Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student Conservation Association • New Paltz, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) New York places members in 10-month positions with state agencies and nonprofit organizations. This SCA AmeriCorps position is hosted by Minnewaska State Park Preserve (NYS OPRHP) in Cragsmoor, New York. The member will research, develop, promote, and deliver outdoor education and recreation programs for diverse audiences, including school groups and new audiences in the community. Programs cover the site’s natural and social history, and the member will assess and update programs as needed.

The role also supports conservation stewardship, trail assessment and maintenance, visitor education, and visitor center operations. The member will participate in SCA trainings and service projects, assist park patrons, and complete reporting requirements. Work is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours. Public transportation is limited or unavailable, and cell phone reception may be limited or unavailable. The position requires 40 hours per week and runs from January 25, 2027, through November 19, 2027. A personal vehicle is required for personal travel, and driving an OPRHP vehicle is required for work.

Requirements

• At least two years of college experience in a relevant field.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to pass a background check and undergo the required National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks.
• Valid driver’s license; operating an OPRHP vehicle requires a current and valid license for the vehicle type, submission of a state driver’s abstract, and passing New York State OPRHP Driver Training.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Passion for connecting people with nature.
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national; be at least 18; and have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Submit timesheets on a weekly or bi-weekly basis through SCA’s ADP timekeeping system and submit weekly output reports.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in education, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Familiarity with New York State flora and fauna.
• Specialized education training such as Project WET or Project WILD.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, promote, and deliver outdoor education programs for the public and school groups about the natural and social history of the site.
• Create and distribute promotional materials, seek new audiences for education programs, assess programs, and make necessary updates.
• Lead year-round public recreation programs, such as hikes, and provide trail stewardship and visitor education on busy days.
• Assist with conservation stewardship projects, including fire monitoring surveys and mapping and removing invasive species.
• Participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, and complete project evaluation and reporting.
• Assess park footpaths with staff and volunteers and make improvements, including structural repairs such as clearing water bars and building turnpikes.
• Support trail-related educational improvements, develop trail education tools, and assist with supervision of NYNJ Trail Conference Trail Stewards.
• Staff the Sam’s Point Visitor Center, assist patrons, answer phones, staff the information desk, and maintain displays and storage areas.
• Educate visitors about Leave No Trace, the site’s natural and social history, directions, park policies, and acceptable trail use.
• Complete required timesheets and weekly output reports, and participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations.

Benefits

• Living allowance of $500 per week, subject to applicable taxes.
• Monthly housing allowance of $1,000 to procure housing, subject to applicable taxes.
• Health insurance.
• Training opportunities, including Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Project WILD and Project AQUATIC, Leave No Trace Level 1, and professional development and job readiness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree