Individual Placement - Outdoor Education Member

Student Conservation Association • Albany, NY

2d • 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, NY. The role focuses on outreach to the Albany, Schenectady, and Troy areas, including schools and community programs serving youth, while also delivering on-site programs for students from pre-K through high school and interpretive programs for the public. The member may have the opportunity to coordinate interns in Community Science, Community Outreach, or Habitat Restoration; assignments will be determined after the intern team is assembled.

The position also includes stewardship activities such as community science research, invasive species removal, native gardening, and trail checks. Members take part in staff and SCA trainings, service projects, planning, evaluation, and reporting. Performance goals include certification in at least two Guided School Program lessons, delivering three presentations, leading at least one month of Nature’s Schoolyard classroom lessons, assisting with invasive species removal, participating in a Community Science initiative, and developing professional and ecological knowledge through training and mentoring.

The service term runs January 25, 2027 through November 19, 2027. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with a 1,700-hour AmeriCorps requirement. Up to five interns share a furnished on-site residence; each has a private bedroom and shares the kitchen and two bathrooms. A state vehicle is provided for job-related duties, and driving it is required. Personal transportation is necessary for non-job-related tasks. The work is primarily in a front-country setting, though some duties may take place in urban settings. Public interaction is frequent, and emergency services, transportation access, and cell reception vary by setting.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Must be at least 18 years old; SCA vehicle drivers must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Must be willing to undergo the National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer is made.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience.
• Must be able to pass an annual Motor Vehicle Record check and SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
• Must have some experience working with youth and some experience in public speaking contexts.
• Must be physically able to lead outdoor lessons with children and adults, including standing, kneeling, and walking up to two miles in varied weather conditions.
• Must be familiar with or interested in natural resources and consistently model respectful behavior toward the natural world.
• Must be able to perform varied outdoor tasks, from manual labor to leading trail hikes, lessons, and field studies.
• Must be able to build positive rapport with a broad range of people and with staff.
• Must be able to accept an adjusted work schedule and work with minimal oversight.
• Must have a passion for sharing environmental knowledge and building capacity for collaborative work.
• Must be willing to serve as an SCA AmeriCorps member and meet the program’s 1,700-hour requirement.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and deliver outreach programs, including DEC’s Nature’s Schoolyard and Nature Bus initiatives, for schools in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy and for community programs serving Capital District youth.
• Develop and present on-site environmental education programs for students from pre-K through high school, along with public interpretive programs and walks based at Five Rivers Environmental Education 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, and professional development and in-house training on teaching methods, natural history, environmental science, and interpretation techniques.
• Participate in SCA-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting.
• Work toward performance goals, including completing at least two Guided School Program lesson certifications, giving three presentations, leading at least one month of Nature’s Schoolyard classroom lessons, assisting with invasive species removal, and participating in a Community Science initiative.
• Drive an SCA motor vehicle for job-related duties and complete required driver training and vehicle-record checks.

Benefits

• $500 per week living allowance, subject to applicable taxes.
• 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.
• Education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of the program.
• Furnished on-site residence with a private bedroom; shared kitchen, two bathrooms, and on-site laundry.
• Training opportunities in AmeriCorps and SCA requirements, risk management, workplace conduct, Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, environmental education, environmental leadership, Hudson River ecology, Leave No Trace, professional development, and job readiness.
• Opportunities to attend New York State Outdoor Educator Association conferences and events and participate in service events.

What This Job Offers

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