Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student Conservation Association•Nelsonville, NY

4h•$3,698•Onsite

About The Position

The Taconic Outdoor Education Center (TOEC) provides residential and day environmental education experiences and team building programs for public and private schools, college, universities and civic groups. TOEC also offers public programs to the surrounding communities. TOEC serves the public, local school groups, scout troops and other groups as needed. Of the school groups, TOEC serves a large NYC base. There has been a decline in outdoor activity for youth across the board as well. Research shows that playing in nature improves mental and physical health and increasing emotional well-being. Outside play also helps reduce stress in children and children have more active imaginations, stronger immune systems, and have more respect for themselves and others. Hosting an AmeriCorps member will allow TOEC to meet its programming goals and reach as many children as possible. There are a number of responsibilities undertaken by the SCA member that will benefit the community and specifically the students that are engaged in lessons/activities/experiences at the TOEC. The direct contact that the SCA member will have with public and private NY City school students will have a long-lasting impact. The hands-on activities that the SCA member provides will emphasize the importance of being good stewards of the natural environment. NY City public and private school students benefit directly from the services provided by the SCA member. Hundreds of 4th-6th grade students will have the opportunity to experience overnight environmental education trips that teach the importance of a healthy environment and how that contributes to clean drinking water and fresh air. Students often have first time experiences out of NY City during these trips.

Requirements

BS in Life/Earth Science, Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies, Nature Interpretation, or related field.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Comfortable working with the public in various settings.
Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lead groups on hiking trails through forested areas with varying degrees of terrain.
Adults 18 or older.
Required personal vehicle.
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes.
Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.
Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device according to US Coast Guard specifications.
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, able to exit a capsized boat, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water with minimal assistance from others.
Able to move on cross-country skis or snowshoes over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions.
Able to move equipment and supplies by sled and/or backpack over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions while using cross-country skis, snowshoes, or winter boots.

Nice To Haves

Previous formal or informal teaching experience is desirable.
Low and high ropes course operation experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with other education staff members to provide educational and recreational programs to schools, civic and public groups.
Work independently with his/her own group of students in providing environmental education and team-building programs.
Provide high and low ropes programs on our courses.
Assist with daily operations of the facility and delivery of program goals.
Help to document project progress (photos, notes, or social media updates).
Participate in outreach or community engagement events.