Individual Placement - Outdoor Education Member

Student Conservation Association • Albany, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outdoor Education Member will provide environmental education to communities in New York’s Capital District through outdoor programs, classroom visits, public presentations, and informal interpretation at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, New York. The role focuses on outreach to schools and community programs serving youth in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, as well as on-site programs for students and members of the public of varied ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The member will help develop and deliver environmental education and interpretive programs, take part in stewardship and community science activities, and contribute to special events and programs for audiences with special needs. The member will also participate in training, professional development, SCA-wide service activities, and project evaluation and reporting. Members may have the opportunity to serve as lead intern coordinator for Community Science, Community Outreach, or Habitat Restoration; assignments are determined after the intern team is assembled.

The position is scheduled from January 25, 2027, through November 19, 2027, and requires 40 hours per week. It is an SCA AmeriCorps service position with a 1,700-hour requirement. Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance and a $7,395 education award upon successful completion. Eligible members may receive health insurance, childcare assistance, and qualifying federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment. Up to five interns share a furnished on-site residence, with individual bedrooms and shared kitchen and bathrooms.

Requirements

• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national; be at least 18; have a high school diploma or equivalent or be actively working to complete one; and agree to the required National Service Criminal History Check.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record with at least three years of driving experience; be at least 21 years old to drive an SCA motor vehicle, pass required MVR checks, and complete SCA driver training.
• Have some experience dealing with youth and some experience in public-speaking contexts.
• Have the physical capacity to lead outdoor lessons for children and adults, including standing, kneeling, and walking up to two miles in varied weather conditions.
• Have familiarity with or interest in natural resources and consistently model respectful behavior toward the natural world.
• Be able to perform varied outdoor functions, from manual labor to leading trail hikes, lessons, and field studies.
• Be able to build positive rapport with a broad range of people and with staff.
• Be able to accept an adjusted work schedule and work with minimal oversight.
• Have a passion for sharing environmental knowledge and building capacity for collaborative work.
• Be willing to undergo required criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer.

Nice To Haves

• A BA/BS degree in education, environmental studies, conservation, wildlife sciences, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and implement outreach programs for schools in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, including DEC’s Nature’s Schoolyard and Nature Bus initiatives, and develop and present programs for community youth programs.
• Develop and present on-site environmental education programs for students from pre-K through high school, along with interpretive programs and public walks based at the visitor center.
• Participate in stewardship activities, including Community Science research, invasive species removal, native gardening projects, and trail checks.
• Present special programs, exhibits, or services at local events and for special-needs audiences, including senior or nursing home facilities.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, in-house training, and professional development in teaching methods, natural history, environmental science, and interpretation.
• Participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, and contribute to project evaluation and reporting.
• Work toward the stated performance goals: become certified in at least two Guided School Program outdoor lessons, prepare and present three presentations, lead at least one month of Nature’s Schoolyard in-class lessons, assist with invasive species removal, and participate in or assist with at least one Community Science initiative.
• Drive an SCA motor vehicle for job-related duties and complete required driver training and vehicle-record checks.

Benefits

• Eligible for free health insurance.
• Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps.
• Eligible for federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment for qualifying student loans.
• $500 weekly living allowance.
• $7,395 AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program.
• Furnished on-site residence with a private bedroom and shared kitchen and bathrooms; on-site laundry.
• Training opportunities in AmeriCorps and SCA topics, risk management, workplace safety, Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, environmental education, environmental leadership, outdoor education, Hudson River ecology, Leave No Trace, and professional development and job readiness.
• Opportunities to participate in 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.

What This Job Offers

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