Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student Conservation Association • Nelsonville, NY

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Outdoor Educator is an SCA AmeriCorps member serving at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center (TOEC), a reservation-only facility within the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park Complex. The member works with education staff to provide educational and recreational programs for schools, civic groups, and the public. Topics may include Project Adventure team-building, including low and high ropes, mammal studies, and ecology. Members shadow and train with educators before leading lessons independently. When visitor groups are not at TOEC, the member conducts educational outreach to the public elsewhere in Clarence Fahnestock State Park. The service period also includes time for independent projects, professional development, and SCA duties.

The position is based in Cold Spring, New York, and is scheduled from January 25, 2027, through November 19, 2027, for 40 hours per week. Housing is provided approximately 10 minutes from TOEC within Hudson Highlands State Park. Compensation is $500 per week, subject to applicable taxes. A personal vehicle is required for personal travel, and driving an OPRHP vehicle is required for work. The role includes member orientation and training in areas such as risk management, Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, outdoor education, ecology, Leave No Trace, and professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmentally related field.
• Must have a personal vehicle.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer.
• Must provide a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated.
• Must provide a state driver’s abstract and pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training to drive an OPRHP vehicle.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in snow, rain, heat, cold, and other elements.
• Must complete required member evaluations and reporting during the service term.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with high-ropes and low-ropes courses.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach education and Project Adventure lessons to user groups.
• Provide educational outreach to park users in Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
• Help with facility upkeep as needed.
• Take initiative to learn and develop in the education field.
• Learn new skills and remain open to different experiences to provide education to user groups.
• Adapt teaching strategies to students with different learning styles and needs.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Collaborate with coworkers in a professional and productive manner.
• Provide groups with an enjoyable and educational outdoor experience.
• Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA’s ADP timekeeping system.
• Submit weekly output reports and monthly member narratives.

Benefits

• Housing is provided approximately 10 minutes from the Taconic Outdoor Education Center.
• Health insurance.
• Training and professional-development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level