaining displays. The position is scheduled for January 25, 2027 through November 19, 2027, at 40 hours per week. The work is primarily in a front-country park setting, but emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours. Public transportation is limited or unavailable, and cell reception may be spotty or unavailable. Work may involve changing or ambiguous schedules, frequent interaction with people of varying perspectives, outdoor work in severe weather and temperature extremes, and exposure to environmental hazards and wildlife. A personal vehicle is required for personal travel, and driving an OPRHP vehicle is required. The member receives a living allowance of $500 per week and a housing allowance of $1,000 per month to procure their own housing; allowances are subject to applicable taxes.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
At least two years of college experience in a relevant field.
Ability to pass a background check and undergo the National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
Valid driver's license; driving an OPRHP vehicle is required, and the member must provide a state DMV driving abstract and pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training.
Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
Passion for connecting people with nature.
Ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
Ability to work in natural environments and regionally significant locations with respect for the land and local peoples.
Ability to work in conditions that may include severe weather, temperature extremes, reduced visibility, poor air quality, and exposure to environmental hazards and wildlife.
Submit timesheets on a weekly or bi-weekly basis through SCA's ADP timekeeping system and submit required output reports.

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 site's natural and social history for the public and school groups.
Create and distribute promotional materials and seek new audiences for education programs.
Lead year-round public recreation programs, such as hikes, and provide trail stewardship and education when needed.
Work with park staff and volunteers to assess footpaths and make improvements, including structural repairs such as clearing water bars and building turnpikes.
Develop trail education tools, such as signs and descriptions of hiking routes for the park website.
Assist with supervision of NYNJ Trail Conference Trail Stewards in collaboration with the supervisor.
Participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, and complete project evaluation and reporting.
Assist with conservation stewardship projects, including Broom Crowberry surveys and mapping or removing invasive species.
Staff the Minnewaska Visitor Center by assisting patrons, answering phones, staffing the information desk, and providing information about Leave No Trace, park history, directions, and park policies.
Maintain and modestly clean Visitor Center displays and dedicated education work areas; organize the Nature Center and storage areas; and pick up litter in the park preserve.
Submit timesheets and required output and narrative reports, and participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations.
Attend professional development and trainings.
Perform other related duties, including making and receiving phone calls.

Benefits

Monthly housing allowance of $1,000 to procure housing.
Living allowance of $500 per week.
Health insurance.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation and training.
SCA Risk Management training.
Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace 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.